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When to Plant Broccoli in Cass County, TX

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.

Cass County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.

At an elevation of 392 feet, Cass County receives approximately 71.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Broccoli will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.

Cass County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
247 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
247 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Cass County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (143 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 30 Transplant: Mar 6 🍅 Harvest: May 8 – Jun 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (142 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 7 Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Jun 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 1 Transplant: Apr 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Jul 19

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.2″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 178 gal / 100 sq ft
Broccoli needs ~1,538 GDD — county provides 5,063 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Cass County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 โ€“ Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Mar 28
Direct Sow February 28 Feb 28 โ€“ Mar 21
Fall Sowing September 7 Sep 7 โ€“ Sep 21
Harvest May 16 May 16 โ€“ Jun 27

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

247 days

Growing Tips for Cass County

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Level Up Your Garden

๐ŸŒพ Save Your Own Broccoli Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow plants to flower 2nd year; collect dry pods.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35ยฐF, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial โ€” must overwinter roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli in Cass County, TX?

Cass County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cass County, TX?

Cass County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cass County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Cass County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.