When to Plant Black Beans in Hidalgo County, TX
Black beans are a warm-season legume producing small, dark, protein-rich beans that are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
Hidalgo County, Texas is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 315 days.
At an elevation of 4,081 feet, Hidalgo County receives approximately 67 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Black Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Black Beans root diseases.
Hidalgo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Black Beans
Black Beans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Black Beans Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 10.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Hidalgo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Black Beans Planting Timeline — Hidalgo County, TX
Black Beans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 13 | Feb 13 – Mar 6 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jul 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
90–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
315 days in Hidalgo County
Growing Tips for Hidalgo County
Direct sow after last frost. Provide support for climbing varieties. Allow pods to dry fully on the vine before harvesting. Thresh dried pods by hand or in a pillowcase.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Black Beans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Black Beans in Hidalgo County, TX?
Hidalgo County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hidalgo County, TX?
Hidalgo County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 18.
Your Hidalgo County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hidalgo County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.