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When to Plant Cucumber in Upton 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.

Upton County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.

At an elevation of 1,734 feet, Upton County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Cucumber may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Upton County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
237 days
Last Spring Frost March 20
237 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Upton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.8-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (112 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 10 Transplant: Mar 24 🍅 Harvest: May 19 – Jul 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: May 29 – Jul 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 16 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 17

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,514 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cucumber needs ~1,320 GDD — county provides 5,214 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Upton County, TX

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 โ€“ Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 17
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 โ€“ Apr 17
Harvest May 29 May 29 โ€“ Jul 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors 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 7b

Growing Season

237 days

Growing Tips for Upton 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 Upton County, TX?

Upton County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 20. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Upton County, TX?

Upton County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 20 and first fall frost is November 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Upton 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 Upton County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.