🌿 Watercress: Growing Guide
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) grows best in partial shade with plenty of water, and does well at 0–20 °C (32–68 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5. Space plants about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart. Expect 30–50 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Nasturtium officinale |
|---|---|
| Category | Vegetables |
| Sunlight | Partial shade |
| Watering | High |
| Plant spacing | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 0–20 °C (32–68 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 30–50 days |
| Sowing depth | 0.3 cm (0.1 in) |
| Height | 15–30 cm (5.9–12 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Sow | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||
| Continental | Sow | Sow | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Sow | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Sow | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Tropical | Sow | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Sow | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | ||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Feb–Mar, Sep · Plant out: Oct · Harvest: Apr–May, Nov–Dec.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar–Apr, Aug · Harvest: May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Feb–Mar, Aug · Harvest: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Jan, Jul–Aug · Harvest: Feb–Mar, Sep–Oct.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jun–Jul, Dec–Jan · Harvest: Feb–Mar, Aug–Sep.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: Apr, Aug · Harvest: May–Jun, Sep.
Watering
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 2 days in winter. Needs plenty of water, semi-aquatic.
Growing tips
Aquatic or semi-aquatic. Peppery. Rich in vitamins. Running water is ideal.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Watercress: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Feb–Mar, Sep · Plant out: Oct · Harvest: Apr–May, Nov–Dec. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Mar–Apr, Aug · Harvest: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Feb–Mar, Aug · Harvest: Apr–May, Sep–Oct.
Watercress: how often should I water it?
Water about every 1 day in summer and about every 2 days in winter. Needs plenty of water, semi-aquatic.
Watercress: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0.3 cm (0.1 in).
Watercress: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 30–50 days.
Watercress: which plants grow well with it?
Mint, Chamomile.
Watercress: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids.
Plan your garden
Add Watercress to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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