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
- Seedling
- Early Vegetative
- Late Vegetative / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 13 | May 11 | May 4 | Jun 15 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 13 | May 11 | May 4 | Jun 15 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 3 | May 1 | Apr 24 | Jun 5 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 13 | May 11 | May 4 | Jun 15 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 10 | May 8 | May 1 | Jun 12 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 3 | May 1 | Apr 24 | Jun 5 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 24 | Apr 21 | Apr 14 | May 26 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | Apr 17 | Apr 10 | May 22 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 7 | May 19 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 7 | May 19 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 17 | Apr 14 | Apr 7 | May 19 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 25 | May 6 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | Mar 25 | May 6 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 27 | Mar 27 | Mar 20 | May 1 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 22 | Mar 22 | Mar 15 | Apr 26 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 8 | Mar 8 | Mar 1 | Apr 12 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Feb 27 | Apr 10 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 27 | Feb 24 | Feb 17 | Mar 31 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 9 | Feb 6 | Jan 30 | Mar 13 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 7 | Feb 18 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 17 | Jan 14 | Jan 7 | Feb 18 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Dec 25 | Feb 5 |
| Zone 12a | Nov 20 | Dec 18 | Dec 11 | Jan 22 |
| Zone 12b | Nov 20 | Dec 18 | Dec 11 | Jan 22 |
| Zone 13a | Nov 20 | Dec 18 | Dec 11 | Jan 22 |
| Zone 13b | Nov 20 | Dec 18 | Dec 11 | Jan 22 |
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.
Growing Tips
- Keep soil constantly wet or grow in a shallow water tray
- Partial shade prevents bolting and bitterness
- Can be rooted from supermarket bunches in a glass of water
Common Pests & Diseases
- Aphids
- Whitefly
- Generally pest-free
Harvest Notes
Snip stems above water or soil level; regrowth is rapid. Harvest before flowering for mildest flavor. Excellent in salads, soups, and sandwiches.
Plan Your Watercress Garden
Track Watercress from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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