When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Jim Hogg County, TX
Your May game plan for Jim Hogg County, Texas
Welcome to May in Zone 9b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
It's harvest week for broccoli rabe
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a brassica grown for its slightly bitter, nutty-flavored florets, leaves, and stems. It is a staple in Italian cooking.
Jim Hogg County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 16 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 292 days.
At an elevation of 4,270 feet, Jim Hogg County receives approximately 59.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Broccoli Rabe may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli Rabe root diseases.
Jim Hogg County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
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 Jim Hogg County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli Rabe's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.3) is within Broccoli Rabe's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jim Hogg County is excellent for Broccoli Rabe — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Broccoli Rabe.
How to Plant Broccoli Rabe
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Broccoli Rabe
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 10.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli Rabe
Broccoli Rabe needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Broccoli Rabe Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 2" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.5" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 10.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.5" | 1.4" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Jim Hogg County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli Rabe 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.
Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline — Jim Hogg County, TX
Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Direct Sow | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 16 |
| Harvest | March 30 | Mar 30 – May 4 |
| Fall Sowing | October 10 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
292 days in Jim Hogg County
Growing Tips for Broccoli Rabe in Jim Hogg County
Direct sow Broccoli Rabe outdoors after February 16 in Jim Hogg County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Jim Hogg County, provide afternoon shade for Broccoli Rabe and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 293.0-day season in Jim Hogg County allows multiple plantings of Broccoli Rabe. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Broccoli Rabe in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. Harvest when small yellow flower buds first appear but before they open. Cut the main shoot first to encourage side shoots.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Broccoli Rabe in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Jim Hogg County, TX?
Jim Hogg County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 16. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jim Hogg County, TX?
Jim Hogg County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 16 and first fall frost is December 5.
Your Jim Hogg County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jim Hogg County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.