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When to Plant Watercress in Delaware

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.

Delaware spans USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Watercress planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Hover over a county to see details. Click to view planting guide.

Watercress Planting Calendar for Delaware

โ–ธ Zone 7a ~221 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: March 25 ยท First frost: November 1 ยท 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 18 Feb 18 โ€“ Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 8
Direct Sow March 11 Mar 11 โ€“ Apr 1
Harvest May 6 May 6 โ€“ Jun 10
Fall Sowing August 23 Aug 23 โ€“ Sep 6
โ–ธ Zone 7b ~235 day growing season ยท Full guide โ†’

Last frost: March 18 ยท First frost: November 8 ยท 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 11 Feb 11 โ€“ Feb 25
Transplant Outdoors March 18 Mar 18 โ€“ Apr 1
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 โ€“ Mar 25
Harvest April 29 Apr 29 โ€“ Jun 3
Fall Sowing August 30 Aug 30 โ€“ Sep 13

Growing Tips for Delaware

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Watercress in Delaware?

Planting dates for Watercress in Delaware depend on your USDA zone. Delaware spans zones 7a, 7b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Delaware for planting?

Delaware contains USDA hardiness zones 7a, 7b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state โ€” northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.