When to Plant Rosemary in Duval County, TX
Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and a piney, citrus flavor. It is a Mediterranean herb that thrives in warm, dry conditions.
Duval County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 299 days.
At an elevation of 4,259 feet, Duval County receives approximately 55.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Rosemary may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Rosemary root diseases.
Duval County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Duval County
How your county's soil matches Rosemary's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.3) is within Rosemary's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Duval County is excellent for Rosemary — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Rosemary.
How to Plant Rosemary
Succession Planting Rosemary
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 12 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Rosemary
Rosemary needs approximately 0.3 inches of water per week (1.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Rosemary Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.3" | 1.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.3" | 1.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.3" | 1.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Duval County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Rosemary Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Rosemary Planting Timeline — Duval County, TX
Rosemary Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Oct 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.3"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
299 days in Duval County
Growing Tips for Rosemary in Duval County
Direct sow Rosemary outdoors after February 13 in Duval County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Duval County, provide afternoon shade for Rosemary and water deeply in the morning.
With 55" of annual rainfall in Duval County, ensure good drainage for Rosemary — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
General growing tips
Grow in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. In cold climates, grow in containers and bring indoors for winter. Propagate from stem cuttings for faster results than seed.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Rosemary in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Rosemary in Duval County, TX?
Duval County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Rosemary planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Duval County, TX?
Duval County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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