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When to Plant Cucumber in Leon 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.

Leon County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.

At an elevation of 226 feet, Leon County receives approximately 72.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Cucumber will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cucumber root diseases.

Leon County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
250 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
250 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Leon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 3 Transplant: Mar 17 🍅 Harvest: May 12 – Jul 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (124 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 9 Transplant: Mar 23 🍅 Harvest: May 18 – Jul 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (114 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Aug 11

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
1.2″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 616 gal / 100 sq ft
Cucumber needs ~1,095 GDD — county provides 4,562 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Leon County, TX

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 9 Feb 9 โ€“ Feb 23
Transplant Outdoors March 23 Mar 23 โ€“ Apr 6
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Apr 6
Harvest May 18 May 18 โ€“ Jul 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
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 8a

Growing Season

250 days

Growing Tips for Leon 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 Leon County, TX?

Leon County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Leon County, TX?

Leon County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 14.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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