When to plant watercress in Massachusetts
Massachusetts spans USDA zones 5b–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 Boston to April 26 in North Adams — below are local dates for 89 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 7a | April 4 | November 9 | March 21 – April 18 |
| Worcester | 6a | April 23 | October 21 | April 9 – May 7 |
| Springfield | 6a | May 3 | October 8 | April 19 – May 17 |
| Cambridge | 6b | April 19 | October 23 | April 5 – May 3 |
| Lowell | 6b | April 30 | October 10 | April 16 – May 14 |
| Brockton | 6b | April 22 | October 19 | April 8 – May 6 |
| Quincy | 7a | April 25 | October 22 | April 11 – May 9 |
| Lynn | 7a | April 25 | October 20 | April 11 – May 9 |
Watercress in Massachusetts: FAQ
When can I plant watercress in Massachusetts?
Across Massachusetts, the time to direct-sow watercress spans roughly March 21 in Boston to April 26 in North Adams, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the watercress planting date vary across Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts publishes 89 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 Massachusetts?
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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