How to Grow Watercress in Australia
A year-round leafy crop for the home garden
Growing Watercress rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$3-5/week, bunches are expensive in supermarkets and wilt fast; homegrown lasts for months.
This guide covers when to plant Watercress in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Watercress is a year-round crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown all year round. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Watercress part sun to light shade. It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6.5 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 20cm+ kept moist or in a water tray, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 15 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 7 days, fastest when the soil is between 10 and 22 degrees.
Loves constant moisture and partial shade, grow in shallow water trays, self-watering pots or very moist soil. Year-round in SEQ. One of the oldest known leaf vegetables. Peppery flavour intensifies in warmer weather. Cut-and-come-again harvesting keeps it producing for months. Can also be grown from supermarket bunches stood in water.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 10 L per plant every day in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Slugs, Snails and Aphids. The main diseases to watch are Leaf spot and Downy mildew. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Watercress is typically ready to harvest in roughly 6 weeks. Fridge with stems in water, up to 4 days. Best eaten fresh.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, watercress is good fresh in salads and sandwiches, blended into soups (classic watercress soup), added to smoothies for a peppery kick and used as a garnish for steaks and fish. Nutritionally: extremely nutrient-dense leafy green and high in vitamins K, C and A.
Companion Planting
Watercress grows well alongside Mint and Lettuce. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Watercress Growing
Add watercress to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watercress in Australia?
Watercress is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown all year round. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Watercress take to grow?
Watercress is generally ready to harvest in roughly 6 weeks.
Can I grow Watercress in a pot?
Yes. Watercress grows well in a container of 20cm+ kept moist or in a water tray with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Watercress need?
Give it part sun to light shade for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Watercress in the Plant Library
