When to plant watercress in Michigan
Michigan spans USDA zones 4b–6b, so the right time to plant watercress shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 5 in Port Huron to May 5 in Cadillac — below are local dates for 101 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | 6b | April 27 | October 25 | April 13 – May 11 |
| Grand Rapids | 6a | May 6 | October 10 | April 22 – May 20 |
| Warren | 6b | April 21 | October 31 | April 7 – May 5 |
| Sterling Heights | 6b | April 30 | October 24 | April 16 – May 14 |
| Ann Arbor | 6a | May 5 | October 10 | April 21 – May 19 |
| Lansing | 6a | May 1 | October 13 | April 17 – May 15 |
| Dearborn | 6b | May 1 | October 15 | April 17 – May 15 |
| Livonia | 6b | May 1 | October 17 | April 17 – May 15 |
Watercress in Michigan: FAQ
When can I plant watercress in Michigan?
Across Michigan, the time to direct-sow watercress spans roughly April 5 in Port Huron to May 5 in Cadillac, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the watercress planting date vary across Michigan?
Yes. Michigan publishes 101 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 Michigan?
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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