Blog

When to plant Cress in Steinhatchee, FL

Spring Cress in Steinhatchee goes in February 13–March 6, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from September 28 to October 12 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cress in Steinhatchee, FL

Taylor County, Florida Zone 9a July

July to-do list for Taylor County, Florida

Your Taylor County, Florida garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost March 6
Avg. first frost November 23
Soil temp (4") 92°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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.

Steinhatchee, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 344 feet, Taylor County receives approximately 59.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cress will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cress root diseases.

Steinhatchee, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Steinhatchee Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

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 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Taylor County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cress Planting Timeline — Steinhatchee, FL

Cress Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Direct Sow February 13 Feb 13 – Mar 6
Harvest March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 10
Fall Sowing September 28 Sep 28 – Oct 12

Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
April Harvest
May
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

14–21 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

262 days in Taylor County

Growing Tips for Steinhatchee

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 →

When should I plant Cress in Steinhatchee, FL?

In Steinhatchee, FL, plant Cress after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Steinhatchee, FL for Cress?

Steinhatchee sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cress grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cress grow in Steinhatchee's climate?

Yes — Cress grows well in Steinhatchee's temperate climate. Steinhatchee averages a 262-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 23.

🌱

Your Taylor County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Taylor County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Taylor County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.