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When to Plant Broccoli in Dallas 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.

Dallas County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 257 days.

At an elevation of 67 feet, Dallas County receives approximately 65.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 97ยฐF, so Broccoli may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Dallas County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
257 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
257 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Dallas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.7-8.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (149 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 25 Transplant: Mar 1 🍅 Harvest: May 3 – Jun 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (152 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 1 Transplant: Mar 8 🍅 Harvest: May 10 – Jun 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (137 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Jul 23

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 ~1,706 GDD — county provides 5,846 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Dallas County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 1 Feb 1 โ€“ Feb 15
Transplant Outdoors March 8 Mar 8 โ€“ Mar 22
Direct Sow February 22 Feb 22 โ€“ Mar 15
Fall Sowing September 11 Sep 11 โ€“ Sep 25
Harvest May 10 May 10 โ€“ Jun 21

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

257 days

Growing Tips for Dallas 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 Dallas County, TX?

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

What planting zone is Dallas County, TX?

Dallas County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 20.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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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 Dallas County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.