When to plant in Texas
Texas spans USDA hardiness zones 6a-10a. Average last spring frost: varies hugely by region (no frost in Rio Grande Valley). Average first fall frost: varies hugely. This calendar is anchored to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension's recommendations, with timing adjusted for the dominant climate zone of the state.
Texas at a glance
| USDA hardiness zones | 6a-10a |
| Region | Gulf Coast/Plains |
| Average last spring frost | varies hugely by region (no frost in Rio Grande Valley) |
| Average first fall frost | varies hugely |
| Primary Extension service | Texas A&M AgriLife Extension |
What grows particularly well in Texas
These are the crops, ornamentals, and trees Texas A&M AgriLife Extension highlights as well-suited to Texas's climate:
- pecan (state tree)
- bluebonnet
- tomato
- okra
- citrus (Valley)
- crepe myrtle
- live oak
Texas planting calendar
Dates are approximate and based on the dominant USDA zone for the state. For zone-specific timing, use the zone finder by ZIP code and frost date lookup tools.
Spring planting (after last frost: varies hugely by region (no frost in Rio Grande Valley))
Cool-season vegetables (start 2-6 weeks before last frost outdoors): lettuce, spinach, peas, radishes, carrots, beets, kale, broccoli transplants, cabbage transplants.
Warm-season vegetables (after last frost, soil 60F+): tomato transplants, pepper transplants, beans (direct sow), cucumbers, squash, melons. See the seed starting timeline tool for indoor start dates.
Annual flowers (after last frost): zinnia, marigold, cosmos, sunflower, nasturtium.
Perennials, shrubs, trees: Plant in spring after soil thaws but before summer heat. Best window in Texas: 4-6 weeks after last frost.
Summer (June - August)
Maintenance season for most Texas gardens. Mulch heavily, water deeply (1 inch per week), pinch back mums for fall bloom, hand-pull weeds, harvest summer vegetables. Plant fall vegetable starts indoors by mid-July.
Fall planting (before first frost: varies hugely)
Cool-season vegetables (6-8 weeks before first frost): lettuce, spinach, radish, kale, broccoli, cabbage transplants. Per Penn State Extension, fall vegetable production can equal or exceed spring production with proper timing.
Spring-flowering bulbs: tulip, daffodil, allium, crocus, hyacinth. Plant 4-6 weeks before ground freezes. In Texas: typically October-November.
Perennials, shrubs, trees: Fall is the best planting season for woody plants in most of Texas - cooler temperatures + autumn rains reduce transplant stress. Plant 6+ weeks before first hard freeze.
Garlic: Plant cloves in October-November. Harvest the following July.
Winter (December - February)
Most of Texas is in dormancy. Tasks: order seeds, plan next year, dormant prune fruit trees (February), order bare-root plants for spring delivery. Avoid foot traffic on frozen lawns.
Common Texas challenges
Extreme heat (110F+); drought; hurricane risk on coast; clay soil that cracks; fire ants; hill country alkaline soil; February 2021 winter freeze devastated landscape plants. For region-specific guidance, see our Gulf Coast/Plains regional gardening guide.
Where to get Texas-specific advice
The most reliable source for local growing advice is your county Extension office. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has county offices that provide free soil testing, plant disease diagnosis, and growing recommendations specific to your microclimate.
Visit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension for the office nearest you.
Related tools and guides
- Find your USDA zone by ZIP code
- Look up your average frost dates
- Seasonal care calendar by zone
- Seed starting timeline calculator
- Gulf Coast/Plains regional gardening guide