Gardening in Texas — Planting Guide
Everything you need to grow a successful garden in Texas. Local climate data, USDA zones, frost dates, and month-by-month planting calendars for 4 cities.
Climate Overview for Texas
Texas spans USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8, reflecting multiple climate types including Humid subtropical and Cold desert. Growing seasons range from 210 to 300 frost-free days, and annual rainfall varies from 235 to 1264mm across the state.
Best Plants for Texas
These plants are rated easy across every city we track in Texas
Basil
Herb50-75 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Lettuce
Vegetable30-60 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Mint
Herb60-90 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Green Bean
Vegetable50-60 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Sunflower
Flower70-100 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Radish
Vegetable22-30 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Arugula
Vegetable21-40 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Swiss Chard
Vegetable50-60 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Green Onion
Vegetable20-30 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Marigold
Flower45-50 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Zinnia
Flower60-70 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Pansy
Flower55-80 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Cosmos
Flower50-60 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Aloe Vera
Herb365-730 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Chive
Herb60-90 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Calendula
Flower45-65 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Catnip
Herb60-80 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Clover
Herb60-90 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Cress
Vegetable7-14 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Dandelion
Vegetable45-60 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Nasturtium
Flower35-52 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Yarrow
Flower60-90 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Borage
Herb50-60 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Mizuna
Vegetable21-40 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Tatsoi
Vegetable21-45 days to harvest
easy in Texas
Buckwheat
Grain30-45 days to harvest
easy in TexasCities in Texas
Planting Guides by City
Houston
Zone 8 · Humid subtropical
Austin
Zone 7 · Humid subtropical
El Paso
Zone 6 · Cold desert
Lubbock
Zone 5 · Cold semi-arid
Frequently Asked Questions about Gardening in Texas
What grows well in Texas?
Plants that grow easily across all Texas cities include: Basil, Lettuce, Mint, Green Bean, Sunflower, Radish. These are rated "easy" in every city we track in Texas. Your specific growing success will also depend on local microclimate and soil conditions.
What USDA hardiness zone is Texas?
Texas spans USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. The specific zone for your area depends on elevation, latitude, and proximity to the coast.
When is the best time to plant a garden in Texas?
The best planting time in Texas varies by city. Growing seasons range from 210 to 300 frost-free days. Cities like Houston with 300 frost-free days can plant nearly year-round. Click on any city below for month-by-month planting calendars.