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When to Plant Kidney Beans in Texas

Kidney beans are a popular dry bean variety named for their shape, available in red and white types. They are the classic bean for chili and red beans and rice.

Texas spans USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Kidney Beans planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Kidney Beans Planting Calendar for Texas

Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 10 Apr 10 – May 1
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Aug 14
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 22
Harvest July 1 Jul 1 – Aug 5
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 15
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 – Jul 29
Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 15 Mar 15 – Apr 5
Harvest June 14 Jun 14 – Jul 19
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 25
Harvest June 3 Jun 3 – Jul 8
Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 10
Harvest May 19 May 19 – Jun 23
Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 22
Harvest May 3 May 3 – Jun 7

Growing Tips for Texas

Direct sow after frost. Allow pods to dry completely on the plant. Kidney beans must be thoroughly cooked as raw or undercooked beans contain harmful lectins.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Kidney Beans in Texas?

Planting dates for Kidney Beans in Texas depend on your USDA zone. Texas spans zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Texas for planting?

Texas contains USDA hardiness zones 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.