Planting calendar for McAllen, Texas

Dates from 30 years of records at the Mcallen weather station, 1.5 miles from McAllen, worked out crop by crop with the same method as the Year Round Garden app.

McAllen at a glance

Weather station: Mcallen · 1.5 mi
USDA zone: 10a
Frost: Brief: typically Jan 1–9; 1 year in 10 Dec 8–Feb 12
Hottest month: August: highs 99°F, nights 77°F
Coldest month: January: highs 71°F, nights 49°F
Rain: 19 in. a year, most in June, September and October

What shapes the seasons here

Frost is brief in McAllen: the frosty spell typically runs only from about Jan 1 to Jan 9, and 1 year in 10 it stretches from Dec 8 to Feb 12. 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 4–24, timed so plants fruit before or after the hottest weeks.

McAllen gets about 19 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

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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 McAllen, month by month

January71

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Chickpea / garbanzo, Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Garden cress, Green onion / scallion, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), New Zealand spinach, Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, 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), Turnip, Watercress, Winter squash

Herbs: Anise hyssop, Bay laurel, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Catnip, Chives, Dill, 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: Cucamelon / mouse melon, Fig, Ground cherry, Passion fruit

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

Can also plant

Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Daikon radish, Fennel (bulb), Kale, Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Potato, Shallot, Spinach, Taro (dasheen), Caraway, Chamomile, Chervil, Cilantro, Lemon verbena, Parsley, Vietnamese coriander (rau ram), Blackberry, Annual salvia, Bachelor's button (cornflower), California poppy, Cleome (spider flower), Coreopsis (tickseed), Marigold, Pansy / viola, Stock, Sunflower

Start seeds indoors

Malabar spinach, Tomato (heat-set varieties), Basil, Papaya, Annual salvia, Celosia, Marigold

February22

Best time to plant

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

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

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Marigold, Sunflower

Can also plant

Armenian cucumber, Arugula, Bean (bush snap), Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (pole), Beet, Bitter melon, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Mustard greens, New Zealand spinach, Pepper (sweet / bell), Popcorn, Pumpkin, Radish, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Swiss chard, Taro (dasheen), Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Turnip, Watercress, Winter squash, Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Borage, Chamomile, Chives, Cuban oregano, Dill, Epazote, Fenugreek (methi), Feverfew, Garlic chives, 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, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Milkweed (native), Nasturtium, Purple coneflower (echinacea), Statice, Strawflower, 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, Bean (bush snap), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, Garden cress, Ginger, Jicama, New Zealand spinach, Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), Pigeon pea, Popcorn, Purslane, Radish, Roselle, Summer squash & zucchini, Sweet corn, Sweet potato, Swiss chard, Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winter melon / wax gourd, Basil, Epazote, Lemongrass, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Summer savory, Cantaloupe & melons, Cucamelon / mouse melon, Ground cherry, Passion fruit, Watermelon, Black-eyed Susan, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

Start seeds indoors

Roselle, Papaya, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster)

April14

Best time to plant

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

Herbs: Cuban oregano, Lemongrass

Fruit: Banana, Papaya

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

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Jicama, Luffa gourd, Malabar spinach, Moringa, New Zealand spinach, Okinawa spinach, Okra, Pigeon pea, Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet corn, Sweet potato, Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Culantro, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Cucamelon / mouse melon, Watermelon, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Sunflower

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, Okra, Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet potato, Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), 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, Luffa gourd, Okra, Purslane, Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Southern pea / cowpea, Winged bean, Winter melon / wax gourd, Yardlong bean, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Watermelon, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Cleome (spider flower), Cosmos, Globe amaranth (gomphrena), Marigold, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Sunflower, Zinnia

Start seeds indoors

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

July7

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Sweet potato

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

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Pepper (hot / chili), Pigeon pea, 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), Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon, Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Celosia, Marigold

Start seeds indoors

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)

August15

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Pepper (hot / chili), Seminole pumpkin / calabaza, Sweet potato, Winter melon / wax gourd

Fruit: Cantaloupe & melons, Watermelon

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

Can also plant

Amaranth greens / callaloo, Armenian cucumber, Bean (lima), Bitter melon, Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Edamame, Eggplant, Luffa gourd, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Pepper (sweet / bell), Purslane, Southern pea / cowpea, Sweet corn, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season), Tomato (heat-set varieties), Winged bean, Yardlong bean, Basil, Epazote, Papalo, Shiso (perilla), Black-eyed Susan

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), Basil, Parsley, Annual salvia, Marigold, Pansy / viola, Statice, Strawflower

September37

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Armenian cucumber, Bean (dry / shelling), Bean (lima), Bean (pole), Bitter melon, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Edamame, Eggplant, New Zealand spinach, Okra, Onion (bulbing), Pepper (hot / chili), Pepper (sweet / bell), 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

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, Bean (bush snap), Bottle gourd / cucuzza, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Potato, Purslane, Shallot, Swiss chard, Borage, Epazote, Papalo, Parsley, Shiso (perilla), Coreopsis (tickseed), Statice, Strawflower

Start seeds indoors

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

October40

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Amaranth greens / callaloo, Bean (bush snap), Bean (pole), Brussels sprouts, Cardoon, Carrot, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Cucumber (pickling), Cucumber (slicing), Elephant garlic, Garlic, Komatsuna (mustard spinach), Leek, New Zealand spinach, Onion (bulbing), Parsnip, Potato, Purslane, Salsify, Shallot, Summer squash & zucchini, Swiss chard, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (early / short-season)

Herbs: Basil, Borage, Caraway, Chamomile, Epazote, Parsley

Fruit: Strawberry

Flowers: Annual salvia, Black-eyed Susan, Coreopsis (tickseed), Marigold, Statice, Strawflower

Can also plant

Arugula, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Cauliflower, Daikon radish, Fennel (bulb), Garden cress, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (leaf & mesclun), Lettuce (romaine & head), Mustard greens, Napa / Chinese cabbage, Pea (shelling / English), Pea (snap & snow), Radish, Spinach, Turnip, Chervil, Cilantro, Dill, Fenugreek (methi), Bachelor's button (cornflower), Calendula, California poppy, Larkspur, Nasturtium, Pentas (Egyptian star cluster), Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet alyssum, Sweet pea (flower)

Start seeds indoors

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

November64

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: 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

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

December60

Best time to plant

Vegetables: Arugula, Asparagus, Beet, Bok choy / pak choi, Broccoli, Broccoli raab (rapini), Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celeriac (celery root), Celery, Chinese broccoli (gai lan), Collard greens, Daikon radish, 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), 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, Fig

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

Can also plant

Brussels sprouts, Cardoon, Endive & escarole, Parsnip, Rutabaga, Salsify, Larkspur, Snapdragon

Start seeds indoors

Eggplant, Pepper (hot / chili), Tomatillo, Tomato (cherry & grape), Tomato (paste / determinate), Tomato (slicing), Anise hyssop, Bee balm (bergamot), Chives, 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 McAllen

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

Flowers

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

Crops that struggle in McAllen

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

Blueberry: It needs acid soil, and dry-climate soil is usually alkaline. Grow it in a large pot of acid potting mix.
Grape (bunch): Pierce's disease kills bunch grapes where winters are mild and summers wet. Grow muscadines instead.
Muscadine grape: It needs acid soil, and dry-climate soil is usually alkaline. Grow it in a large pot of acid potting mix.
Raspberry: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 49°F.
Rhubarb: Needs a real winter; nights in the coldest month here average 49°F.

Nearby planting calendars

Brownsville, TX 50 mi · frost only briefly in winter
Corpus Christi, TX 122 mi · frost only briefly in winter
San Antonio, TX 223 mi · last frost around Feb 25
Austin, TX 282 mi · last frost around Mar 10
Houston, TX 302 mi · frost only briefly in winter
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 Mcallen 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).