When to plant Cress in Wright County, MO
Spring Cress in Wright County goes in March 28–April 18, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 13 to August 27 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cress in Wright County, MO
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.
Wright County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 923 feet, Wright County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season.
Wright County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wright County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cress Planting Timeline — Wright County, MO
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
194 days in Wright County
Growing Tips for Wright 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 →
Cress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cress in Wright County, MO?
Wright County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wright County, MO?
Wright County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Cress in Wright County, MO?
In Wright County, MO, plant Cress after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Wright County, MO for Cress?
Wright 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 Wright County's climate?
Yes — Cress grows well in Wright County's temperate climate. Wright County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 22.
Your Wright County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Wright 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.