Basics
- Ease of Growing
- Moderate
- Grown as
- Perennial
- Growing Habit
- -
- Hardiness
- Hardy
Watercress is not frost tolerant, and the leaves will be impacted by a frost. If a frost threatens use row covers, cloches, a cold frame, etc. to protect plants. Watercress is perennial in zones 6 - 9. If growing in containers in other zones, bring plants indoors and supply adequate light and water. If growing in water, it usually isn't as affected by frost.
- Crops
- Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall
- Growing Season
- Short, Long
- Cultivar Type
- -
- Growing Conditions
- Cool, Warm
The cultivation of Watercress is rather specialized, because of specific habitat requirements, but it grows easily enough if given the right conditions. It grows best in springs, ditches and shallow streams. In Europe it was once grown in special Watercress beds, created beside streams to take advantage of the slowly flowing water. It will grow in any wet soil, so long as it isn’t too still or stagnant (which can cause the plants to rot). Watercress is very sensitive to pollution, so it should always be given clean water.
Watercress doesn’t have to be grown in water, it can be grown on dry land. However care must be taken to keep it moist and it isn’t as vigorous under these conditions. A good way to grow it is in shallow trenches (enrich the soil with lots of organic matter), which slows down the rate at which the soil dries out.
- Outdoor Growing Temp
- 45°F - 85°F
- Min Outdoor Soil Temp
- 35°F
Don't plant outdoors until your soil reaches at least 35˚ F.
- Start Indoors
- Yes
- Start Outdoors
- Yes
- Light
- Part shade (Cool, Warm)
Watercress will do well in a partially shady place and won’t need as much water if it is out of direct sunlight.
- Water
- High
Watercress doesn’t have to be grown in water, it can be grown on dry land. However care must be taken to keep it moist and it isn’t as vigorous under these conditions. A good way to grow it is in shallow trenches (enrich the soil with lots of organic matter), which slows down the rate at which the soil dries out. It's also wise to plant Watercress in the shade so that the soil does not dry out as fast. Watercress will need frequent watering if it isn’t growing in water (every day in dry weather). For good growth the soil must be kept moist all the time.
- Feeder
- Moderate
Watercress is accustomed to being bathed in nutrients as they float by, so it needs a fertile soil. If the soil isn’t very fertile you should give it an occasional feed of compost tea or liquid kelp.
- Suitability
- Tolerates light frost, Partial shade
- Small Gardens?
- Yes
- Containers?
- Yes
Watercress is often grown in containers that are partially submerged in trays of water. The water should be refreshed at least every 2 days - keeping the water fresh is the key to healthy Watercress. Space plants 3 to 4" apart. Gardeners commonly use a soilless mix of vermiculite and compost for Watercress in containers.
- Attracts beneficial insects?
- No
- Color
- -
- Fruit Size
- - "
- Plant Height
- 12.0 - 24.0"
- Plant Diameter
- 12.0 - 36.0"
- Good Companions
- Radish, Turnip, Onion, Chives, Mint
- Bad Companions
- -
- Hardiness Zone
- 6-11
- Disease Resistance
- -
- Taste Profile
Watercress leaves have a hot peppery taste which improves in cool weather. Watercress seeds have a mustard-like flavor.
- Rotation Group
- Leaves: Brassicas + Leafy Greens