Crescione di Fontana

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

Order

Brassicales

Genus

Nasturzium

Species

officinal

Description

Nasuturtium officinale, also known as watercress, is a herbaceous plant cultivated as an annual with a very short cycle and appreciated in Mediterranean cuisine for its foliage with a pronounced, strong and intense taste, as well as officinal as a source of minerals and vitamins.

It can be grown in the open field but also in tubs or pots, ensuring it is exposed to half-shade or afternoon sun in soil free of water stagnation and paying particular attention to watering and fertilisation, commensurate with the plant's needs.

Varietal description

Baby leaf is very present in the market as it is appreciated for its peculiar peppery taste. It is a delicate species in terms of water requirements, which are high, and it is also important to carry out proper fertirrigation given the very short growing cycle. It differs from common cress in that the leaves are slightly larger and less tender.

curiosity and special features

Because of its slightly spicy leaves, it is eaten raw in salads or cooked in soups and stews; nutritionally, it is low in fat and sodium, with excellent levels of vitamin B9, vitamin C and vitamin K as well as flavonols. Various studies have demonstrated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties of watercress, the regular but not excessive consumption of which can promote good health.

The generic epithet derives from the Latin nasi tortium or crooked nose in relation to the intense smell of the foliage while the specific name derives from the Latin officina in reference to its use in antiquity for medicinal purposes.

Origin and Diffusion

A species native to the Eurasian area where it also grows wild in wet habitats; today it is cultivated and consumed worldwide.

Leaf

Leaves with oval lamina, slightly larger and less tender than those of the common cress.

Fruit/product

The leaf is oval-shaped and seedless, with a weight of a: G and a medium consistency. The skin is not edible, while the colouring is uniform. From a sensory point of view, the leaf expresses a characteristic peppery flavour with an intense aroma and strong taste. According to the technical evaluation, it is a variety with good organoleptic characteristics, with different taste and flavour compared to the common cress and overall good quality.

Leaf color

Unicoloured leaf blade.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.03 to 0.12 m.

Lifespan

Annual variety with a short growing cycle.

Suggested planting locations

Can be grown in beds, open fields, outdoor tubs, large pots

Stem/stem

The stem is herbaceous, the variety has no thorns.

Growth

Vigorous growing variety.

Plant habit

The bearing is typically erect.

branching

The variety has abundant branching allowing a good level of production.

pH

For Fontana cress, the ideal pH of the soil or potting soil is slightly acidic, with optimum values between 6.2 and 6.8.

soil preparation

Before transplanting into the open field, spade the soil 20/30 cm deep, removing any weeds, bulky stones and residues of previous crops, then bury organic or chemical fertiliser, which will provide the necessary nutrients in the plant's early stages of development, and break up the most compact and coarse clods with a hoe. In order to improve the drainage of excess water, thus preventing harmful waterlogging, proceed by creating a raised bed by slightly bouldering the soil, and then carefully levelling off.

During cultivation it is advisable to work the surface again for the first 2/3 cm by weeding or hoeing in order to loosen the soil and eliminate possible weeds adjacent to the crop.

sun exposure

Prefer exposure to half-shade, afternoon sun in order to achieve adequate vegetative growth.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 13 and 18 °C, it does not tolerate too high temperatures.

Use

Plant widely appreciated in

Agribusiness Aromatics

Hardiness

The variety is not very rustic; with the right cultivation practices, we will be able to achieve excellent final production results.

Soil/medium

It prefers a medium-textured soil, i.e. a soil characterised by a correct proportion of the different texture classes, as well as well-drained, deep and with organic matter; for use in tanks, a horticultural soil containing blond and brown peat is recommended.

Maintenance

Cultivation of this variety is fairly easy, the level of management effort required is low overall; care must be taken to ensure correct irrigation and fertilisation.

cultivation tips

For proper growth and productivity we recommend a

balanced fertilisation

planting

Apply an average planting density of 3250 plants per square metre. It is suggested to water immediately after transplanting, preferably during the morning hours.

pruning

Carry out harvest pruning, making sure to use appropriate cutting tools.

Reproduction/Propagation

Reproduction is by scatter sowing.

potting

It does not need repotting.

Irrigation

This variety has certain water requirements and given the short growing cycle it is necessary to irrigate daily in relation to the needs of the plant. Use rainwater, alternatively from aqueducts or canals with an optimal sub-acid pH, either manually or by sprinkler irrigation. When transplanting, assist the seedling to ensure that it takes root properly in the new site, keeping it at a constant humidity and not exceeding the frequency and water supply to avoid possible root rot. Then allow the soil to dry slightly between one watering and the next, preventing dryness, keeping it moist but free from stagnation; it is also advisable not to water the aerial part of the plant in the afternoon/evening but in the morning hours and to water after the leaves have been harvested.

In the case of sowing, moisten the seed by burying it completely and covering it with a layer of substrate and inert material, then keep the soil wet until the shoot emerges.

Fertilization

In the pre-transplant soil preparation phase it is advisable to carry out a basic fertilisation by burying organo-mineral fertiliser. Afterwards, given the short growing cycle, it will be extremely important to intervene frequently to encourage rapid and correct vegetative development; to this end, we recommend the use of a water-soluble fertiliser for horticultural crops to be diluted in the irrigation water according to the dosages indicated on the information label of the product purchased; pay particular attention to leaf yellowing attributable to water or nutritional stress.

Pet friendly

Ingestion toxicity for pets not known, consider the specific case and consult with your veterinarian before administration.

Edibility for humans

Leafs are edible.

Human toxicity

The leaves are not toxic to humans if ingested in suitable quantities.

advise 1

Given the fast growing cycle, pay close attention to the plant's water and fertiliser requirements. Continuously monitor the health of the plant itself as it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Avoid watering in the afternoon and water in the morning hours only.