When to Plant Fava Beans in Panola 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.
Panola County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.
At an elevation of 216 feet, Panola County receives approximately 68.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Fava Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Fava Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fava Beans root diseases.
Panola County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Fava Beans Planting Timeline — Panola County, TX
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Direct Sow | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 20 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 10 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
75–100 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
246 days
Growing Tips for Panola 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
Level Up Your Garden
Fava Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Fava Beans in Panola County, TX?
Panola County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Panola County, TX?
Panola County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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