When to Plant Rosemary in Stephens County, TX
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.
Stephens County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 3,055 feet, Stephens County receives approximately 63.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Rosemary during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Rosemary root diseases.
Stephens County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.7
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 Stephens County
How your county's soil matches Rosemary's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.7) overlaps with Rosemary's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Stephens County is excellent for Rosemary — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Rosemary.
How to Plant Rosemary
Succession Planting Rosemary
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by May 14 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 1.3" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 1.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 1.3" | 10.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 1.3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 1.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 1.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 1.3" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 1.3" | 2.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Stephens 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 — Stephens County, TX
Rosemary Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Nov 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
220 days in Stephens County
Growing Tips for Rosemary in Stephens County
Direct sow Rosemary outdoors after April 04 in Stephens County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With 63" of annual rainfall in Stephens 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 Stephens County, TX?
Stephens County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Rosemary planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stephens County, TX?
Stephens County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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