When To Plant Broccoli In Texas

If you’re planning your Texas garden, knowing when to plant broccoli is the key to a successful harvest. This cool-season crop can thrive here, but our unique climate means timing is everything.

Get it right, and you’ll enjoy tight, flavorful heads. Plant at the wrong time, and you might end up with bitter, flowering plants. Let’s break down the best schedule for your region and how to make your broccoli plants prosper.

Texas is a big state with several distinct growing zones. The ideal planting time depends almost entirely on whether you’re in North, Central, or South Texas. The goal is to time your planting so the heads mature during cool weather.

North Texas Planting Windows

This region experiences colder winters and a shorter fall season. Your main planting opportunity is in the fall.

Fall Planting: Start seeds indoors in mid to late July. Transplant your seedlings into the garden in late August or early September. This gives them time to mature before the first hard freeze.
Spring Planting: This is trickier but possible. You must plant very early. Start seeds indoors in January and transplant by early to mid-February. You’ll be racing against the heat, which can cause bolting.

Central Texas Planting Windows

Central Texas gardeners have a bit more flexibility with a longer, milder fall.

Fall Planting: This is your best and easiest season. Sow seeds directly or start transplants in August for a September garden setting. Your broccoli will mature through the lovely fall cool-down.
Spring Planting: For a spring crop, get transplants in the ground by mid-February. Starting from seed in January is recomended for a head start.

South Texas Planting Windows

With very mild winters, South Texas focuses almost entirely on a fall and winter harvest.

Fall/Winter Planting: Plant from October through December. The cool winter months are your prime growing season. You can often harvest well into spring if temperatures stay moderate.
Spring Planting: Generally not advised, as the heat arrives to quickly and will spoil the crop.

Using Transplants vs. Direct Seed

Most Texas gardeners have better luck starting with transplants. You can buy them from a local nursery or start your own seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your transplant date. This gives the young plants a strong advantage against pests and weather. Direct seeding is possible in the fall, but you’ll need to keep the soil consistently moist for germination, which can be a challenge in late summer heat.

Signs You’ve Planted Too Late

Broccoli that experiences heat stress will “bolt,” meaning it sends up a flower stalk prematurely. The head becomes loose, bitter, and inedible. If you see a tall, central stalk with yellow flowers forming, the plant is telling you it’s too hot. Unfortunately, there’s no fixing it at this stage—just note to plant earlier next season.

How to Grow Broccoli Successfully in Texas

Once you’ve nailed the timing, proper care will ensure a bountiful harvest. Broccoli needs consistent attention, especially in our variable conditions.

Site Selection and Soil Prep

Choose a spot that gets full sun—at least 6 hours daily. Broccoli prefers rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).

Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into your garden bed a few weeks before planting.
Add a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer according to package directions. Good nutrition from the start is crucial.
Ensure the bed drains well; raised beds are an excellent option for improving drainage in heavy Texas clay soils.

Planting and Spacing

Proper spacing allows for good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

Space transplants 18 to 24 inches apart in rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart.
Plant them at the same depth they were growing in their container.
Water them in thoroughly with a starter fertilizer to reduce transplant shock.

Watering and Mulching

Consistent moisture is non-negotiable for forming tight, sweet heads. Broccoli needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.

Water deeply at the base of the plants, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent disease.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (like straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings) around the plants. This keeps the soil cool, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds.

During a dry spell, you may need to water more frequently. Check the soil a few inches down; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Fertilizing for Growth

Broccoli is a heavy feeder. After the initial soil prep, you’ll want to feed it again during the growing season.

Side-dress the plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal or a balanced vegetable food) about 3 weeks after transplanting.
Apply another side-dressing when the heads begin to form. This gives the plant the energy it needs to produce a large, dense head.

Common Pests and Problems

Texas gardens come with their own set of challenges. Here’s what to watch for:

Cabbage Loopers & Imported Cabbageworms: These green caterpillars are the most common pest. Handpick them or use an organic Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray, which is very effective and safe.
Aphids: They cluster on stems and undersides of leaves. A strong spray of water from the hose can dislodge them, or use insecticidal soap.
Heat Stress: As mentioned, this causes bolting. Using shade cloth in an unexpectedly hot spring can sometimes buy you extra time.
Poor Head Formation: This can be caused by stress from temperature extremes, inadequate water, or poor soil nutrition. Sticking to the schedule and care tips above is your best defense.

Harvesting and Storing Your Broccoli

Your patience pays off when those beautiful green heads appear! Harvest when the head is firm, tight, and the individual flower buds are still small and compact. If you see yellow petals starting to open, harvest immediately.

Use a sharp knife to cut the main head at a slant, about 5 to 6 inches down the stem. After you harvest the main head, many varieties will produce smaller side shoots for several weeks. Keep caring for the plant, and you’ll get a continuous, though smaller, secondary harvest.

Store unwashed heads in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer for up to a week. For longer storage, broccoli freezes beautifully after a quick blanching.

Recommended Varieties for Texas

Choosing heat-tolerant or fast-maturing varieties can improve your chances. Some reliable choices include:

‘Packman’: A fast-maturing variety good for spring planting.
‘Green Magic’: Known for its heat tolerance and excellent flavor.
‘Belstar’: A hybrid that performs well in both spring and fall, with good side-shoot production.
‘Waltham 29’: A classic, reliable heirloom good for fall harvests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you grow broccoli year-round in Texas?

No, broccoli is a cool-season crop and cannot tolerate our summer heat. It is grown primarily in the fall, winter (in South Texas), and early spring.

What month do you plant broccoli in Texas?

It varies by region: North Texas plants in late summer for fall. Central Texas plants in late summer/early fall. South Texas plants in fall through winter.

How do you keep broccoli from bolting in Texas?

The primary method is correct timing—planting so it matures in cool weather. Using transplants, providing consistent water, and applying mulch to keep soil cool also helps delay bolting.

Does broccoli need full sun in Texas?

Yes, it needs at least 6 hours of direct sun. In very hot spring weather, some afternoon shade can sometimes help, but full sun is generally best for strong growth.

Can I plant broccoli in October in Texas?

Yes, October planting is ideal for South Texas and is possible in Central Texas if you use transplants. In North Texas, October is usually to late for a fall crop unless you use established transplants very early in the month.

Growing broccoli in Texas is all about working with our climate, not against it. By following the regional planting guides and providing consistent care, you can enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own homegrown broccoli. The flavor of fresh-picked broccoli, especially after a light frost, is far superior to anything you’ll find in a store. Give it a try this season—your garden and your dinner table will thank you.