Watercresses in Pennyland

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 Pennyland · last frost ≈ 26 May

Sow March to June, plant out May to June, harvest June to October. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Watercress

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    26 Mar to 26 Jun every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds around 26th March - 26th June 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

    25 May to 1 Jun

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 25th 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 May to 23 Jun

    Move seedlings to their final spot around 12th May - 23rd 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

    2 Jun to 11 Oct every 2 weeks

    From 2nd June, 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

    29 Jun to 11 Oct

    Start cutting from 29th June when plants are well rooted and the shoots are leafy. Pick little and often through to 11th October, 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.