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When to Plant Broccoli in Kaufman 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.

Kaufman County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.

At an elevation of 144 feet, Kaufman County receives approximately 59.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, 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.

Kaufman County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
251 days
Last Spring Frost March 12
251 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Kaufman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.9-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (145 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 28 Transplant: Mar 4 🍅 Harvest: May 6 – Jun 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (146 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jun 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (133 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Jul 22

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
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 7 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Broccoli needs ~1,481 GDD — county provides 4,957 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Kaufman County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 โ€“ Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Mar 26
Direct Sow February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 19
Fall Sowing September 9 Sep 9 โ€“ Sep 23
Harvest May 14 May 14 โ€“ Jun 25

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

251 days

Growing Tips for Kaufman 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 Kaufman County, TX?

Kaufman County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kaufman County, TX?

Kaufman County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 18.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Kaufman 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 Kaufman County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.