What are the precautions for growing watercress? A detailed explanation of the latest key growing points

Watercress, also known as douban cai (watercress), is a perennial aquatic herb in the genus Nasturtium of the crucifer family. It is a health-promoting vegetable, not only very good for health but also very good in taste. So what should be noted when growing watercress artificially? Let's take a look.

1. Temperature

The most suitable growing temperature for watercress is between 15-25 degrees, and it grows rapidly at around 20 degrees, with good stem and leaf quality. When the temperature exceeds 30 degrees, growth is inhibited, and diseases are prone to occur. Below 10 degrees, the stems and leaves turn red and the quality is poor. In addition, when planting, be careful to maintain a water depth of about 5-7 cm. If the water level is too deep, it can cause leggy growth, too many adventitious roots, and yellow stems and leaves. This is because the soil oxygen content is sown, and the adventitious roots consume too many nutrients. If the water is shallow, the stems are prone to aging. This is because the water temperature easily becomes too high and the air humidity is relatively too low.

2. Light

Watercress is a light-loving crop. If there is insufficient light or the planting is too dense, the stems and leaves grow weakly, the stems and leaves accumulate fewer nutrients, and yield and quality decline. Therefore, when planting, be sure to choose a plot with sufficient light for planting, and the planting density should not be too dense, so as to avoid the field becoming closed and causing thin, weak stems and leaves, low nutrient accumulation, and a relatively large impact on returns.

3. Fertilizer

Watercress is a fertilizer-loving crop, especially fond of nitrogen, and it has certain requirements for base fertilizer. Therefore, in the base fertilizer, generally apply 1500 kg of decomposed farmyard manure or 3500 kg of manure. Also, after each harvest, topdress once in time, such as by watering with decomposed human urine or diluted urea solution. During the growing period, in the evening when sunlight is relatively weak, spray foliar fertilizer 2-3 times, adding 0.5 urea solution, which will make it grow quickly, with good quality and high yield.

4. Disease prevention

Watercress shows relatively strong resistance throughout the whole process, but it is unavoidable that some pests will damage its leaves. Common pests include diamondback moth, aphids, or striped flea beetles, etc., which will cause certain damage to the leaves. At this time, growers are required to treat it promptly, observe the patterns of pest occurrence, and spray pesticides for control.

The above is an introduction to the precautions for growing watercress. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.