When to Plant Broccoli in Titus County, TX
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense cool-season crop that produces large central heads followed by smaller side shoots. It is one of the most popular garden vegetables.
Titus County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 238 days.
At an elevation of 314 feet, Titus County receives approximately 72.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Broccoli during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ great for early planting โ but Broccoli will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Broccoli root diseases.
Titus County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
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 Titus County
How your county's soil matches Broccoli's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4โ6.8) overlaps with Broccoli's range (6.0โ7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Titus County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Broccoli will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Broccoli.
How to Plant Broccoli
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Broccoli
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Broccoli
Broccoli needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Broccoli Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | โ | 1.7" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | โ | 2.4" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 8.9" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 10.6" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 11.6" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.2" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.8" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.8" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Dec | โ | 1.8" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (MarโNov in Titus County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Broccoli 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" โ every day above 50ยฐF 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 Planting Timeline โ Titus County, TX
Broccoli Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 11 | Feb 11 โ Feb 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 โ Apr 1 |
| Direct Sow | March 4 | Mar 4 โ Mar 25 |
| Harvest | May 20 | May 20 โ Jul 1 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 โ Sep 16 |
Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | โ |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | โ |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | โ |
| November | โ |
| December | โ |
Growing Conditions
โ๏ธ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
๐ง Water
1"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient
๐ Days to Maturity
60โ90 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 6โ7 ยท Your soil: acceptable
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
๐ Growing Season
238 days in Titus County
Growing Tips for Broccoli in Titus County
Direct sow Broccoli outdoors after March 18 in Titus County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Titus County dries quickly โ mulch Broccoli with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Titus County reach 91ยฐF โ grow Broccoli as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Common pests for Broccoli in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Provide consistent moisture to prevent hollow stems. Harvest heads before yellow flowers appear.
Recommended Broccoli Varieties for Titus County
Heat-tolerant broccoli โ plant as early spring or fall crop
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 1/2 mile from other brassicas. Biennial โ must overwinter roots.
Broccoli in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Broccoli in Titus County, TX?
Titus County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Broccoli planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Titus County, TX?
Titus County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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