When to Plant Watercress in Texas County, OK
This month in Texas County, Oklahoma
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Texas County, Oklahoma this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Time to start watercress inside
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Bring in the watercress
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: watercress
Watercress is a semi-aquatic plant with a peppery, tangy flavor rich in vitamins and minerals. It grows naturally along streams and can be cultivated in containers with standing water.
Texas County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 870 feet, Texas County receives approximately 20.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Watercress during the growing season.
Texas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
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 Texas County
How your county's soil matches Watercress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.8) overlaps with Watercress's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Texas County is excellent for Watercress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Watercress will thrive.
How to Plant Watercress
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Watercress
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Watercress
Watercress needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Watercress Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 2.1" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 6.5" | 3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 2.3" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 2.3" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 2.1" | 4.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 1.4" | 5.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Texas County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Watercress 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.
Watercress Planting Timeline — Texas County, OK
Watercress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Texas County
Growing Tips for Watercress in Texas County
Direct sow Watercress outdoors after April 16 in Texas County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 187.0-day season in Texas County allows multiple plantings of Watercress. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Watercress in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Texas County receives only 20" of rain annually. Watercress needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Grow in containers with trays of water kept fresh. Provide partial shade and cool conditions. Harvest stems by cutting above water level. Replace water frequently to prevent stagnation.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Watercress in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Watercress in Texas County, OK?
Texas County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Watercress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Texas County, OK?
Texas County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 20.
Your Texas County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Texas 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.