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When to plant Cress in Cherokee County, KS

For Cress in Cherokee County, the safe spring window opens around March 26 and closes around April 16. Last expected frost is April 9, first fall frost October 26, giving a 200-day growing season. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cress in Cherokee County, KS

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.

Cherokee County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 812 feet, Cherokee County receives approximately 25.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.

Cherokee County, KS (Zone 7a) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Cherokee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.9

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 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Cress Planting Timeline — Cherokee County, KS

Cress Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 16
Harvest April 23 Apr 23 – May 14
Fall Sowing August 17 Aug 17 – Aug 31

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 7a

📆 Growing Season

200 days in Cherokee County

Growing Tips for Cherokee 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 Cherokee County, KS?

Cherokee County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cherokee County, KS?

Cherokee County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Cress in Cherokee County, KS?

In Cherokee County, KS, plant Cress after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cherokee County, KS for Cress?

Cherokee County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Cress grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cress grow in Cherokee County's climate?

Yes — Cress grows well in Cherokee County's temperate climate. Cherokee County averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 26.

🌱

Your Cherokee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cherokee County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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