When to Plant Rosemary in Jim Wells County, TX
Your May gardening checklist
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Collect rosemary at their peak
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: rosemary
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.
Jim Wells County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. 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 4,949 feet, Jim Wells County receives approximately 65.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 101°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.
Jim Wells County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.3
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 Wells County
How your county's soil matches Rosemary's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.3) is within Rosemary's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jim Wells County is excellent for Rosemary — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (2.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 1.3" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 1.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 1.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 8.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.3" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 1.3" | 1.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Jim Wells 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 — Jim Wells 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
299 days in Jim Wells County
Growing Tips for Rosemary in Jim Wells County
Direct sow Rosemary outdoors after February 13 in Jim Wells County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 101°F in Jim Wells County, provide afternoon shade for Rosemary and water deeply in the morning.
With 65" of annual rainfall in Jim Wells 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 Jim Wells County, TX?
Jim Wells County is in Zone 9b 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 Jim Wells County, TX?
Jim Wells County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 9.
Your Jim Wells County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jim Wells 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.