Planting calendar for Houston, Texas

Dates from 30 years of records at the Houston-Port weather station, 5.1 miles from Houston, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.

Houston at a glance

Weather station: Houston-Port · 5.1 mi
USDA zone: 9b
Frost: Brief: typically Dec 25–Feb 2; 1 year in 10 Nov 27–Mar 5
Hottest month: August: highs 94°F, nights 77°F
Coldest month: January: highs 63°F, nights 44°F
Rain: 54 in. a year, most in April, June and October

What shapes the seasons here

Frost is brief in Houston: the frosty spell typically runs only from about Dec 25 to Feb 2, and 1 year in 10 it stretches from Nov 27 to Mar 5. Tender crops can go in most of the year; summer heat, not frost, is the main limit.

Summer nights average 77°F in July. Above about 75°F, tomatoes and peppers stop setting fruit, so the best tomato planting here is Feb 12–26, Aug 28–Sep 17, timed so plants fruit before or after the hottest weeks.

Houston gets about 54 inches of rain a year, most of it in April, June and October. Crops that rot or get disease in hot, wet weather are timed to miss those months.

168 of the 174 crops in the app grow here; 6 need a different climate (listed near the bottom).

When to plant the most popular crops

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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 Houston, month by month

January58

Best time to plant

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

Herbs: Caraway, Catnip, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Lemon balm, Lovage, Mint, Parsley, Sorrel (French / garden)

Fruit: Blackberry, Blueberry, Fig

Flowers: Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Pansy / viola, Stock, Sweet alyssum

Can also plant

Brussels sprouts, Cardoon, Celeriac (celery root), Fava bean, Leek, Mache (corn salad), Parsnip, Rutabaga, Salsify, Muscadine grape, Larkspur, Snapdragon, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

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

February62

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bok choy / pak choi, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Garden cress, New Zealand spinach, Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Summer squash & zucchini, Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke), Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Watercress, Winter squash

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

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

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

Can also plant

Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Chickpea / garbanzo, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Fennel (bulb), Green onion / scallion, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Shallot, Spinach, Taro (dasheen), Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Lemon verbena, Parsley, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Blueberry, Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Marigold, Pansy / viola, Stock, Sunflower, Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

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

March21

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Bean (lima), Edamame, Eggplant, Pepper (hot / chili), Purslane, Taro (dasheen), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winter melon / wax gourd

Herbs: Basil, Lemon verbena, Marjoram, Papalo, Stevia, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram)

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons

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

Can also plant

Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Broccoli raab (rapini), Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, New Zealand spinach, Pepper (sweet / bell), Radish, Spinach, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Turnip, Winter squash, Anise hyssop, Bay laurel, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Chamomile, Chives, Cilantro, Cuban oregano, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Tarragon (French), Thyme, Winter savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Fig, Ground cherry, Passion fruit, Calendula, Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Milkweed (native), Nasturtium, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

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

April27

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cassava (yuca), Chaya (tree spinach), Ginger, 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)

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

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (lima), Edamame, Eggplant, Garden cress, Jicama, New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pigeon pea, Purslane, Radish, Roselle, Sweet potato, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winter melon / wax gourd, Basil, Epazote, Lemongrass, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Passion fruit, Black-eyed Susan, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

Start seeds indoors

Roselle, Sweet potato

May9

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Cassava (yuca), Chaya (tree spinach), Ginger, Jicama, Pigeon pea, Roselle

Herbs: Cuban oregano, Lemongrass

Flowers: Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, New Zealand spinach, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet potato, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Culantro, 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

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

June7

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Pigeon pea, Sweet potato

Fruit: Watermelon

Flowers: Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Sunflower

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Purslane, Roselle, 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), Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

Celery, Eggplant, Pepper (hot / chili), Sweet potato, Annual salvia, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

July13

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Pumpkin, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Sweet potato, Winter melon / wax gourd

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 (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Peanut, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Purslane, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet corn, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Winged bean, Winter squash, Yardlong bean, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Watermelon, Celosia

Start seeds indoors

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

August22

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Celery, Edamame, Pepper (hot / chili), Pumpkin, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Winter melon / wax gourd, Winter squash

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, 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, Armenian cucumber, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Pepper (sweet / bell), Potato, Purslane, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Sweet potato, 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), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Statice, Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

Cardoon, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Leek, Onion (bulbing), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Basil, Parsley, Marigold, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Strawflower

September41

Best time to plant

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

Herbs: Basil, Borage, Epazote

Fruit: Strawberry

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Marigold, Nasturtium, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Statice, Strawflower, Sunflower, Zinnia

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Salsify, Shallot, Swiss chard, Turnip, Caraway, Chamomile, Cilantro, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Sweet alyssum

Start seeds indoors

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

October55

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Elephant garlic, Garden cress, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Napa / Chinese cabbage, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Purslane, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Swiss chard, Tomato (early / short-season), Turnip

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

Fruit: Strawberry

Flowers: Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Coreopsis (tickseed), Larkspur, Nasturtium, Snapdragon, Statice, Strawflower, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Can also plant

Bok choy / pak choi, Daikon radish, Fava bean, Mache (corn salad), Mustard greens, Radish, Spinach, Chervil, Marigold, Pansy / viola, Stock

Start seeds indoors

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Leek, Lettuce (romaine & head), Parsley, Pansy / viola, Snapdragon, Stock

November52

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Elephant garlic, Fava bean, 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), Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley

Fruit: Strawberry

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

Start seeds indoors

Artichoke, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Celery, Lettuce (romaine & head), Lavender, Parsley, Rosemary, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Stock

December49

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Beet, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, Fava bean, 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), Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Shallot, Spinach, Swiss chard, Turnip

Herbs: Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Parsley

Fruit: Blueberry

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

Start seeds indoors

Cauliflower, Lettuce (romaine & head), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Catnip, Chives, Feverfew, Garlic chives, Lavender, Lemon balm, Lovage, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Winter savory, Ground cherry, Passion fruit, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower

Every crop that grows in Houston

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

Herbs

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

Fruit

Crop	Best time to plant	Also possible	Start indoors	How
Blackberry	Jan 7–Feb 7	Feb 8–Mar 2, Dec 29–Jan 6	—	Set out plants
Blueberry	Jan 10–Feb 2, Dec 8–22	Feb 3–23, Dec 23–Jan 9	—	Set out plants
Cantaloupe & melons	Mar 12–18, Aug 16–Sep 5	Jun 20–Aug 15	—	Sow seeds
Cucamelon / mouse melon	Feb 12–26	Feb 27–Sep 20	Jan 8–22	Set out plants
Fig	Jan 12–Feb 9	Feb 10–Mar 23	—	Set out plants
Ground cherry	Feb 12–26	Feb 27–Apr 23	Dec 25–Jan 8	Set out plants
Muscadine grape	Feb 1–22	Jan 12–31, Feb 23	—	Set out plants
Passion fruit	Feb 12–Mar 2	Mar 3–Apr 23	Dec 11–29	Set out plants
Strawberry	Sep 21–Dec 1	—	—	Set out plants
Watermelon	Jun 6–20, Aug 13–Sep 3	Jun 21–Aug 12	—	Sow seeds

Flowers

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

Crops that struggle in Houston

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

Banana: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 44°F.
Grape (bunch): Pierce's disease kills bunch grapes where winters are mild and summers wet. Grow muscadines instead.
Papaya: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 48°F; the coldest month here averages 44°F.
Pineapple: Has to live outdoors through winter and needs nights no colder than about 45°F; the coldest month here averages 44°F.
Raspberry: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 44°F.
Rhubarb: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 44°F.

Nearby planting calendars

Lake Charles, LA 133 mi · last frost around Feb 14
Austin, TX 147 mi · last frost around Mar 10
Corpus Christi, TX 183 mi · frost only briefly in winter
San Antonio, TX 190 mi · last frost around Feb 25
Lafayette, LA 203 mi · last frost around Feb 13
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 Houston-Port 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).