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When to Plant Broccoli in Panola 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.

Panola County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.

At an elevation of 216 feet, Panola County receives approximately 68.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97ยฐF, 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.

Panola County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
246 days
Last Spring Frost March 13
246 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Panola County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (139 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Mar 5 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jun 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (141 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Mar 13 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jun 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 1 Transplant: Apr 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Jul 19

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Broccoli needs ~1,706 GDD — county provides 5,596 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Panola County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 โ€“ Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Mar 27
Direct Sow February 27 Feb 27 โ€“ Mar 20
Fall Sowing September 5 Sep 5 โ€“ Sep 19
Harvest May 15 May 15 โ€“ Jun 26

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

246 days

Growing Tips for Panola 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 Panola County, TX?

Panola County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Panola County, TX?

Panola County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 14.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Panola County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Panola County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.