When To Plant Herbs In Texas

Knowing when to plant herbs in Texas is the single most important factor for a succesful garden. This guide covers the best planting times for herbs across our unique state, helping you work with the climate, not against it.

Texas gardening is all about timing. Our long growing season is a huge advantage, but our intense heat and variable winters require a smart schedule. Whether you’re in humid Houston, windy Amarillo, or sunny San Antonio, getting your herbs in the ground at the right moment makes all the difference.

Texas has multiple planting seasons. The key is dividing herbs into two main groups: cool-season and warm-season. Cool-season herbs thrive in the milder temperatures of fall and spring. Warm-season herbs love the heat of our long summers.

For most of Texas, this breaks down into three primary planting windows:

Early Spring (February – April): Plant cool-season herbs and start warm-season herbs after the last frost.
Fall (September – November): The ideal time to plant many cool-season herbs for harvest through winter and spring.
Summer (April – June): The time for heat-loving herbs to truly shine.

Understanding Your Texas Growing Zone

Texas spans USDA Hardiness Zones 6b to 10a. This means our first and last frost dates vary wildly. Check your specific zone to fine-tune your calendar.

North Texas (Zones 7a-8a): Last frost around mid-March to early April. First frost around mid-November.
Central Texas (Zones 8a-8b): Last frost around early to mid-March. First frost around late November.
South Texas & Gulf Coast (Zones 9a-10a): Frosts are rare or very light. Planting can occur nearly year-round, with summer being the main challenge.
West Texas & Panhandle (Zones 6b-7b): Shorter growing season. Last frost can be as late as mid-April, first frost as early as late October.

Cool-Season Herbs: Planting Guide

These herbs prefer temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. They often bolt (flower and turn bitter) in the summer heat. Plant them in fall for a long harvest or in very early spring.

Best Planting Times for Cool-Season Herbs

Cilantro: Plant seeds in September-October for a fall/winter crop, or February-March for a spring crop. It bolts quickly in late spring.
Parsley: Plant transplants or seeds in February-March or again in September-October. It’s more heat-tolerant than most cool-season herbs.
Dill: Sow seeds in early spring (March) or fall (September). It has a taproot and dosn’t like being transplanted.
Chives: Plant divisions or starts in early spring (February-March) or fall (October). They are perennial and come back yearly.
Mint: Plant in early spring or fall. It’s a vigorous perennial; consider confining it to a pot.
Fennel: Plant seeds in early spring (March) or fall (September-October).

Warm-Season Herbs: Planting Guide

These herbs originate from Mediterranean climates and need full sun and well-drained soil. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up thoroughly.

Best Planting Times for Warm-Season Herbs

Basil: Plant transplants or seeds after the last frost, from April through June. For continous harvest, do successive plantings every few weeks.
Rosemary: Plant transplants in spring (April-May) or early fall (September). It’s a woody perennial that thrives for years.
Oregano: Plant in spring after frost danger passes. This perennial ground cover gets better each year.
Thyme: Plant in spring (April-May). It’s another reliable perennial that likes gritty soil.
Sage: Plant in spring. It’s a perennial shrub that can struggle in extreme humidity; ensure excellent drainage.
Lemon Balm: Plant in spring or fall. It’s in the mint family and can spread easily.

Monthly Planting Calendar for Texas Herbs

This general calendar adjusts based on your specific zone. Move dates later for North Texas and earlier for South Texas.

January – February

Focus on planning and indoor starts. In late February, you can sow seeds for cool-season herbs like cilantro and parsley indoors or in protected cold frames. In South Texas, you can begin direct sowing outdoors.

March – April

The main spring planting rush. After your last frost date, transplant cool-season herbs and direct sow warm-season herb seeds (basil, dill). By mid-to-late April, plant all warm-season perennial transplants like rosemary and oregano.

May – June

Finish planting heat-lovers. It’s your last call for planting basil, mint, and lemongrass. Ensure new plantings get plenty of water as they establish in the increasing heat. Mulch heavily to conserve moisture.

July – August

Survival mode for many herbs. Focus on harvesting and keeping plants alive. Provide afternoon shade if possible. Do not fertilize heavily. In late August, start planning your fall garden.

September – October

The premier planting season for much of Texas. As temperatures cool, plant your cool-season herbs from seed or transplant. This includes cilantro, parsley, dill, and chives. You can also plant perennial herbs like thyme and oregano so they establish roots over the mild winter.

November – December

In most regions, protect tender herbs from early frosts with cloths. In South and Coastal Texas, you can continue planting cool-season herbs. This is a good time to divide and transplant perennial herbs like mint and oregano.

Step-by-Step: Planting Herbs Successfully

Choose the Right Location: Most herbs need 6-8 hours of direct sun. A few, like mint and lemon balm, tolerate partial shade.
Prepare the Soil: Texas soil is often heavy clay. Amend with 3-4 inches of compost to improve drainage and fertility. Raised beds are an excellent solution for poor drainage.
Plant at the Correct Depth: For transplants, plant at the same depth they were in the pot. For seeds, follow packet instructions—most herb seeds are tiny and need only a light covering.
Water Wisely: Water deeply immediately after planting. Then, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Herbs generally prefer drier conditions over soggy roots.
Apply Mulch: Use a 1-2 inch layer of organic mulch (like shredded cedar or straw) to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cooler in summer.
Harvest Regularly: Frequent harvesting encourages bushier growth. Never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Planting at the Wrong Time: Putting basil out in March in Dallas or planting cilantro in July in Austin is a recipe for dissapointment.
Overwatering: Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano are highly susceptible to root rot in wet soil.
Using Rich Soil or Too Much Fertilizer: This leads to lots of leafy growth with poor flavor. Herbs do best in moderately fertile soil.
Crowding Plants: Give herbs space for air circulation. This prevents fungal diseases, especially in humid areas.
Ignoring Perennials: Herbs like rosemary, sage, and oregano live for years. Give them a permanent spot where they won’t be disturbed.

FAQ: Best Planting Times for Herbs in Texas

What month is best to plant an herb garden in Texas?

For a comprehensive garden, aim for two main months: April (to get warm-season herbs established) and September (to plant cool-season herbs for fall/winter/spring harvest). This gives you year-round production.

Can you grow herbs in Texas year round?

Yes, with careful planning. You’ll harvest cool-season herbs in fall, winter, and spring, and warm-season herbs from late spring through early fall. There may be a gap in peak summer for some cool-season types.

Is it better to plant herbs in spring or fall in Texas?

Fall is often easier and more productive for many herbs, especially cool-season varieties. The soil is warm, rains are more frequent, and temperatures are mild, allowing for strong root development without summer stress.

How do you protect herbs from Texas summer heat?

Use mulch to cool roots. Provide afternoon shade with a shade cloth or plant near taller plants. Water deeply and less frequently in the early morning. Consider moving potted herbs to a shaded patio during the hottest weeks.

What are the easiest herbs to grow for beginners in Texas?

Start with tough, reliable perennials: Rosemary, oregano, thyme, and mint are almost foolproof. For annuals, basil (in summer) and cilantro (in fall) are great choices.

Getting your timing right is the foundation of a bountiful Texas herb garden. By aligning your planting with our distinct seasons, you ensure your plants are healthy, flavorful, and productive. Keep a simple garden journal to note what works best in your specific yard, and you’ll refine your personal planting schedule year after year.