When to Plant Fava Beans in Zavala 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.
Zavala County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.
At an elevation of 4,905 feet, Zavala County receives approximately 59.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Fava Beans during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Fava Beans root diseases.
Zavala County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.4
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 — Zavala County, TX
Fava Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 12 | Feb 12 – Mar 5 |
| Fall Sowing | September 20 | Sep 20 – Oct 4 |
| Harvest | May 14 | May 14 – Jun 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8b
Growing Season
276 days
Growing Tips for Zavala 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 Zavala County, TX?
Zavala County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Fava Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Zavala County, TX?
Zavala County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is November 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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