When to plant watercress in Missouri
Missouri 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 12 in Sikeston to April 7 in Kirksville — below are local dates for 87 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City | 6b | April 4 | November 2 | March 21 – April 18 |
| St. Louis | 7a | April 1 | November 4 | March 18 – April 15 |
| Springfield | 7a | April 4 | October 27 | March 21 – April 18 |
| Columbia | 6b | April 5 | October 31 | March 22 – April 19 |
| Independence | 6b | April 10 | October 27 | March 27 – April 24 |
| Lee's Summit | 6b | April 7 | October 29 | March 24 – April 21 |
| O'Fallon | 6b | April 10 | October 26 | March 27 – April 24 |
| St. Charles | 6b | April 8 | October 29 | March 25 – April 22 |
Watercress in Missouri: FAQ
When can I plant watercress in Missouri?
Across Missouri, the time to direct-sow watercress spans roughly March 12 in Sikeston to April 7 in Kirksville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the watercress planting date vary across Missouri?
Yes. Missouri publishes 87 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 Missouri?
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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