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When to Plant Black Beans in Sutton 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.

Sutton County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 227 days.

At an elevation of 4,068 feet, Sutton County receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Black Beans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Black Beans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Sutton County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
227 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
227 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Sutton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.8-8.7

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 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sutton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Black Beans Planting Timeline — Sutton County, TX

Black Beans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

227 days in Sutton County

Growing Tips for Sutton 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Black Beans in Sutton County, TX?

Sutton County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Black Beans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sutton County, TX?

Sutton County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 10.

🌱

Your Sutton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sutton County (Zone 8a). 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 Sutton 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.