Blog

When to Plant Cucumber in Travis 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.

Travis County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 3,682 feet, Travis County receives approximately 66.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cucumber during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cucumber, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cucumber root diseases.

Travis County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Travis County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.8-8.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (135 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 29 Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: May 7 – Jul 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (136 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 6 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jul 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (124 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 8 Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 14 – Aug 9

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
1.1″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,223 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cucumber needs ~1,140 GDD — county provides 4,978 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Travis County, TX

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 โ€“ Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Apr 3
Harvest May 15 May 15 โ€“ Jul 10

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 8b

Growing Season

262 days

Growing Tips for Travis 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 Travis County, TX?

Travis County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Travis County, TX?

Travis County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 23.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Travis County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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 Travis County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.