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When to Plant Broccoli in Nueces 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.

Nueces County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 10 and the first fall frost is December 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.

At an elevation of 1,586 feet, Nueces County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, 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.

Nueces County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
303 days
Last Spring Frost February 10
303 growing days
First Fall Frost December 10

Nueces County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (210 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 22 Transplant: Jan 19 🍅 Harvest: Mar 23 – May 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (198 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 13 Transplant: Feb 10 🍅 Harvest: Apr 14 – May 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (180 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 10 Transplant: Mar 10 🍅 Harvest: May 12 – Jun 23

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 713 gal / 100 sq ft
Broccoli needs ~1,594 GDD — county provides 6,460 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Nueces County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 13 Jan 13 โ€“ Jan 27
Transplant Outdoors February 10 Feb 10 โ€“ Feb 24
Direct Sow January 20 Jan 20 โ€“ Feb 10
Fall Sowing October 15 Oct 15 โ€“ Oct 29
Harvest April 14 Apr 14 โ€“ May 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

303 days

Growing Tips for Nueces 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 Nueces County, TX?

Nueces County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 10. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nueces County, TX?

Nueces County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 10 and first fall frost is December 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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