When to Plant Watercress in Pennsylvania

Q: When should I plant Watercress in Pennsylvania?

Planting dates for Watercress in Pennsylvania vary by zone. Pennsylvania spans zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b.

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.

Pennsylvania spans USDA hardiness zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 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.

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

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Watercress Planting Calendar for Pennsylvania

▸ Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	March 21	Mar 21 – Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors	April 25	Apr 25 – May 9
Direct Sow	April 11	Apr 11 – May 2
Harvest	June 6	Jun 6 – Jul 11
Fall Sowing	July 30	Jul 30 – Aug 13

▸ Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	March 14	Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors	April 18	Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow	April 4	Apr 4 – Apr 25
Harvest	May 30	May 30 – Jul 4
Fall Sowing	August 4	Aug 4 – Aug 18

▸ Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	March 6	Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors	April 10	Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow	March 27	Mar 27 – Apr 17
Harvest	May 22	May 22 – Jun 26
Fall Sowing	August 11	Aug 11 – Aug 25

▸ Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	February 27	Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant Outdoors	April 3	Apr 3 – Apr 17
Direct Sow	March 20	Mar 20 – Apr 10
Harvest	May 15	May 15 – Jun 19
Fall Sowing	August 16	Aug 16 – Aug 30

▸ Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

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

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	February 18	Feb 18 – Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors	March 25	Mar 25 – Apr 8
Direct Sow	March 11	Mar 11 – Apr 1
Harvest	May 6	May 6 – Jun 10
Fall Sowing	August 23	Aug 23 – Sep 6

▸ Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

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

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

Growing Tips for Pennsylvania

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.

Watercress in Other States

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Watercress in Pennsylvania?

Planting dates for Watercress in Pennsylvania depend on your USDA zone. Pennsylvania spans zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Pennsylvania for planting?

Pennsylvania contains USDA hardiness zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

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