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Watercresses in Trevowhan

Nasturtium officinale

Watercress
Fruit Active in July

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.

Height
20cm
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Water
High Water
Add to garden

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Watercress

Planting Calendar

Seed DirectLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
TransplantLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FertiliseNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
HarvestNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ObservationLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

  1. Sow Seeds

    22 Dec – 24 Mar
    every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds around 22nd December - 24th 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. Thin Seedlings

    20 Feb – 27 Feb

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 20th 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. Transplant

    7 Feb – 21 Mar

    Move seedlings to their final spot around 7th February - 21st 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. Feed Plants

    28 Feb – 12 Dec
    every 2 weeks

    From 28th 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. Harvest Leaves

    27 Mar – 12 Dec

    Start cutting from 27th March when plants are well rooted and the shoots are leafy. Pick little and often through to 12th 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.

Also in nearby towns

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