When to Plant Cress in Nevada County, CA
Garden cress is one of the fastest-growing edibles, producing peppery sprouts in as little as two weeks. It is excellent for microgreens and garnishes.
Nevada County, California is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.
At an elevation of 2,745 feet, Nevada County receives approximately 44.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cress to ensure they mature before fall.
Nevada County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cress Planting Timeline — Nevada County, CA
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Harvest | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
14–21 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7b
Growing Season
165 days
Growing Tips for Nevada County
Sow seeds thickly on moist soil or paper towels. Keep moist and harvest when 2-3 inches tall. Succession sow every few days for continuous supply. Grows well indoors year-round.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Cress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cress in Nevada County, CA?
Nevada County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nevada County, CA?
Nevada County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Nevada County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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