Watercress illustration

Watercress Growing Guide

Brassicaceae family

Days to Harvest50 days
SunlightPart Sun / Part Shade
Frost ToleranceModerate
Spacing6/sqft
Germination7-14 days
HardinessHardy
Germ. Temp60°F
Start Indoors6 weeks before last frost

Growth Stages

  1. Seedling
  2. Early Vegetative
  3. Late Vegetative / Harvest Ready

Planting Dates by Zone

Zone 1aZone 1bZone 2aZone 2bZone 3aZone 3bZone 4aZone 4bZone 5aZone 5bZone 6aZone 6bZone 7aZone 7bZone 8aZone 8bZone 9aZone 9bZone 10aZone 10bZone 11aZone 11bZone 12aZone 12bZone 13aZone 13b

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow Watercress?

Watercress takes approximately 50 days from planting to harvest.

How much sun does Watercress need?

Watercress requires part sun / part shade.

How far apart should I plant Watercress?

Plant Watercress at 6/sqft using square foot gardening spacing.

Can Watercress survive frost?

Watercress is tolerant of moderate frost.

How long does Watercress take to germinate?

Watercress seeds germinate in 7-14 days at an optimal temperature of 60°F.

When should I start Watercress seeds indoors?

Start Watercress seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -2 weeks after last frost.

Plan Your Watercress Garden

Track Watercress from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.

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