If you’re planning your Texas garden, knowing when to plant beans is crucial for a great harvest. The optimal planting season guide for beans in Texas depends heavily on your specific region and the type of bean you choose.
Beans are a warm-season crop that thrive in our heat but can’t handle frost. Getting the timing right means you’ll get stronger plants and a much bigger yield. This guide will walk you through the best dates, varieties, and tips for success across the state.
When to Plant Beans in Texas – Optimal Planting Season Guide
Texas has several distinct growing zones, from the cool Panhandle to the humid Gulf Coast. Because of this, there is no single planting date that works everywhere. The key is to understand your local frost dates and soil temperature.
For most of Texas, you have two main planting windows: spring and fall. Spring planting happens after the last frost. Fall planting happens in late summer, timed so beans mature before the first frost of winter.
Understanding Your Texas Growing Zone
First, identify your USDA Hardiness Zone. This will be your starting point for all timing decisions. You can find this with a quick online search using your zip code.
- North Texas (Zones 7a-8a): Last spring frost is typically early to mid-April. First fall frost is around early November.
- Central Texas (Zones 8a-8b): Last spring frost is mid to late March. First fall frost is mid to late November.
- South Texas & Gulf Coast (Zones 9a-10a): Frosts are rare. Spring planting can begin in February, and fall planting can extend into October.
- West Texas & Panhandle (Zones 6b-7b): A shorter growing season. Last spring frost is late April. First fall frost is mid to late October.
Spring Planting Dates by Region
Plant when soil temperatures have reliably reached at least 60°F (70°F is ideal for lima beans). Seeds will rot in cold, damp soil.
- South Texas: Plant from mid-February through March.
- Central Texas: Plant from late March to mid-April.
- North & West Texas: Plant from late April to mid-May.
Fall Planting Dates by Region
Fall planting is excellent for a second harvest. Count backwards from your first fall frost date using the “days to maturity” on your seed packet.
- North & West Texas: Plant in late July to early August.
- Central Texas: Plant in early to late August.
- South Texas: Plant from late August through September, sometimes even early October.
Choosing the Right Bean Type for Texas
Selecting heat-tolerant and disease-resistant varieties will make your gardening much more succesful. Here are some top choices.
Bush Beans
These grow in compact bushes, don’t need staking, and mature quickly (about 50-60 days). They are perfect for succession planting.
- ‘Contender’ (Snap Bean): Extremely heat-tolerant and productive.
- ‘Roma II’ (Italian Flat Bean): Great flavor, handles heat well.
- ‘Lima Bush Henderson’ (Lima Bean): A reliable bush lima for our climate.
Pole Beans
These vines require a trellis but produce over a longer season. They are a good space-saver.
- ‘Kentucky Wonder’ (Snap Bean): A classic, hardy, and flavorful heirloom.
- ‘Blue Lake’ (Snap Bean): Excellent for canning and fresh eating.
- ‘Mississippi Silver’ (Cowpea/Southern Pea): Thrives in brutal heat and humidity.
Southern Peas (Cowpeas)
These are not true beans but are grown the same way. They are incredibly resilient in Texas heat.
- ‘Black-Eyed Pea’: The traditional favorite.
- ‘Purple Hull Pinkeye’: Prolific and delicious.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps to ensure your beans get the best possible start.
- Site Selection: Choose a spot that gets full sun (at least 8 hours daily). Beans need lots of light.
- Soil Preparation: Beans prefer well-drained soil. Work in 2-3 inches of compost. They don’t need a lot of extra nitrogen; they produce their own.
- Planting Seeds: Sow seeds 1 inch deep. Space bush beans 3-4 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. Space pole beans 6 inches apart at the base of a trellis.
- Watering: Water the seeds gently but thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which usually takes 7-10 days.
- Mulching: Once plants are a few inches tall, apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Caring for Your Bean Plants
Ongoing care is simple but important for preventing problems.
Watering Schedule
Water deeply about 1-2 inches per week. Always water at the base of the plants to keep leaves dry and prevent fungal diseases. Drip irrigation is a great option.
Fertilizing
If you prepared your soil with compost, little extra fertilizer is needed. If plants look pale, a light side-dressing of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer when they begin to bloom can help.
Pest and Disease Management
Texas gardens face a few common issues.
- Mexican Bean Beetles: Hand-pick or use neem oil.
- Aphids: Spray off with a strong stream of water.
- Rust & Powdery Mildew: Avoid overhead watering. Ensure good air circulation. Plant resistant varieties.
- Heat Stress: Mulch heavily and water consistently during peak summer heat. Some varieties will stop setting pods in extreme temps above 90°F; fall planting can avoid this.
Harvesting Your Texas Beans
Harvest timing affects flavor and texture. Check plants daily once they start producing.
- Snap Beans: Pick when pods are firm, crisp, and before you see the seeds bulging inside. Regular harvesting encourages more production.
- Shelling Beans: Wait until the pods fill out but before they turn brown and dry on the plant.
- Dry Beans: Allow the pods to dry completely on the plant. Harvest on a dry day and shell the beans for storage.
FAQs: Planting Beans in Texas
Can I plant beans in the summer in Texas?
It depends. Mid-summer heat (July) is often to intense for most bean varieties to set flowers. Your best bet is to plant early so you harvest by early summer, or wait for a late summer/fall planting. Heat-tolerant cowpeas are the exception.
How late can you plant beans?
For a fall crop, calculate your planting date by taking your first frost date and subtracting the number of “days to maturity” on your seed packet plus about 10 extra days for slower growth as days shorten. This is your last practical planting date.
Should I soak bean seeds before planting?
In Texas, it’s generally not recommended for spring planting in warm, moist soil. For a late summer fall planting in hard, dry soil, a short soak (no more than 2-4 hours) can aid germination, but planting into pre-moistened soil is better.
Why are my bean plants flowering but not producing pods?
This is usually caused by extreme heat (above 90°F) or stress from lack of water. Night temperatures above 75°F can also cause flowers to abort. Ensure consistent watering and consider using shade cloth during the hottest part of the day. Fall-planted beans often avoid this problem.
What are the easiest beans to grow in Texas?
Bush snap beans like ‘Contender’ and Southern peas (cowpeas) are the most forgiving and reliable for beginners due to their heat and drought tolerance.
By following this regional timing guide and choosing the right varieties, you can enjoy a bountiful bean harvest from your Texas garden. Remember, soil warmth is your signal for spring, and the fall countdown from your frost date is your key to a second season. With a little planning, you can have fresh beans on your table for many months of the year.