How to Grow Watercress

Updated June 2026

A cool-season leafy for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Watercress is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Watercress is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the watercress page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Watercress, Peppery, fast-growing (Johnny's Selected Seeds)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: part sun to light shade, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 6 in between plants.
• Sowing: barely cover the seed.
• Water: roughly 2.6 gal per plant every day in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Slugs, Snails and Aphids. In humid regions, Leaf spot and Downy mildew can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Watercress is usually ready to harvest in roughly 6 weeks. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant watercress where you garden.

See also: Watercress in the plant library →

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