When to plant watercress in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania 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 16 in Philadelphia to May 1 in Hermitage — below are local dates for 86 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 7b | March 30 | November 17 | March 16 – April 13 |
| Pittsburgh | 6b | April 18 | October 28 | April 4 – May 2 |
| Allentown | 7a | April 20 | October 24 | April 6 – May 4 |
| Reading | 7a | April 14 | October 29 | March 31 – April 28 |
| Erie | 7a | April 26 | November 4 | April 12 – May 10 |
| Bethlehem | 7a | April 20 | October 24 | April 6 – May 4 |
| Scranton | 6b | April 23 | October 20 | April 9 – May 7 |
| Lancaster | 7a | April 19 | October 24 | April 5 – May 3 |
Watercress in Pennsylvania: FAQ
When can I plant watercress in Pennsylvania?
Across Pennsylvania, the time to direct-sow watercress spans roughly March 16 in Philadelphia to May 1 in Hermitage, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the watercress planting date vary across Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania publishes 86 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 Pennsylvania?
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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