When to Plant Cress in Baltimore City, MD
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.
Baltimore City, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 217 days.
At an elevation of 213 feet, Baltimore City receives approximately 48.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.
Baltimore City Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.8
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
Cress Planting Timeline — Baltimore City, MD
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
| Harvest | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
217 days
Growing Tips for Baltimore City
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 Baltimore City, MD?
Baltimore City is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baltimore City, MD?
Baltimore City, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Baltimore City gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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