When to plant watercress in Virginia
Virginia spans USDA zones 7a–8b, so the right time to plant watercress shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 2 in Norfolk to April 12 in Radford — below are local dates for 127 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 8b | March 29 | November 12 | March 15 – April 12 |
| Chesapeake | 8a | March 23 | November 18 | March 9 – April 6 |
| Arlington | 7b | March 24 | November 18 | March 10 – April 7 |
| Norfolk | 8b | March 16 | November 26 | March 2 – March 30 |
| Richmond | 7b | April 3 | November 4 | March 20 – April 17 |
| Newport News | 8a | April 1 | November 9 | March 18 – April 15 |
| Alexandria | 8a | March 24 | November 18 | March 10 – April 7 |
| Hampton | 8b | March 24 | November 15 | March 10 – April 7 |
Watercress in Virginia: FAQ
When can I plant watercress in Virginia?
Across Virginia, the time to direct-sow watercress spans roughly March 2 in Norfolk to April 12 in Radford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the watercress planting date vary across Virginia?
Yes. Virginia publishes 127 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 Virginia?
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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