Blog

When to Plant Broccoli in Jeff Davis 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.

Jeff Davis County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 212 days.

At an elevation of 4,298 feet, Jeff Davis County receives approximately 52.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, 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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.

Jeff Davis County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
212 days
Last Spring Frost April 3
212 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Jeff Davis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (115 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 13 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – Jul 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Jul 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (106 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Aug 5

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 593 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Broccoli needs ~1,650 GDD — county provides 4,664 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Jeff Davis County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 27 Feb 27 โ€“ Mar 13
Transplant Outdoors April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 17
Direct Sow March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 10
Fall Sowing August 23 Aug 23 โ€“ Sep 6
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 โ€“ Jul 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

212 days

Growing Tips for Jeff Davis 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 Jeff Davis County, TX?

Jeff Davis County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jeff Davis County, TX?

Jeff Davis County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 1.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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