Is Garden Cress the Same as Watercress?

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

While they belong to the same botanical family, a common point of confusion for home cooks and gardeners is whether garden cress and watercress are interchangeable. Despite their shared name, these two leafy greens are distinct species with different growth habits, flavor profiles, and ideal culinary applications.

Quick Summary

Garden cress and watercress are distinct leafy greens from the mustard family, with key differences in their growing environment, flavor, and culinary uses. They are not the same plant.

Key Points

Botanically Different: Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) and watercress (Nasturtium officinale) are distinct species, though both are in the mustard family, Brassicaceae.
Different Growing Environments: Garden cress is an annual that grows easily in moist soil or containers, while watercress is a perennial that requires flowing water or semi-aquatic conditions to thrive.
Distinct Flavor Profiles: Garden cress has a mild, tangy, and delicate peppery flavor, whereas watercress has a more pungent, robust, and spicy, horseradish-like kick.
Different Culinary Uses: Garden cress's soft leaves are best used raw in salads and sandwiches, while watercress's sturdier leaves can be cooked in soups or stir-fries in addition to raw applications.
Varying Nutritional Content: Both are nutritious, but nutrient composition varies; for example, some comparisons show garden cress is significantly higher in Vitamin K and folate.
Not Interchangeable: Due to their differences in texture, flavor, and growth habits, the two plants are not ideal substitutes for one another.

Botanical Classification: Different Species, Same Family

Both garden cress and watercress belong to the large and diverse Brassicaceae family, also known as the mustard or cabbage family. This botanical connection is the source of their similar peppery, pungent flavor, which is a characteristic of many plants in this group, including mustard and radishes. However, the similarities end there. Garden cress has the scientific name Lepidium sativum, while watercress is known as Nasturtium officinale. They are in the same family but belong to different genera, making them distinct species with unique attributes.

Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum)

Garden cress is a fast-growing annual plant that is widely and easily cultivated. It is known for its mild, tangy flavor and soft, delicate leaves. Garden cress is often grown as a microgreen or sprout and can be harvested in as little as 7-10 days. This makes it a popular choice for home gardeners with limited space, as it thrives in moist soil in containers or on a windowsill.

Native to parts of western Asia and Egypt.
Features small, clover-like or curled leaves.
Typically harvested young for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)

Watercress is a perennial, semi-aquatic plant with a more robust and peppery flavor than its garden cousin. It is often described as having a spicy, almost horseradish-like bite. Unlike garden cress, it requires specific growing conditions, thriving in running water or consistently wet soil. The stems and leaves can float in water, and it can be a winter-hardy green in some climates.

One of the oldest known leaf vegetables.
Grows best in specific aquatic or semi-aquatic environments.
Has small, rounded, lily-pad-shaped leaves.

Culinary Uses: Complementary, Not Interchangeable

Due to their differing flavor profiles and textures, garden cress and watercress are not perfect substitutes for each other, though they can be used in similar contexts. Watercress's sturdier leaves and bolder, peppery flavor make it suitable for a wider range of cooked applications, while garden cress's delicate nature is best enjoyed raw.

Common Uses for Garden Cress:

Sandwiches (e.g., egg and cress sandwich)
Salads (as a delicate, peppery addition)
Garnish for soups or meat dishes
Microgreens or sprouts

Common Uses for Watercress:

Creamy soups (such as potato and watercress soup)
Robust salads (can be the main green)
Stir-fries or sautés (can hold up to heat)
Sauces, pestos, and butters

Nutritional Differences

While both are considered nutrient-dense, there are notable differences in their nutritional composition. One comparative analysis indicates that garden cress is significantly higher in several vitamins and minerals, though both are excellent sources of nutrients.


Feature	Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum)	Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)
Growth Habit	Fast-growing annual	Perennial aquatic or semi-aquatic
Ideal Environment	Moist soil, containers, windowsills	Running water, consistently wet soil
Flavor Profile	Mild, tangy, delicate peppery bite	Pungent, robust, spicy, horseradish-like kick
Leaf Texture	Soft, delicate, often clover-like	Sturdier, crunchy, lily-pad-shaped
Harvest Time	7–10 days (as sprouts)	Slower to mature, mature leaves harvested
Nutritional Density	Higher in several vitamins and minerals (e.g., Vitamin K, Folate)	Excellent source of antioxidants, Vitamin C, A, K, calcium, and iron
Culinary Uses	Best raw in salads and sandwiches	Versatile for soups, cooked dishes, and salads

Growing Garden Cress vs. Watercress

For those interested in cultivating their own herbs, the distinction in growing requirements is critical. Garden cress is an easy-to-grow, quick-harvest annual, perfect for beginners. It can be sown in spring and autumn and kept consistently moist for optimal flavor. In contrast, watercress presents a more significant challenge, requiring a steady supply of clean, flowing water. It can be grown in containers placed within a tray of water, but this requires more maintenance to ensure the water is regularly refreshed. Upland cress, another related variety, offers a compromise, growing in moist soil but having a more intense flavor than garden cress.

Conclusion: Two Distinct Greens with Unique Roles

While sharing a similar peppery essence due to their family ties, garden cress and watercress are fundamentally different plants with unique characteristics. From their growth habits—soil for garden cress and water for watercress—to their distinctive flavor profiles and culinary best practices, knowing the difference allows for more informed cooking and gardening decisions. Both are valuable, nutritious additions to the kitchen, but they are not interchangeable substitutes. Understanding their specific roles ensures you get the best texture, flavor, and nutritional benefits from each. For further exploration of different cress varieties and their cultivation, authoritative gardening resources provide valuable insights into these versatile greens.

West Coast Seeds - About Cress and Watercress

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is their growing environment; garden cress grows in moist soil as a fast-growing annual, while watercress is a perennial that grows in or near water.

No, they have different flavors and textures. Garden cress has a milder, more delicate taste, while watercress is more pungent and robust, making them better suited for different culinary uses.

Garden cress is significantly easier for home growers, as it can be grown in pots on a windowsill with moist soil. Watercress requires more specific, semi-aquatic conditions.

Yes, both garden cress and watercress are members of the Brassicaceae family, also known as the mustard family, which is why they share a similar peppery flavor.

Garden cress offers a mild, tangy peppery flavor, while watercress delivers a much stronger, spicier kick with a hint of horseradish.

Both are highly nutritious, but nutrient levels vary. Some comparisons suggest garden cress has higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals, but both are considered nutrient-dense superfoods.

Upland cress is another variety of cress that grows in soil like garden cress but has a stronger, more intense flavor, often falling between garden cress and watercress in terms of peppery intensity.