When you think about gardening, soil usually comes to mind. But did you know you can expand your palette with edible plants that grow in water? These plants not only thrive in aquatic environments but also offer culinary and medicinal uses. For urban gardeners, balcony dwellers, or anyone who loves experimenting with edimentals, exotic fruits and veggies, and weird fruits, water-based gardening is a game changer.
Growing edible plants in water is also easier than most people think. With the right setup, you can have a thriving mini-ecosystem that feeds you and beautifies your space.
Why Choose Edible Water Plants?
- Low maintenance: Many edible water plants are easy to maintain compared to soil-grown crops.
- Space-saving: Perfect for small apartments or gardens.
- Eco-friendly: Water systems recycle nutrients efficiently.
- Aesthetic value: Aquatic plants double as décor and food.
I personally started with a small tub of watercress by my kitchen window, and within weeks, I had a constant supply for soups and salads.
1. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)
One of the most famous edible water plants is Watercress (Nasturtium officinale).
- Grows quickly in shallow, running water.
- Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and iron.
- Traditionally used in soups, sandwiches, and salads.
Many people confuse water cress with garden nasturtium, but this aquatic version has a peppery bite that makes meals exciting.
2. Borage
Though commonly grown in soil, borage can adapt to hydroponic or aquatic systems.
- Its blue, star-shaped flowers are edible and beautiful.
- Leaves can be used in teas or salads.
- Known for cooling, cucumber-like flavor.
In Europe, borage is often added to cocktails and lemonades. It’s one of the most versatile water-tolerant herbs.
Also Read: How to Identify Purple Dead Nettle
3. Floating Flower Edibles
Beyond greens, you can grow edible flowers in aquatic setups. Popular choices include nasturtium, violet, sunflower, chamomile, rose, chives, calendula, or borage.
- They add color to water gardens.
- Petals are used in salads, teas, and desserts.
- Many of them, like chamomile and calendula, have medicinal benefits.
These flowers don’t just beautify a pond or tank—they enhance your plate with unique flavors.
4. Exotic Fruits and Veggies
Some edimentals, exotic fruits and veggies, and weird fruits can also be adapted to water systems. Think dwarf bananas, taro root, or even lotus.
- Lotus roots are popular in Asian cuisines.
- Taro is widely used for starchy dishes.
- Exotic fruits like dwarf water papayas can be grown in large containers.
Though not as simple as watercress, these options show the diversity of edible aquatic plants.
How to Grow Edible Plants in Water
Choosing Containers
- Use tubs, tanks, or decorative glass bowls.
- Ensure adequate depth for root development.
Light and Location
- Most aquatic edibles need at least 4–6 hours of light daily.
- A sunny balcony or south-facing window works well.
Also Read: Bull Thistle: The Spiky Weed with Surprising Health Benefits
Maintenance
- Change water regularly to avoid stagnation.
- Add aquatic-safe nutrients to boost growth.
Popular Edible Water Plants
Plant/Flower |
Growth Habit |
Edible Use |
Maintenance Level |
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) |
Fast-growing aquatic green |
Salads, soups, sandwiches |
Very Easy |
Borage |
Flowering herb |
Drinks, salads, garnishes |
Moderate |
Nasturtium, Violet, Sunflower, Chamomile, Rose, Chives, Calendula, or Borage |
Edible flowers |
Garnishes, teas, medicinal uses |
Easy |
Lotus/Taro (Exotic Veggies) |
Aquatic roots |
Curries, stir-fries, soups |
Moderate–Hard |
Personal Experience Tip
When I first added watercress and borage to my indoor water setup, I was skeptical. Within a month, I had enough greens to harvest weekly, and the blooms made my dining table look like a five-star restaurant dish. It was an eye-opener that gardening doesn’t always need soil.
From the peppery bite of Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) to the delicate petals of nasturtium, violet, sunflower, chamomile, rose, chives, calendula, or borage, the world of aquatic edibles is rich and rewarding. These edible water plants are easy to maintain and bring nutrition, beauty, and sustainability right into your home.
👉 If you’re in Canada, the USA, or anywhere across the globe, try experimenting with edimentals, exotic fruits and veggies, and weird fruits in water-based systems. Start small, taste the difference, and let your garden flow—literally.
