When to plant Watercress in Bristol

Nasturtium officinale

A hardy perennial leafy vegetable for containers of compost kept constantly wet with clean water. It grows best in cool conditions and light shade. Keep home-grown edible watercress separate from natural ponds and streams where water may be contaminated by livestock or wildlife.

20 cm · Partial Shade · High Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Bristol · last frost ≈ 19 Apr

Sow indoors March to April, plant out April to June, harvest May to December. Frost risk November to April.
Activity	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December
Sow indoors	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Plant out	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Harvest	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

01
Sow Seeds
15 Mar to 26 Apr Optional · repeat every 3 weeks
Sow seeds around 15th March - 26th April on the surface of moist compost in small pots or modules, then press them in lightly rather than burying them. Keep the compost constantly damp while they germinate, and sow a fresh batch every 21 days for a steady supply.
02
Thin Seedlings
12 Apr to 31 May Dates as each sowing reaches this stage
When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 12th April, thin them so the strongest plants have room to spread. Keep the soil wet at all times, because even brief drying checks growth.
03
Transplant
19 Apr to 21 Jun
Move seedlings to their final container around 19th April - 21st June, spacing them apart in wet compost standing in shallow clean water. Water in thoroughly, keep the compost constantly wet, and refresh the standing water regularly. Do not use untreated water from streams or livestock ponds for edible leaves.
04
Feed Plants
19 Apr to 2 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeks
From 19th April, give a very light liquid feed every 14 days only if growth slows. Avoid strong feeding that makes leaves coarse, remove weeds promptly, and keep the container topped up with clean water.
05
Harvest Leaves
3 May to 6 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stage
Start cutting from 3rd May when plants are well rooted and the shoots are leafy. Pick little and often through to 6th December, taking the outer stems first and leaving the centre to regrow.