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When to Plant Fava Beans in Calhoun County, TX

Fava beans are a cool-season legume with large, meaty beans inside thick pods. They fix nitrogen in the soil and are one of the oldest cultivated crops.

Calhoun County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 294 days.

At an elevation of 215 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 59.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 99ยฐF, so Fava Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fava Beans root diseases.

Calhoun County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
294 days
Last Spring Frost February 16
294 growing days
First Fall Frost December 7

Calhoun County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (192 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 26 Transplant: Jan 23 🍅 Harvest: Apr 10 – May 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (175 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 19 Transplant: Feb 16 🍅 Harvest: May 4 – Jun 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (166 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 10 Transplant: Mar 10 🍅 Harvest: May 26 – Jul 7

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
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 401 gal / 100 sq ft
Fava Beans needs ~2,122 GDD — county provides 7,153 GDD Excellent fit

Fava Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Calhoun County, TX

Fava Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 19 Jan 19 โ€“ Feb 2
Transplant Outdoors February 16 Feb 16 โ€“ Mar 2
Direct Sow January 26 Jan 26 โ€“ Feb 16
Fall Sowing October 12 Oct 12 โ€“ Oct 26
Harvest May 4 May 4 โ€“ Jun 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

75โ€“100 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 9a

Growing Season

294 days

Growing Tips for Calhoun County

Direct sow as early as soil can be worked in spring. Pinch growing tips when pods begin to form to redirect energy and reduce aphid problems. Stake tall varieties.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Fava Beans in Calhoun County, TX?

Calhoun County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 16. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Calhoun County, TX?

Calhoun County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 16 and first fall frost is December 7.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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