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When to Plant Broccoli in San Patricio 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.

San Patricio County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 300 days.

At an elevation of 2,449 feet, San Patricio County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 100ยฐF, 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.

San Patricio County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
300 days
Last Spring Frost February 12
300 growing days
First Fall Frost December 9

San Patricio 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 (210 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 23 Transplant: Jan 20 🍅 Harvest: Mar 24 – May 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (195 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 15 Transplant: Feb 12 🍅 Harvest: Apr 16 – May 28
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (182 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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 634 gal / 100 sq ft
Broccoli needs ~1,875 GDD — county provides 7,525 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” San Patricio County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 15 Jan 15 โ€“ Jan 29
Transplant Outdoors February 12 Feb 12 โ€“ Feb 26
Direct Sow January 22 Jan 22 โ€“ Feb 12
Fall Sowing October 14 Oct 14 โ€“ Oct 28
Harvest April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ May 28

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

300 days

Growing Tips for San Patricio 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 San Patricio County, TX?

San Patricio County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 12. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is San Patricio County, TX?

San Patricio County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 12 and first fall frost is December 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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