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When to Plant Fava Beans in Roberts 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.

Roberts County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.

At an elevation of 1,068 feet, Roberts County receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, so Fava Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” 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.

Roberts County, TX (Zone 7a) Moderate season
190 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
190 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Roberts County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.5-8.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (70 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 7 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (71 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Aug 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (68 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 28 Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Aug 29

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Fava Beans needs ~2,056 GDD — county provides 4,465 GDD Excellent fit

Fava Beans Planting Timeline โ€” Roberts County, TX

Fava Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 โ€“ May 1
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 24
Fall Sowing August 15 Aug 15 โ€“ Aug 29
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 โ€“ Aug 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
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 7a

Growing Season

190 days

Growing Tips for Roberts 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 Roberts County, TX?

Roberts County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Roberts County, TX?

Roberts County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 24.

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Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Roberts County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Roberts County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.