When to plant watercress in New Jersey
New Jersey spans USDA zones 6b–8a, 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 Atlantic City to April 16 in Hillsborough — below are local dates for 158 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 7b | April 4 | November 6 | March 21 – April 18 |
| Jersey City | 7b | April 4 | November 6 | March 21 – April 18 |
| Paterson | 7a | April 15 | October 28 | April 1 – April 29 |
| Elizabeth | 7b | April 2 | November 10 | March 19 – April 16 |
| Toms River | 7a | April 23 | October 20 | April 9 – May 7 |
| Trenton | 7a | April 17 | October 28 | April 3 – May 1 |
| Clifton | 7a | April 15 | October 28 | April 1 – April 29 |
| Bayonne | 7b | April 2 | November 10 | March 19 – April 16 |
Watercress in New Jersey: FAQ
When can I plant watercress in New Jersey?
Across New Jersey, the time to direct-sow watercress spans roughly March 12 in Atlantic City to April 16 in Hillsborough, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the watercress planting date vary across New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey publishes 158 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 New Jersey?
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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