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When to Plant Broccoli in McMullen 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.

McMullen County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 20 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 284 days.

At an elevation of 3,741 feet, McMullen County receives approximately 58 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103ยฐF, so Broccoli may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.

McMullen County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
284 days
Last Spring Frost February 20
284 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

McMullen County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (189 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 6 Transplant: Feb 3 🍅 Harvest: Apr 7 – May 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (179 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 23 Transplant: Feb 20 🍅 Harvest: Apr 24 – Jun 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (172 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Mar 17 🍅 Harvest: May 19 – Jun 30

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 442 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Broccoli needs ~2,044 GDD — county provides 7,766 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” McMullen County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 23 Jan 23 โ€“ Feb 6
Transplant Outdoors February 20 Feb 20 โ€“ Mar 6
Direct Sow January 30 Jan 30 โ€“ Feb 20
Fall Sowing October 6 Oct 6 โ€“ Oct 20
Harvest April 24 Apr 24 โ€“ Jun 5

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

284 days

Growing Tips for McMullen 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 McMullen County, TX?

McMullen County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 20. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is McMullen County, TX?

McMullen County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 20 and first fall frost is December 1.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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