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When to Plant Broccoli in Swisher 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.

Swisher County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 203 days.

At an elevation of 3,057 feet, Swisher County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, 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.

Swisher County, TX (Zone 7a) Long season
203 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
203 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Swisher County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.6-8.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (99 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Jul 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (98 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 4 Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 10 – Jul 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (107 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 3

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 1 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Broccoli needs ~1,762 GDD — county provides 4,770 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Swisher County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 4 Mar 4 โ€“ Mar 18
Transplant Outdoors April 8 Apr 8 โ€“ Apr 22
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 15
Fall Sowing August 19 Aug 19 โ€“ Sep 2
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 โ€“ Jul 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
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 7a

Growing Season

203 days

Growing Tips for Swisher 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 Swisher County, TX?

Swisher County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Swisher County, TX?

Swisher County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 28.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Swisher County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Swisher County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.