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When to Plant Broccoli in Crane 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.

Crane County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.

At an elevation of 4,486 feet, Crane County receives approximately 46.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, so Broccoli may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Crane County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
237 days
Last Spring Frost March 20
237 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Crane County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.1-8.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (133 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 3 Transplant: Mar 10 🍅 Harvest: May 12 – Jun 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (132 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 13 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – Jul 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jun 15 – Jul 27

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,191 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Broccoli needs ~1,762 GDD — county provides 5,569 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Crane County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 13 Feb 13 โ€“ Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Direct Sow March 6 Mar 6 โ€“ Mar 27
Fall Sowing September 3 Sep 3 โ€“ Sep 17
Harvest May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jul 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
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 7b

Growing Season

237 days

Growing Tips for Crane 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 Crane County, TX?

Crane County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crane County, TX?

Crane County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Crane County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Crane County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.