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When to Plant Broccoli in Brown County, TX

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.

Brown County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.

At an elevation of 4,423 feet, Brown County receives approximately 55.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Broccoli may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.

Brown County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
237 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
237 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Brown County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

How Much Broccoli to Grow

1-2 lbs
Average yield per plant
3
Plants per person
6 sq ft
Space per person

For a family of 4, plant approximately 12 broccoli plants in about 24 sq ft. In Brown County's 237-day season, you'll have plenty of time for a full harvest. Plan your garden layout →

Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli

Broccoli needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Broccoli Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 7.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Brown County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Broccoli Planting Timeline — Brown County, TX

Broccoli Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Direct Sow March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 29
Harvest May 24 May 24 – Jul 5
Fall Sowing September 5 Sep 5 – Sep 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
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

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

237 days in Brown County

Growing Tips for Brown County

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Tomatoes
  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Broccoli Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Allow plants to flower 2nd year; collect dry pods.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial — must overwinter roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli in Brown County, TX?

Brown County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Brown County, TX?

Brown County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 14.

🌱

Your Brown County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Brown County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Brown County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.