When to plant watercress in Louisiana
Louisiana spans USDA zones 8b–9b, so the right time to plant watercress shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about January 8 in New Orleans to March 14 in Claiborne — below are local dates for 55 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 9b | January 22 | January 5 | January 8 – February 5 |
| Baton Rouge | 9a | February 28 | November 26 | February 14 – March 14 |
| Shreveport | 8b | March 9 | November 18 | February 23 – March 23 |
| Metairie | 9b | January 30 | December 31 | January 16 – February 13 |
| Lafayette | 9a | February 26 | November 28 | February 12 – March 12 |
| Lake Charles | 9a | February 14 | December 7 | January 31 – February 28 |
| Kenner | 9b | January 30 | December 31 | January 16 – February 13 |
| Bossier City | 8b | February 28 | November 24 | February 14 – March 14 |
Watercress in Louisiana: FAQ
When can I plant watercress in Louisiana?
Across Louisiana, the time to direct-sow watercress spans roughly January 8 in New Orleans to March 14 in Claiborne, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the watercress planting date vary across Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana publishes 55 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 Louisiana?
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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