When to plant watercress in Arkansas
Arkansas spans USDA zones 7a–8b, so the right time to plant watercress shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about February 27 in Texarkana to March 29 in Rogers — below are local dates for 39 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | 8a | March 21 | November 10 | March 7 – April 4 |
| Fayetteville | 7a | April 4 | October 31 | March 21 – April 18 |
| Fort Smith | 8a | March 25 | November 6 | March 11 – April 8 |
| Springdale | 7a | April 4 | October 31 | March 21 – April 18 |
| Jonesboro | 7b | March 23 | November 9 | March 9 – April 6 |
| Rogers | 7a | April 12 | October 26 | March 29 – April 26 |
| Conway | 8a | April 2 | November 2 | March 19 – April 16 |
| North Little Rock | 8a | March 21 | November 10 | March 7 – April 4 |
Watercress in Arkansas: FAQ
When can I plant watercress in Arkansas?
Across Arkansas, the time to direct-sow watercress spans roughly February 27 in Texarkana to March 29 in Rogers, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the watercress planting date vary across Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas publishes 39 cities with their own frost dates, so the right watercress planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does watercress take to grow in Arkansas?
Watercress takes about 45–60 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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