Watercresses in Old Town

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 Old Town · last frost ≈ 16 Feb

Sow December to March, plant out February to March, harvest March to December. Frost risk December to February.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYes
Plant outNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Watercress

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    17 Dec to 19 Mar every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds around 17th December - 19th March 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

    15 Feb to 22 Feb

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 15th February, 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

    2 Feb to 16 Mar

    Move seedlings to their final spot around 2nd February - 16th March, 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

    23 Feb to 10 Dec every 2 weeks

    From 23rd February, 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

    22 Mar to 10 Dec

    Start cutting from 22nd March when plants are well rooted and the shoots are leafy. Pick little and often through to 10th 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.