Watercress in Hurcot

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 Hurcot · last frost ≈ 5 May

Sow March to May, plant out April to June, harvest June to December. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYes

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Watercress

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    31 Mar to 12 May every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds around 31st March - 12th 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

    19 May to 26 May

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 19th May, 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

    21 Apr to 2 Jun

    Move seedlings to their final spot around 21st April - 2nd June, 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

    12 May to 13 Oct every 2 weeks

    From 12th May, 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

    9 Jun to 1 Dec

    Start cutting from 9th June when plants are well rooted and the shoots are leafy. Pick little and often through to 1st December, 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.