When to Plant Cress in Garfield County, CO
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.
Garfield County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 25 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 119 days.
At an elevation of 7,997 feet, Garfield County receives approximately 21.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cress to ensure they mature before fall.
Garfield County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.9
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cress Planting Timeline — Garfield County, CO
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jun 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
119 days
Growing Tips for Garfield 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 Garfield County, CO?
Garfield County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 25. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Garfield County, CO?
Garfield County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 25 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Garfield County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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