When to Plant Cress in Yuba 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.
Yuba County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 303 feet, Yuba County receives approximately 26.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.
Yuba County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.3
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 — Yuba County, CA
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 14 | Sep 14 – Sep 28 |
| Harvest | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9a
Growing Season
201 days
Growing Tips for Yuba 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 Yuba County, CA?
Yuba County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yuba County, CA?
Yuba County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is November 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Yuba County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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