When to Plant Cress in Gillespie County, TX
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.
Gillespie County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 240 days.
At an elevation of 3,036 feet, Gillespie County receives approximately 65.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cress during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cress root diseases.
Gillespie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 12" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Gillespie County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cress Planting Timeline — Gillespie County, TX
Cress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 26 |
| Harvest | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 2" apart · Rows 6" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
240 days in Gillespie County
Growing Tips for Gillespie 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 Gillespie County, TX?
Gillespie County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Cress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gillespie County, TX?
Gillespie County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 14.
Your Gillespie County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gillespie County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.