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When to Plant Broccoli in Newton 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.

Newton County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 252 days.

At an elevation of 33 feet, Newton County receives approximately 77 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season. 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.

Newton County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
252 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
252 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

Newton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (146 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 27 Transplant: Mar 3 🍅 Harvest: May 5 – Jun 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (147 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 2 Transplant: Mar 9 🍅 Harvest: May 11 – Jun 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 3 Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Jul 21

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
1.3″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Broccoli needs ~1,425 GDD — county provides 4,788 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Newton County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 2 Feb 2 โ€“ Feb 16
Transplant Outdoors March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 23
Direct Sow February 23 Feb 23 โ€“ Mar 16
Fall Sowing September 7 Sep 7 โ€“ Sep 21
Harvest May 11 May 11 โ€“ Jun 22

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 8b

Growing Season

252 days

Growing Tips for Newton 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 Newton County, TX?

Newton County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Newton County, TX?

Newton County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Newton County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.