When to plant watercress in Delaware
Delaware spans USDA zones 7a–7b, so the right time to plant watercress shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 21 in Dover to March 28 in Milford — below are local dates for 11 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | 7b | April 7 | November 4 | March 24 – April 21 |
| Dover | 7b | April 4 | November 4 | March 21 – April 18 |
| Newark | 7b | April 7 | November 2 | March 24 – April 21 |
| Middletown | 7b | April 7 | November 2 | March 24 – April 21 |
| Bear | 7b | April 7 | November 2 | March 24 – April 21 |
| Glasgow | 7b | April 7 | November 2 | March 24 – April 21 |
| Brookside | 7b | April 7 | November 2 | March 24 – April 21 |
| Hockessin | 7a | April 7 | November 4 | March 24 – April 21 |
Watercress in Delaware: FAQ
When can I plant watercress in Delaware?
Across Delaware, the time to direct-sow watercress spans roughly March 21 in Dover to March 28 in Milford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the watercress planting date vary across Delaware?
Yes. Delaware publishes 11 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 Delaware?
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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