Planting calendar for Brownsville, Texas

Dates from 30 years of records at the WFO Brownsville weather station, 5.0 miles from Brownsville, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.

Brownsville at a glance

Weather station: WFO Brownsville · 5.0 mi
USDA zone: 10a
Frost: Brief: typically Jan 4–9; 1 year in 10 Dec 9–Mar 1
Hottest month: August: highs 94°F, nights 77°F
Coldest month: January: highs 70°F, nights 50°F
Rain: 27 in. a year, most in June, September and October

What shapes the seasons here

Frost is brief in Brownsville: the frosty spell typically runs only from about Jan 4 to Jan 9, and 1 year in 10 it stretches from Dec 9 to Mar 1. Tender crops can go in most of the year; summer heat, not frost, is the main limit.

Summer nights average 77°F in August. Above about 75°F, tomatoes and peppers stop setting fruit, so the best tomato planting here is Jan 16–30, Sep 7–27, timed so plants fruit before or after the hottest weeks.

Brownsville gets about 27 inches of rain a year, most of it in June, September and October.

169 of the 174 crops in the app grow here; 5 need a different climate (listed near the bottom).

When to plant the most popular crops

JFMAMJJASOND

Tomato (slicing)

Tomato (cherry & grape)

Pepper (sweet / bell)

Pepper (hot / chili)

Eggplant

Cucumber (slicing)

Summer squash & zucchini

Watermelon

Bean (bush snap)

Sweet corn

Okra

Sweet potato

Potato

Pea (snap & snow)

Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)

Spinach

Kale

Collard greens

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrot

Radish

Onion (bulbing)

Garlic

Basil

Cilantro

Strawberry

Best Can plant Start indoors

Get these dates as reminders for your exact yard

The free Year Round Garden app uses the weather station nearest your own address, not just the city. It reminds you when to start seeds, plant and harvest, sends frost and storm alerts from the National Weather Service, and keeps a garden journal. No account needed, in English and Spanish.

Download on the App Store Free for up to 5 plants on iPhone and Android.

What to plant in Brownsville, month by month

January81

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Artichoke, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Broccoli raab (rapini), Carrot, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Pumpkin, Radish, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Turnip, Watercress, Winter squash

Herbs: Anise hyssop, Bay laurel, Borage, Catnip, Chamomile, Chives, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lovage, Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Sorrel (French / garden), Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Thyme, Winter savory

Fruit: Cucamelon / mouse melon, Fig, Ground cherry, Muscadine grape, Passion fruit

Flowers: Black-eyed Susan, Calendula, Milkweed (native), Nasturtium, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Daikon radish, Fennel (bulb), Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Potato, Radicchio, Spinach, Taro (dasheen), Caraway, Chervil, Cilantro, Lemon verbena, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Blackberry, Blueberry, Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), California poppy, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Marigold, Pansy / viola, Stock, Sunflower, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Malabar spinach, Basil, Papaya, Annual salvia, Celosia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold

February25

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Bean (lima), Chickpea / garbanzo, Edamame, Eggplant, Purslane, Swiss chard, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winter melon / wax gourd

Herbs: Basil, Bay laurel, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Papalo, Rosemary, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Marigold, Nasturtium, Strawflower, Sunflower

Can also plant

Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Pumpkin, Radish, Shallot, Spinach, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Taro (dasheen), Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Turnip, Watercress, Winter squash, Anise hyssop, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Chives, Cilantro, Cuban oregano, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Sorrel (French / garden), Stevia, Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Thyme, Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Fig, Ground cherry, Passion fruit, Pineapple, Calendula, Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Milkweed (native), Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Sweet alyssum, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Ginger, Papaya, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

March29

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cassava (yuca), Chaya (tree spinach), Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Peanut, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Taro (dasheen), Winged bean, Yardlong bean

Herbs: Cuban oregano, Culantro, Stevia, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)

Fruit: Banana, Papaya, Pineapple

Flowers: Annual salvia, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Garden cress, Ginger, Jicama, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Pigeon pea, Popcorn, Pumpkin, Purslane, Radish, Roselle, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Sweet potato, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash, Basil, Borage, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Lemongrass, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Passion fruit, Watermelon, Black-eyed Susan, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

Ginger, Roselle, Papaya, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

April10

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Cassava (yuca), Chaya (tree spinach), Ginger, Taro (dasheen)

Herbs: Lemongrass

Fruit: Banana, Papaya

Flowers: Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Jicama, Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, New Zealand spinach, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Pigeon pea, Popcorn, Purslane, Roselle, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Sweet potato, Swiss chard, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Culantro, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Pineapple, Watermelon, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Marigold, Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Roselle, Sweet potato

May4

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Jicama, Pigeon pea, Roselle

Flowers: Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet potato, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Roselle, Sweet potato, Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

June4

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Jicama, Pigeon pea, Roselle, Sweet potato

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet corn, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Watermelon, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Sweet potato, Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

July8

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Sweet potato

Flowers: Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Pigeon pea, Pumpkin, Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Shallot, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet corn, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash, Yardlong bean, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Watermelon, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia

Start seeds indoors

Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Eggplant, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Annual salvia, Celosia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

August16

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bean (dry / shelling), Pumpkin, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Sweet potato, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash

Fruit: Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Potato, Purslane, Shallot, Southern pea / cowpea, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winged bean, Yardlong bean, Basil, Borage, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Celosia, Statice, Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Leek, Onion (bulbing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Basil, Parsley, Annual salvia, Marigold, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Statice, Strawflower

September36

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Celeriac (celery root), Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet corn, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Yardlong bean

Herbs: Basil

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Strawberry, Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Beet, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Napa / Chinese cabbage, Parsnip, Potato, Purslane, Salsify, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Calendula, Coreopsis (tickseed), Nasturtium, Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Onion (bulbing), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Strawflower

October61

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Elephant garlic, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (snap & snow), Potato, Purslane, Salsify, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Swiss chard, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip

Herbs: Basil, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley

Fruit: Strawberry

Flowers: Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Black-eyed Susan, Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Marigold, Nasturtium, Snapdragon, Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cauliflower, Daikon radish, Endive & escarole, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Pea (shelling / English), Radish, Rutabaga, Spinach, Chervil, Cilantro, Pansy / viola, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Stock, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Artichoke, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Stock, Strawflower

November65

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Elephant garlic, Endive & escarole, Fava bean, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Potato, Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley

Fruit: Blueberry, Strawberry

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Black-eyed Susan, Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Statice, Stock, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

Artichoke, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce (romaine & head), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Catnip, Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lovage, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Winter savory, Passion fruit, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower

December66

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Endive & escarole, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Potato, Radicchio, Radish, Shallot, Spinach, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Swiss chard, Turnip, Watercress

Herbs: Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Parsley, Sorrel (French / garden)

Fruit: Blackberry, Blueberry, Fig, Muscadine grape

Can also plant

Cardoon, Rutabaga, Salsify

Start seeds indoors

Eggplant, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Anise hyssop, Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lemon balm, Marjoram, Oregano, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Thyme, Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Annual salvia, Marigold, Milkweed (native), Strawflower

Every crop that grows in Brownsville

169 of 174 crops in the app fit this climate. Dates are for planting outdoors; “Start indoors” is for seeds you grow into transplants.

Vegetables

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Amaranth greens / callaloo	Feb 4–18, Oct 17–Nov 6	Feb 19–Oct 16	—	Sow seeds
Armenian cucumber	Jan 16–30, Sep 15–Oct 5	Jan 31–Sep 14	—	Sow seeds
Artichoke	Dec 26–Jan 19	—	Oct 24–Nov 17	Set out plants
Arugula	Oct 25–Jan 21	Jan 22–Mar 12, Sep 17–Oct 24	—	Sow seeds
Bean (bush snap)	Jan 9–23, Sep 29–Oct 20	Jan 24–Apr 20, Jul 31–Sep 28	—	Sow seeds
Bean (dry / shelling)	Jan 9–23, Aug 25–Sep 15	Jan 24–Mar 28, Jul 6–Aug 24	—	Sow seeds
Bean (lima)	Feb 4–18, Aug 31–Sep 20	Feb 19–Apr 9, Jun 28–Aug 30	—	Sow seeds
Bean (pole)	Jan 9–23, Sep 19–Oct 10	Jan 24–Apr 9, Jul 19–Sep 18	—	Sow seeds
Beet	Oct 18–Jan 16	Jan 17–Mar 3, Sep 4–Oct 17	—	Sow seeds
Bitter melon	Jan 16–30, Sep 17–Oct 8	Jan 31–May 7, Jul 6–Sep 16	—	Sow seeds
Bok choy / pak choi	Oct 31–Jan 1	Jan 2–Feb 8, Oct 7–30	—	Sow seeds
Bottle gourd / cucuzza	Mar 4–18	Mar 19–Sep 28	—	Sow seeds
Broccoli	Oct 25–Dec 31	Sep 25–Oct 24, Jan 1–Feb 7	Sep 13–Nov 19	Set out plants
Broccoli raab (rapini)	Oct 27–Jan 9	Jan 10–Feb 20, Sep 25–Oct 26	—	Sow seeds
Brussels sprouts	Oct 19–Dec 11	Sep 25–Oct 18, Dec 12–Jan 10	Sep 7–Oct 30	Set out plants
Cabbage	Oct 18–Jan 3	Jan 4–Feb 12, Sep 11–Oct 17	Sep 6–Nov 22	Set out plants
Cardoon	Oct 5–Nov 27	Sep 4–Oct 4, Nov 28–Dec 20	Aug 3–Sep 25	Set out plants
Carrot	Oct 16–Jan 10	Jan 11–Feb 24, Sep 4–Oct 15	—	Sow seeds
Cassava (yuca)	Mar 4–Apr 29	—	—	Set out plants
Cauliflower	Oct 26–Jan 3	Jan 4–Feb 11, Sep 25–Oct 25	Sep 14–Nov 22	Set out plants
Celeriac (celery root)	Sep 24–Dec 18	Jul 6–20, Aug 15–Sep 23, Dec 19–Jan 17	Jul 9–Oct 2	Set out plants
Celery	Sep 29–Dec 20	Aug 15–Sep 28, Dec 21–Jan 27	Jul 14–Oct 4	Set out plants
Chaya (tree spinach)	Mar 4–Apr 29	—	—	Set out plants
Chickpea / garbanzo	Jan 15–Feb 9	—	—	Sow seeds
Chinese broccoli (gai lan)	Oct 14–Jan 16	Jan 17–Mar 6, Aug 29–Oct 13	—	Sow seeds
Collard greens	Oct 6–Jan 19	Jan 20–Mar 13, Aug 15–Oct 5	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (pickling)	Jan 16–30, Sep 22–Oct 13	Jan 31–Apr 19, Jul 30–Sep 21	—	Sow seeds
Cucumber (slicing)	Jan 16–30, Sep 20–Oct 10	Jan 31–Apr 15, Jul 25–Sep 19	—	Sow seeds
Daikon radish	Oct 30–Dec 28	Oct 7–29, Dec 29–Feb 2	—	Sow seeds
Edamame	Feb 4–18, Sep 2–22	Feb 19–Apr 27, Jun 27–Sep 1	—	Sow seeds
Eggplant	Feb 4–18, Sep 5–25	Feb 19–Apr 29, Jun 13–Sep 4	Jul 4–24, Dec 3–17	Set out plants
Elephant garlic	Oct 2–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Endive & escarole	Oct 30–Dec 9	Oct 16–29, Dec 10–Jan 4	—	Sow seeds
Fava bean	Nov 5–22	Oct 28–Nov 4, Nov 23–Dec 8	—	Sow seeds
Fennel (bulb)	Oct 28–Dec 21	Oct 7–27, Dec 22–Jan 24	—	Sow seeds
Garden cress	Nov 10–Feb 4	Feb 5–Mar 26, Oct 4–Nov 9	—	Sow seeds
Garlic	Oct 2–Dec 1	—	—	Sow seeds
Ginger	Apr 1–29	Mar 4–31	Feb 11–Mar 11	Set out plants
Green onion / scallion	Dec 12–Jan 9	Jan 10–Feb 6	—	Sow seeds
Jicama	Apr 28–Jun 10	Mar 15–Apr 27	—	Sow seeds
Kale	Oct 17–Jan 15	Jan 16–Mar 3, Sep 4–Oct 16	—	Sow seeds
Kohlrabi	Oct 22–Jan 17	Jan 18–Mar 4, Sep 11–Oct 21	—	Sow seeds
Komatsuna (mustard spinach)	Oct 17–Jan 26	Jan 27–Mar 20, Aug 29–Oct 16	—	Sow seeds
Leek	Oct 8–Dec 17	Sep 4–Oct 7, Dec 18–Jan 23	Aug 6–Oct 15	Set out plants
Lettuce (leaf & mesclun)	Oct 23–Jan 18	Jan 19–Mar 5, Sep 11–Oct 22	—	Sow seeds
Lettuce (romaine & head)	Oct 26–Jan 3	Jan 4–Feb 11, Sep 25–Oct 25	Sep 21–Nov 29	Set out plants
Luffa gourd	Mar 4–18	Mar 19–Aug 24	—	Sow seeds
Mache (corn salad)	Nov 7–Dec 17	Oct 24–Nov 6, Dec 18–Jan 13	—	Sow seeds
Malabar spinach	Mar 4–18	Mar 19–Apr 29	Jan 14–28	Set out plants
Moringa	Mar 4–18	Mar 19–Apr 29	—	Sow seeds
Mustard greens	Oct 28–Jan 13	Jan 14–Feb 26, Sep 25–Oct 27	—	Sow seeds
Napa / Chinese cabbage	Oct 20–Jan 8	Jan 9–Feb 19, Sep 11–Oct 19	—	Sow seeds
New Zealand spinach	Jan 9–23, Sep 22–Oct 12	Jan 24–Sep 21	—	Sow seeds
Okinawa spinach	Mar 4–18	Mar 19–Apr 29	—	Set out plants
Okra	Mar 4–18, Sep 20–Oct 10	Mar 19–Sep 19	—	Sow seeds
Onion (bulbing)	Sep 16–Dec 16	—	Jul 1–Sep 30	Set out plants
Parsnip	Oct 8–Dec 16	Sep 4–Oct 7, Dec 17–Jan 20	—	Sow seeds
Pea (shelling / English)	Oct 26–Jan 3	Jan 4–Feb 11, Sep 25–Oct 25	—	Sow seeds
Pea (snap & snow)	Oct 25–Jan 2	Jan 3–Feb 10, Sep 25–Oct 24	—	Sow seeds
Peanut	Mar 4–18	Mar 19–Jul 30	—	Sow seeds
Pepper (hot / chili)	Jan 23–Feb 6, Aug 28–Sep 18	Feb 7–Aug 27	Jun 26–Jul 17, Nov 21–Dec 5	Set out plants
Pepper (sweet / bell)	Jan 23–Feb 6, Sep 7–28	Feb 7–May 1, Jun 27–Sep 6	Jul 6–27, Nov 21–Dec 5	Set out plants
Pigeon pea	Apr 30–Jul 1	Mar 15–Apr 29, Jul 2–17	—	Sow seeds
Popcorn	Jan 16–23	Jan 24–Apr 14	—	Sow seeds
Potato	Oct 4–Dec 30	Aug 15–Oct 3, Dec 31–Feb 5	—	Sow seeds
Pumpkin	Jan 16–30, Aug 3–24	Jan 31–Mar 18, Jun 26–Aug 2	—	Sow seeds
Purslane	Feb 4–18, Sep 28–Oct 19	Feb 19–Sep 27	—	Sow seeds
Radicchio	Dec 12–27	Dec 28–Jan 12	—	Sow seeds
Radish	Nov 7–Feb 2	Feb 3–Mar 24, Oct 1–Nov 6	—	Sow seeds
Roselle	Apr 26–Jun 16	Mar 15–Apr 25, Jun 17–25	Mar 22–May 12	Set out plants
Rutabaga	Oct 29–Dec 2	Oct 16–28, Dec 3–23	—	Sow seeds
Salsify	Oct 4–Dec 5	Sep 4–Oct 3, Dec 6–Jan 6	—	Sow seeds
Seminole pumpkin / calabaza	Mar 4–18, Aug 1–21	Mar 19–Jul 31	—	Sow seeds
Shallot	Sep 29–Jan 9	Jan 10–Feb 23, Jul 8–20, Aug 15–Sep 28	—	Sow seeds
Southern pea / cowpea	Mar 4–18, Sep 2–23	Mar 19–Sep 1	—	Sow seeds
Spinach	Oct 31–Jan 3	Jan 4–Feb 12, Oct 7–30	—	Sow seeds
Summer squash & zucchini	Jan 16–30, Sep 25–Oct 15	Jan 31–Apr 18, Jul 28–Sep 24	—	Sow seeds
Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke)	Dec 19–Jan 9	Jan 10–30	—	Sow seeds
Sweet corn	Jan 16–23, Sep 7–27	Jan 24–May 1, Jun 21–Sep 6	—	Sow seeds
Sweet potato	May 30–Aug 18	Mar 4–May 29, Aug 19–24	Apr 11–Jun 30	Set out plants
Swiss chard	Sep 29–Feb 8	Feb 9–Apr 16, Jul 26–Sep 28	—	Sow seeds
Taro (dasheen)	Mar 7–May 3	Jan 9–Mar 6	—	Sow seeds
Tomatillo	Jan 16–30	Jan 31–Apr 3	Dec 5–19	Set out plants
Tomato (cherry & grape)	Jan 16–30, Sep 22–Oct 12	Jan 31–May 11, Jul 4–Sep 21	Aug 4–24, Nov 28–Dec 12	Set out plants
Tomato (early / short-season)	Jan 16–23, Sep 27–Oct 17	Jan 24–Apr 8, Jul 18–Sep 26	Aug 9–29, Nov 28–Dec 5	Set out plants
Tomato (heat-set varieties)	Feb 4–18, Sep 9–30	Feb 19–Sep 8	Jul 22–Aug 12, Dec 17–31	Set out plants
Tomato (paste / determinate)	Jan 16–30, Sep 9–30	Jan 31–Apr 5, Jul 15–Sep 8	Jul 22–Aug 12, Nov 28–Dec 12	Set out plants
Tomato (slicing)	Jan 16–30, Sep 7–27	Jan 31–Apr 1, Jul 10–Sep 6	Jul 20–Aug 9, Nov 28–Dec 12	Set out plants
Turnip	Oct 22–Jan 17	Jan 18–Mar 4, Sep 11–Oct 21	—	Sow seeds
Watercress	Dec 19–Jan 16	Jan 17–Feb 13	—	Sow seeds
Winged bean	Mar 4–18	Mar 19–Aug 24	—	Sow seeds
Winter melon / wax gourd	Feb 4–18, Aug 3–24	Feb 19–Aug 2	—	Sow seeds
Winter squash	Jan 16–30, Aug 13–Sep 3	Jan 31–Mar 25, Jul 3–Aug 12	—	Sow seeds
Yardlong bean	Mar 4–18, Sep 7–28	Mar 19–Sep 6	—	Sow seeds

Herbs

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Anise hyssop	Jan 9–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 6	Nov 25–Dec 23	Set out plants
Basil	Feb 4–11, Sep 20–Oct 10	Feb 12–Sep 19	Aug 16–Sep 5, Dec 31–Jan 7	Set out plants
Bay laurel	Jan 16–Feb 9	Feb 10–Mar 6	—	Set out plants
Borage	Oct 9–Jan 28	Jan 29–Mar 25, Aug 15–Oct 8	—	Sow seeds
Caraway	Oct 14–Jan 3	Jan 4–Feb 14, Sep 4–Oct 13	—	Sow seeds
Catnip	Dec 26–Jan 16	Jan 17–Feb 6	Nov 7–28	Set out plants
Chamomile	Oct 17–Jan 10	Jan 11–Feb 22, Sep 4–Oct 16	—	Sow seeds
Chervil	Oct 30–Dec 31	Oct 7–29, Jan 1–Feb 8	—	Sow seeds
Chives	Jan 9–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 6	Nov 21–Dec 19	Set out plants
Cilantro	Oct 26–Jan 5	Jan 6–Feb 14, Sep 25–Oct 25	—	Sow seeds
Cuban oregano	Mar 4–Apr 1	Feb 4–Mar 3	—	Set out plants
Culantro	Mar 4–18	Mar 19–Apr 29	—	Sow seeds
Dill	Oct 20–Jan 21	Jan 22–Mar 10, Sep 4–Oct 19	—	Sow seeds
Epazote	Jan 16–30, Oct 4–25	Jan 31–Oct 3	—	Sow seeds
Fenugreek (methi)	Oct 23–Jan 25	Jan 26–Mar 19, Sep 12–Oct 22	—	Sow seeds
Feverfew	Jan 2–30	Jan 31–Feb 27	Nov 14–Dec 12	Set out plants
Garlic chives	Jan 9–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 6	Nov 21–Dec 19	Set out plants
Lavender	Jan 16–Feb 6	Feb 7–27	Oct 31–Nov 21	Set out plants
Lemon balm	Dec 26–Jan 16	Jan 17–Feb 6	Nov 21–Dec 12	Set out plants
Lemon verbena	Feb 3–27	Jan 16–Feb 2, Feb 28–Mar 6	—	Set out plants
Lemongrass	Apr 1–29	Mar 4–31	—	Set out plants
Lovage	Dec 26–Jan 16	Jan 17–Feb 6	Nov 7–28	Set out plants
Marjoram	Jan 18–Feb 11	Jan 16–17, Feb 12–Mar 6	Nov 30–Dec 24	Set out plants
Mint	Dec 26–Jan 16	Jan 17–Feb 6	—	Set out plants
Oregano	Jan 9–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 6	Nov 21–Dec 19	Set out plants
Papalo	Feb 4–18	Feb 19–Sep 30	—	Sow seeds
Parsley	Oct 5–Jan 14	Jan 15–Mar 6, Aug 15–Oct 4	Aug 3–Nov 12	Set out plants
Rosemary	Jan 16–Feb 9	Feb 10–Mar 6	Oct 31–Nov 24	Set out plants
Sage	Jan 2–30	Jan 31–Feb 27	Nov 14–Dec 12	Set out plants
Shiso (perilla)	Jan 16–23	Jan 24–Oct 7	Dec 12–19	Set out plants
Sorrel (French / garden)	Dec 19–Jan 16	Jan 17–Feb 13	—	Sow seeds
Stevia	Feb 24–Mar 20	Feb 4–23, Mar 21–25	—	Set out plants
Summer savory	Jan 9–23	Jan 24–Apr 9	—	Sow seeds
Tarragon (French)	Jan 9–Feb 2	Feb 3–26	—	Set out plants
Thyme	Jan 9–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 6	Nov 14–Dec 12	Set out plants
Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)	Feb 13–Mar 13	Jan 16–Feb 12	—	Set out plants
Winter savory	Jan 9–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 6	Nov 21–Dec 19	Set out plants

Fruit

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Banana	Mar 4–Apr 29	—	—	Set out plants
Blackberry	Dec 5–Jan 5	Jan 6–Feb 6	—	Set out plants
Blueberry	Nov 14–Dec 22	Dec 23–Jan 30	—	Set out plants
Cantaloupe & melons	Feb 4–18, Aug 26–Sep 15	Feb 19–Apr 6, Jun 26–Aug 25	—	Sow seeds
Cucamelon / mouse melon	Jan 16–30	Jan 31–Sep 30	Dec 12–26	Set out plants
Fig	Dec 19–Jan 23	Jan 24–Feb 27	—	Set out plants
Ground cherry	Jan 16–30	Jan 31–Apr 10	Nov 28–Dec 12	Set out plants
Muscadine grape	Dec 19–Jan 30	—	—	Set out plants
Papaya	Mar 4–Apr 29	—	Jan 14–Mar 11	Set out plants
Passion fruit	Jan 9–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 20	Nov 7–Dec 5	Set out plants
Pineapple	Feb 28–Apr 4	Feb 4–27, Apr 5–15	—	Set out plants
Strawberry	Sep 21–Dec 1	—	—	Set out plants
Watermelon	Feb 4–18, Aug 23–Sep 13	Feb 19–Apr 25, Jun 11–Aug 22	—	Sow seeds

Flowers

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Annual salvia	Feb 13–Apr 7, Jul 27–Oct 25	Jan 9–Feb 12, Apr 8–Jul 26	May 18–Aug 16, Dec 5–Jan 27	Set out plants
Bachelor's button (cornflower)	Oct 24–Dec 28	Sep 25–Oct 23, Dec 29–Feb 3	—	Sow seeds
Black-eyed Susan	Aug 18–Feb 16	Feb 17–Aug 17	—	Sow seeds
Calendula	Oct 18–Jan 17	Jan 18–Mar 6, Sep 4–Oct 17	—	Sow seeds
California poppy	Oct 24–Dec 28	Sep 25–Oct 23, Dec 29–Feb 3	—	Sow seeds
Celosia	Mar 4–11, Aug 28–Sep 18	Mar 12–Aug 27	Jan 14–21, Jul 10–31	Set out plants
Cleome (spider flower)	Feb 19–Mar 27, Jun 25–Sep 25	Jan 9–Feb 18, Mar 28–Jun 24	—	Sow seeds
Coreopsis (tickseed)	Oct 11–Dec 29	Aug 29–Oct 10, Dec 30–Feb 3	—	Sow seeds
Cosmos	Mar 6–Apr 4, Jul 3–Oct 2	Feb 4–Mar 5, Apr 5–Jul 2, Oct 3–5	—	Sow seeds
Globe amaranth (gomphrena)	Mar 13–Apr 13, Jun 27–Sep 24	Feb 4–Mar 12, Apr 14–Jun 26, Sep 25–Oct 5	Jan 23–Feb 23, May 9–Aug 6	Set out plants
Larkspur	Oct 25–Dec 9	Oct 7–24, Dec 10–Jan 5	—	Sow seeds
Marigold	Feb 12–Apr 5, Jul 23–Oct 20	Jan 9–Feb 11, Apr 6–Jul 22	Jun 4–Sep 1, Dec 25–Feb 15	Set out plants
Milkweed (native)	Jan 9–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 6	Dec 5–Jan 2	Set out plants
Nasturtium	Jan 9–Feb 8, Oct 2–25	Feb 9–Mar 7, Sep 4–Oct 1	—	Sow seeds
Pansy / viola	Nov 5–Dec 30	Oct 16–Nov 4, Dec 31–Feb 3	Aug 20–Oct 14	Set out plants
Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)	Apr 4–May 18, Jul 19–Oct 1	Mar 4–Apr 3, May 19–Jul 18, Oct 2–28	Jan 31–Mar 16, May 17–Jul 30	Set out plants
Purple coneflower (echinacea)	Jan 9–Feb 6	Feb 7–Mar 6	Oct 24–Nov 21	Set out plants
Snapdragon	Oct 25–Dec 8	Oct 7–24, Dec 9–Jan 4	Aug 23–Oct 6	Set out plants
Statice	Oct 10–Jan 19	Jan 20–Mar 5, Aug 15–Oct 9	Aug 8–Nov 17	Set out plants
Stock	Oct 30–Dec 31	Oct 7–29, Jan 1–Feb 8	Aug 28–Oct 29	Set out plants
Strawflower	Jan 13–Feb 8, Sep 29–Dec 21	Feb 9–Mar 23, Aug 15–Sep 28, Dec 22–Jan 12	Aug 11–Nov 2, Nov 25–Dec 21	Set out plants
Sunflower	Feb 10–Mar 22, Jun 30–Sep 20	Jan 16–Feb 9, Mar 23–Jun 29	—	Sow seeds
Sweet alyssum	Oct 18–Jan 18	Jan 19–Mar 7, Sep 4–Oct 17	—	Sow seeds
Sweet pea (flower)	Oct 26–Dec 13	Oct 7–25, Dec 14–Jan 12	—	Sow seeds
Zinnia	Mar 6–Apr 6, Jul 6–Oct 4	Feb 4–Mar 5, Apr 7–Jul 5, Oct 5–7	—	Sow seeds

Crops that struggle in Brownsville

These need a climate Brownsville doesn't have. Pots, shade cloth or a greenhouse can stretch the rules.

Asparagus: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 50°F.
Bee balm (bergamot): Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 50°F.
Grape (bunch): Pierce's disease kills bunch grapes where winters are mild and summers wet. Grow muscadines instead.
Raspberry: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 50°F.
Rhubarb: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 50°F.

Nearby planting calendars

McAllen, TX 50 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Corpus Christi, TX 131 mi · frost only briefly in winter
San Antonio, TX 251 mi · last frost around Feb 25
Houston, TX 297 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Austin, TX 302 mi · last frost around Mar 10
All Texas cities

How these dates are worked out

Each crop has temperature limits and timing from university extension guides: how cold a night it can take, how much heat it can stand, how long it takes to mature, and how far before or after the last frost it goes in. Those are checked day by day against the WFO Brownsville station's NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals (average highs, lows, rain and frost dates). Dates are estimates for a typical year; a sheltered yard, a slope or a cold pocket can shift them by a week or two.

Weather: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals. Crop timing: university extension guides (sources listed for each crop in the app). City locations: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0).