Watercresses in Freshwater Bay

Nasturtium officinale

Watercress
Watercress · Nasturtium officinale

Watercress is a hardy perennial leafy crop that grows best in shallow running water or very wet soil. In the UK it’s usually grown outdoors in a pond basket, streamside bed, or container kept constantly wet, and it gives the best leaves in cool weather.

20 cm · Partial Shade · High Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Freshwater Bay · last frost ≈ 10 Apr

Sow February to May, plant out March to May, harvest May to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Watercress

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    8 Feb to 11 May every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds around 8th February - 11th May on the surface of very moist compost, 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.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    9 Apr to 16 Apr

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 9th April, thin them so the strongest plants have room to spread. Keep the soil wet at all times, because even brief drying checks growth.

  3. 03

    Transplant

    27 Mar to 8 May

    Move seedlings to their final spot around 27th March - 8th May, spacing them well apart in mud-like soil or a shallow run of water. Water in thoroughly straight after planting and keep the roots submerged or constantly wet.

  4. 04

    Feed Plants

    17 Apr to 14 Nov every 2 weeks

    From 17th April, give a very light liquid feed every 14 days if growth slows, but avoid strong feeding that makes the leaves coarse. Keep the bed weed-free and topped up with water.

  5. 05

    Harvest Leaves

    14 May to 14 Nov

    Start cutting from 14th May when plants are well rooted and the shoots are leafy. Pick little and often through to 14th November, taking the outer stems first and leaving the centre to regrow.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Watercress.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Watercress guides by town

See how Watercress timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.