Blog

When to plant Cress in Jasper County, IL

In Zone 6b (Jasper County), direct-sow Cress between March 30 and April 20 for spring, after the April 13 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cress in Jasper County, IL

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.

Jasper County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.

At an elevation of 1,384 feet, Jasper County receives approximately 35 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.

Jasper County, IL (Zone 6b) Moderate season
190 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
190 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Jasper County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cress Planting Timeline — Jasper County, IL

Cress Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Harvest April 27 Apr 27 – May 18
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August Fall Sowing
September
October
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

190 days in Jasper County

Growing Tips for Jasper 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cress in Jasper County, IL?

Jasper County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jasper County, IL?

Jasper County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Cress in Jasper County, IL?

In Jasper County, IL, plant Cress after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jasper County, IL for Cress?

Jasper County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cress grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cress grow in Jasper County's climate?

Yes — Cress grows well in Jasper County's temperate climate. Jasper County averages a 190-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Jasper County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jasper County (Zone 6b). 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 Jasper County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.