Watercress in Leckwith

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 Leckwith · last frost ≈ 26 Apr

Sow March to May, plant out April to May, harvest May to November. Frost risk October to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Watercress

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    22 Mar to 3 May every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds around 22nd March - 3rd 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

    10 May to 17 May

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 10th 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

    12 Apr to 24 May

    Move seedlings to their final spot around 12th April - 24th 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

    3 May to 28 Oct every 2 weeks

    From 3rd 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

    31 May to 22 Nov

    Start cutting from 31st May when plants are well rooted and the shoots are leafy. Pick little and often through to 22nd 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.