When to plant watercress in Wisconsin
Wisconsin spans USDA zones 4b–6a, 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 Pleasant Prairie to April 27 in River Falls — below are local dates for 97 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | 6a | April 26 | October 18 | April 12 – May 10 |
| Madison | 5a | May 1 | October 9 | April 17 – May 15 |
| Green Bay | 5b | May 7 | October 9 | April 23 – May 21 |
| Kenosha | 5b | April 28 | October 19 | April 14 – May 12 |
| Racine | 6a | April 20 | October 24 | April 6 – May 4 |
| Appleton | 5b | May 4 | October 6 | April 20 – May 18 |
| Waukesha | 5b | May 1 | October 13 | April 17 – May 15 |
| Eau Claire | 4b | April 24 | October 14 | April 10 – May 8 |
Watercress in Wisconsin: FAQ
When can I plant watercress in Wisconsin?
Across Wisconsin, the time to direct-sow watercress spans roughly April 5 in Pleasant Prairie to April 27 in River Falls, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the watercress planting date vary across Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin publishes 97 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 Wisconsin?
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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