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When to Plant Broccoli in Matagorda 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.

Matagorda County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 290 days.

At an elevation of 161 feet, Matagorda County receives approximately 57.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, 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.

Matagorda County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
290 days
Last Spring Frost February 19
290 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Matagorda County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (190 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 10 Transplant: Feb 7 🍅 Harvest: Apr 11 – May 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (185 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 22 Transplant: Feb 19 🍅 Harvest: Apr 23 – Jun 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (176 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jun 25

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
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 456 gal / 100 sq ft
Broccoli needs ~1,594 GDD — county provides 6,183 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Matagorda County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 22 Jan 22 โ€“ Feb 5
Transplant Outdoors February 19 Feb 19 โ€“ Mar 5
Direct Sow January 29 Jan 29 โ€“ Feb 19
Fall Sowing October 11 Oct 11 โ€“ Oct 25
Harvest April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ Jun 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
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 9a

Growing Season

290 days

Growing Tips for Matagorda 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 Matagorda County, TX?

Matagorda County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 19. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Matagorda County, TX?

Matagorda County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Matagorda County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Matagorda County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.