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When to Plant Broccoli in Wilson 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.

Wilson County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.

At an elevation of 2,660 feet, Wilson County receives approximately 62.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.

Wilson County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
266 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
266 growing days
First Fall Frost November 25

Wilson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (163 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 16 Transplant: Feb 20 🍅 Harvest: Apr 24 – Jun 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (161 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 28 Transplant: Mar 4 🍅 Harvest: May 6 – Jun 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (152 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 23 Transplant: Mar 30 🍅 Harvest: Jun 1 – Jul 13

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
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 899 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Broccoli needs ~1,481 GDD — county provides 5,253 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Wilson County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 28 Jan 28 โ€“ Feb 11
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 โ€“ Mar 18
Direct Sow February 18 Feb 18 โ€“ Mar 11
Fall Sowing September 16 Sep 16 โ€“ Sep 30
Harvest May 6 May 6 โ€“ Jun 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
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

266 days

Growing Tips for Wilson 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 Wilson County, TX?

Wilson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wilson County, TX?

Wilson County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 25.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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