How to Grow Watercress in New Zealand
Updated June 2026
Wants constant moisture and a bit of shade, so grow it in shallow water trays, self-watering pots or very wet ground. Crops close to year-round in Auckland. Cut-and-come-again picking keeps it going, and it strikes readily from a bunch stood in water.
What it looks like as it grows
When to plant watercress in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
Best watercress varieties for NZ
- Watercress (Common), Peppery aquatic perennial grown in shallow water, trays or constantly wet soil. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow watercress
- Space plants about 15cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.3cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 40 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 7 days.
Companion planting
Grow watercress near: Mint, Lettuce.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Slugs, Snails, Aphids. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
🌱 Plant Watercress in your garden →FAQ
When is the best time to plant watercress in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy watercress seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.