When to Plant Watercress in Webb County, TX
Your July game plan for Webb County, Texas
July is a pivotal month for Webb County, Texas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
Webb County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.
At an elevation of 3,543 feet, Webb County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Watercress may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Watercress root diseases.
Webb County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Watercress 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 Webb County
How your county's soil matches Watercress's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.7) overlaps with Watercress's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Webb County is excellent for Watercress — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). 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 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 14.
Watercress Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 6.5" | 1.9" | 4.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 6.5" | 2.8" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 6.5" | 5" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 6.5" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 6.5" | 5.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 6.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 5.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.4" | 3.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 6.5" | 1.7" | 4.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 6.5" | 1.5" | 5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Webb 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 — Webb County, TX
Watercress Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Direct Sow | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 9 |
| Harvest | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 27 |
| Fall Sowing | October 14 | Oct 14 – Oct 28 |
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 | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
303 days in Webb County
Growing Tips for Watercress in Webb County
Direct sow Watercress outdoors after February 09 in Webb County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 304.0-day season in Webb 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 Webb County, TX?
Webb County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Watercress planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Webb County, TX?
Webb County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 9.
Your Webb County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Webb County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.