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When to Plant Broccoli in Winkler 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.

Winkler County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.

At an elevation of 1,153 feet, Winkler County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season. 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.

Winkler County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
230 days
Last Spring Frost March 25
230 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Winkler County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.5-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (121 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 8 Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 17 – Jun 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 18 Transplant: Mar 25 🍅 Harvest: May 27 – Jul 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (118 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 18 🍅 Harvest: Jun 20 – Aug 1

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 897 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Broccoli needs ~1,369 GDD — county provides 4,197 GDD Excellent fit

Broccoli Planting Timeline โ€” Winkler County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 18 Feb 18 โ€“ Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 8
Direct Sow March 11 Mar 11 โ€“ Apr 1
Fall Sowing September 1 Sep 1 โ€“ Sep 15
Harvest May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jul 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
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 7b

Growing Season

230 days

Growing Tips for Winkler 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 Winkler County, TX?

Winkler County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Winkler County, TX?

Winkler County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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