When to Plant Watercress in La Salle County, TX
May in La Salle County, Texas — your action list
Each item below is timed to La Salle County, Texas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Basket week: watercress
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
La Salle County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 292 days.
At an elevation of 2,270 feet, La Salle County receives approximately 57.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Watercress during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Watercress root diseases.
La Salle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.6
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 La Salle County
How your county's soil matches Watercress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.6) overlaps with Watercress's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in La Salle County is excellent for Watercress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Watercress is a heavy drinker but your soil drains very quickly. Mulch heavily and consider drip irrigation.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.0%). Annual compost additions will help Watercress.
How to Plant Watercress
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Watercress
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 08.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 2" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 5.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 10.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 6.5" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 6.5" | 5.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.6" | 2.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 2" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 1.6" | 4.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in La Salle 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 — La Salle County, TX
Watercress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 17 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Direct Sow | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 14 |
| Harvest | March 28 | Mar 28 – May 2 |
| Fall Sowing | October 8 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
292 days in La Salle County
Growing Tips for Watercress in La Salle County
Direct sow Watercress outdoors after February 14 in La Salle County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 293.0-day season in La Salle 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.
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 La Salle County, TX?
La Salle County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Watercress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is La Salle County, TX?
La Salle County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 3.
Your La Salle County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for La Salle County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.