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When to Plant Broccoli in Colorado 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.

Colorado County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 281 days.

At an elevation of 87 feet, Colorado County receives approximately 70.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Broccoli, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.

Colorado County, TX (Zone 8b) Year-round
281 days
Last Spring Frost February 26
281 growing days
First Fall Frost December 4

Colorado County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7.3-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (179 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 8 Transplant: Feb 12 🍅 Harvest: Apr 16 – May 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (176 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 22 Transplant: Feb 26 🍅 Harvest: Apr 30 – Jun 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (168 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 13 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – Jul 3

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Broccoli needs ~1,312 GDD — county provides 4,935 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Colorado County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 22 Jan 22 โ€“ Feb 5
Transplant Outdoors February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 12
Direct Sow February 12 Feb 12 โ€“ Mar 5
Fall Sowing September 25 Sep 25 โ€“ Oct 9
Harvest April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ Jun 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
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 8b

Growing Season

281 days

Growing Tips for Colorado 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 Colorado County, TX?

Colorado County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Colorado County, TX?

Colorado County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is December 4.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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