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When to Plant Cucumber in Duval County, TX

Cucumbers are a warm-season vine crop available in slicing and pickling varieties. They are prolific producers when given warmth, moisture, and a trellis to climb.

Duval County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 299 days.

At an elevation of 4,259 feet, Duval County receives approximately 55.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102ยฐF, so Cucumber may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cucumber root diseases.

Duval County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
299 days
Last Spring Frost February 13
299 growing days
First Fall Frost December 9

Duval County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (195 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 23 Transplant: Jan 27 🍅 Harvest: Mar 24 – May 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (180 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 16 Transplant: Feb 20 🍅 Harvest: Apr 17 – Jun 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (168 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 8 Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 10 – Jul 5

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
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,942 gal / 100 sq ft
Cucumber needs ~1,590 GDD — county provides 7,950 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Duval County, TX

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 16 Jan 16 โ€“ Jan 30
Transplant Outdoors February 20 Feb 20 โ€“ Mar 6
Direct Sow February 13 Feb 13 โ€“ Mar 6
Harvest April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ Jun 12

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 24" apart ยท Rows 48" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 9a

Growing Season

299 days

Growing Tips for Duval County

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 3 weeks early. Provide a trellis for vining types to save space and improve air circulation. Harvest frequently to encourage production.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes
  • Sage

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cucumber in Duval County, TX?

Duval County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Duval County, TX?

Duval County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Duval County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Duval County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.