When to Plant Cress in Klamath County, OR
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.
Klamath County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 13 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 100 days.
At an elevation of 142 feet, Klamath County receives approximately 48.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cress to ensure they mature before fall.
Klamath County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Klamath County
How your county's soil matches Cress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.3) is more acidic than Cress prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Klamath County is excellent for Cress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cress.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Cress will thrive.
How to Plant Cress
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cress
Sow every 1.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 13.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cress
Cress needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cress Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 7.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 7.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 6.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Klamath County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cress Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cress Planting Timeline — Klamath County, OR
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jun 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 20 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Jul 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
14–21 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
100 days in Klamath County
Growing Tips for Cress in Klamath County
Direct sow Cress outdoors after June 13 in Klamath County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 100.0-day season in Klamath County allows multiple plantings of Cress. Sow every 7.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Cress in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cress in Klamath County, OR?
Klamath County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of June 13. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Klamath County, OR?
Klamath County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 13 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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