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When to Plant Broccoli Rabe in Kaufman County, TX

Broccoli rabe (rapini) is a brassica grown for its slightly bitter, nutty-flavored florets, leaves, and stems. It is a staple in Italian cooking.

Kaufman County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.

At an elevation of 144 feet, Kaufman County receives approximately 59.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Broccoli Rabe during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Broccoli Rabe, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli Rabe root diseases.

Kaufman County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
251 days
Last Spring Frost March 12
251 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Kaufman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Broccoli Rabe Planting Timeline — Kaufman County, TX

Broccoli Rabe Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Direct Sow February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 19
Harvest April 23 Apr 23 – May 28
Fall Sowing September 9 Sep 9 – Sep 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

251 days in Kaufman County

Growing Tips for Kaufman County

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

  • Strawberries

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Broccoli Rabe in Kaufman County, TX?

Kaufman County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Broccoli Rabe planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kaufman County, TX?

Kaufman County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 18.

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Your Kaufman County Garden Planner — Free

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

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Kaufman 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.