Arugula
Beets
Carrots
Cilantro
Lettuce
Mustard Greens
Radishes
Spinach
Turnips
Gardening in Central Texas
Central Texas presents unique climate challenges for gardeners, including hot summers, mild winters, and occasional drought conditions. Understanding these factors is essential for successful gardening in this region.
- Long growing seasons with extended warm periods
- Intense summer heat requiring heat-tolerant varieties
- Clay soil conditions that need proper amendment
Central Texas Vegetable Planting Calendar
This calendar helps gardeners know what vegetables can be planted each month in Central Texas (Austin area climate).
January
Cool-season planting is in full swing. Soil temperatures are ideal for root vegetables and leafy greens.
Direct Sow
Transplant
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Kale
Kohlrabi
Onions
Start Indoors
Tomatoes (late January)
Peppers (late January)
Eggplant (late January)
February
Last chance for many cool-season crops. Start warm-season transplants indoors for spring planting.
Direct Sow
Arugula
Beets
Carrots
Cilantro
Lettuce
Peas
Radishes
Spinach
Swiss Chard
Turnips
Transplant
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Kale
Onions
Potatoes (seed potatoes)
Start Indoors
Tomatoes
Peppers
Eggplant
Basil
March
Transition month! Soil is warming up. Plant warm-season crops after last frost (mid-March). Perfect time for transplanting spring vegetables.
Direct Sow
Beans (after mid-March)
Beets
Carrots
Corn
Cucumbers
Lettuce (early March)
Squash
Sunflowers
Zucchini
Transplant
Tomatoes
Peppers
Eggplant
Basil
Herbs (Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary)
Start Indoors
Melons
Okra
Sweet Potatoes (slips)
April
Prime time for warm-season planting. Soil temperatures are ideal for heat-loving crops. Last chance for spring tomatoes and peppers.
Direct Sow
Beans
Corn
Cucumbers
Melons
Okra
Pumpkins
Squash
Sunflowers
Zucchini
Transplant
Tomatoes (early April)
Peppers (early April)
Eggplant
Basil
Sweet Potatoes
Start Indoors
Too hot for most indoor starts. Focus on direct sowing and transplanting.
May
Heat is building. Plant heat-tolerant varieties. Focus on succession planting of beans and squash.
Direct Sow
Beans
Corn
Cucumbers
Melons
Okra
Southern Peas (Black-eyed Peas)
Squash
Sunflowers
Transplant
Peppers
Sweet Potatoes
Herbs (heat-tolerant varieties)
Start Indoors
Not recommended due to extreme heat.
June
Peak summer heat. Limited planting options. Focus on heat-loving crops and maintaining existing plants.
Direct Sow
Beans
Corn
Okra
Southern Peas
Squash
Transplant
Sweet Potatoes
Herbs (Basil, Oregano)
Start Indoors
Not recommended due to extreme heat.
July
Hottest month. Minimal planting. Start planning and preparing for fall garden. Begin starting fall transplants indoors late in the month.
Direct Sow
Beans (early July)
Okra
Southern Peas
Squash (early July)
Transplant
Sweet Potatoes (early July)
Start Indoors
Broccoli (late July)
Cabbage (late July)
Cauliflower (late July)
August
Fall garden preparation begins! Start cool-season transplants indoors. Direct sow quick-maturing warm-season crops.
Direct Sow
Beans
Carrots
Cucumbers
Lettuce (late August)
Radishes
Squash
Sunflowers
Transplant
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Start Indoors
Kale
Collards
Lettuce
September
Prime fall planting season! Temperatures are cooling. Excellent time for cool-season vegetables and greens.
Direct Sow
Arugula
Beets
Carrots
Cilantro
Lettuce
Mustard Greens
Radishes
Spinach
Swiss Chard
Turnips
Transplant
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Kale
Collards
Start Indoors
Lettuce
Herbs (Parsley, Cilantro)
October
Ideal fall gardening weather. Plant cool-season crops for winter harvest. Soil is still warm enough for good germination.
Direct Sow
Arugula
Beets
Carrots
Cilantro
Lettuce
Peas
Radishes
Spinach
Swiss Chard
Turnips
Transplant
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kale
Onions (sets or transplants)
Start Indoors
Lettuce
Herbs
November
Cooler temperatures arrive. Plant quick-maturing greens and root vegetables for late winter harvest.
Direct Sow
Arugula
Beets
Carrots
Cilantro
Lettuce
Peas
Radishes
Spinach
Transplant
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kale
Onions
Start Indoors
Lettuce
Herbs
December
Winter gardening continues. Plant cold-hardy varieties. Late in the month, start planning and preparing for spring tomatoes and peppers.
Direct Sow
Arugula
Beets
Carrots
Cilantro
Lettuce
Radishes
Spinach
Transplant
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kale
Onions
Start Indoors
Tomatoes (late December)
Peppers (late December)
Central Texas Flower Planting Calendar
Flowers add vibrant color to your garden and provide essential support for pollinators such as bees and butterflies in the Central Texas climate. Use this calendar to plan your flower planting throughout the year.
January Flower Planting
Direct Sow Flowers
Larkspur, Sweet Peas, Poppies, Calendula, Snapdragons
Transplant Flowers
Pansies, Violas, Dianthus, Stock, Alyssum
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Petunias, Impatiens, Begonias (for spring planting)
February Flower Planting
Direct Sow Flowers
Larkspur, Sweet Peas, Poppies, Calendula, Bachelor's Buttons, Cosmos
Transplant Flowers
Pansies, Violas, Snapdragons, Dianthus, Petunias
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Zinnias, Marigolds, Sunflowers (for late spring planting)
March Flower Planting
Direct Sow Flowers
Zinnias, Sunflowers, Marigolds, Cosmos, Four O'Clocks, Morning Glory
Transplant Flowers
Petunias, Geraniums, Begonias, Impatiens, Salvia
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Celosia, Gomphrena, Vinca (for summer planting)
April Flower Planting
Direct Sow Flowers
Zinnias, Sunflowers, Marigolds, Cosmos, Gomphrena, Celosia
Transplant Flowers
Vinca, Portulaca, Lantana, Pentas, Salvia
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Limited indoor starting due to heat; focus on heat-tolerant varieties
May Flower Planting
Direct Sow Flowers
Sunflowers, Zinnias (heat-tolerant varieties), Gomphrena
Transplant Flowers
Vinca, Portulaca, Lantana, Pentas (heat-loving flowers)
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Not recommended due to summer heat
June Flower Planting
Direct Sow Flowers
Limited planting due to extreme heat
Transplant Flowers
Heat-tolerant perennials only; focus on maintenance
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Not recommended
July Flower Planting
Direct Sow Flowers
Limited planting due to extreme heat
Transplant Flowers
Focus on watering and maintaining existing plants
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Start fall flowers: Pansies, Violas, Snapdragons (for fall planting)
August Flower Planting
Direct Sow Flowers
Wildflower seeds for fall germination
Transplant Flowers
Limited transplanting; prepare beds for fall planting
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Pansies, Violas, Snapdragons, Dianthus (for fall planting)
September Flower Planting
Direct Sow Flowers
Wildflower mixes, Larkspur, Poppies, Sweet Peas
Transplant Flowers
Mums, Asters, Ornamental Kale, Ornamental Cabbage
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Continue starting cool-season flowers for late fall planting
October Flower Planting
Direct Sow Flowers
Larkspur, Poppies, Sweet Peas, Calendula, Bachelor's Buttons
Transplant Flowers
Pansies, Violas, Snapdragons, Dianthus, Stock, Alyssum
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Limited indoor starting; focus on direct sowing cool-season flowers
November Flower Planting
Direct Sow Flowers
Larkspur, Poppies, Sweet Peas, Calendula
Transplant Flowers
Pansies, Violas, Snapdragons, Dianthus
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Not recommended; focus on outdoor cool-season planting
December Flower Planting
Direct Sow Flowers
Larkspur, Sweet Peas (weather permitting)
Transplant Flowers
Pansies, Violas (weather permitting)
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Plan and prepare for spring planting season
Central Texas Native Plant Calendar
Native plants are adapted to the Central Texas climate and support local wildlife and pollinators. Use this calendar to find the best native plants to add to your garden each month.
Trees & Shrubs: Texas Mountain Laurel, Possumhaw Holly, Yaupon Holly
Perennials: Turk's Cap, Autumn Sage, Gregg's Mistflower
Grasses: Lindheimer's Muhly, Gulf Muhly
Trees & Shrubs: Texas Redbud, Mexican Plum, Flame Acanthus
Perennials: Black-eyed Susan, Coneflower, Winecup
Grasses: Sideoats Grama, Little Bluestem
Trees & Shrubs: Desert Willow, Anacacho Orchid, Cenizo
Perennials: Zexmenia, Mealy Blue Sage, Skullcap
Grasses: Inland Sea Oats, Mexican Feathergrass
Trees & Shrubs: Vitex, Esperanza, Agarita
Perennials: Frogfruit, Damianita, Engelmann's Daisy
Grasses: Buffalo Grass, Curly Mesquite
Trees & Shrubs: Wax Myrtle, Fragrant Sumac, Coral Honeysuckle
Perennials: Lantana, Pigeonberry, Tropical Sage
Grasses: Eastern Gamagrass, Big Bluestem
Trees & Shrubs: Eve's Necklace, Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum
Perennials: Maximilian Sunflower, Pavonia, Rock Rose
Grasses: Switch Grass, Indian Grass
Trees & Shrubs: American Beautyberry, Rough-leaf Dogwood
Perennials: Flame Acanthus, Turk's Cap, Gregg's Mistflower
Grasses: Gulf Muhly, Lindheimer's Muhly
Trees & Shrubs: Texas Persimmon, Kidneywood
Perennials: Fall Aster, Gayfeather, Obedient Plant
Grasses: Purple Three-awn, Bushy Bluestem
Trees & Shrubs: Possumhaw Holly, Yaupon Holly, Wax Myrtle
Perennials: Autumn Sage, Mealy Blue Sage, Zexmenia
Grasses: Sideoats Grama, Little Bluestem
Trees & Shrubs: Texas Redbud, Mexican Plum, Agarita
Perennials: Black-eyed Susan, Coneflower, Winecup
Grasses: Inland Sea Oats, Mexican Feathergrass
Trees & Shrubs: Texas Mountain Laurel, Cenizo, Flame Acanthus
Perennials: Frogfruit, Damianita, Skullcap
Grasses: Buffalo Grass, Curly Mesquite
Trees & Shrubs: Desert Willow, Anacacho Orchid, Fragrant Sumac
Perennials: Lantana, Engelmann's Daisy, Rock Rose
Grasses: Eastern Gamagrass, Big Bluestem
Central Texas Herb Planting Calendar
Many herbs thrive in the Central Texas climate and can be planted throughout much of the year. Use this calendar to find the best planting times for your favorite culinary and medicinal herbs.
January is ideal for planning your herb garden and starting cool-season herbs that tolerate light frost.
Direct Sow Herbs
Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Chervil, Arugula
Transplant Herbs
Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Rosemary, Lavender
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Basil, Lemon Balm, Chamomile
February offers excellent conditions for cool-season herbs before spring heat arrives.
Direct Sow Herbs
Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Chives, Fennel, Arugula
Transplant Herbs
Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Mint
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Basil, Lemon Verbena, Stevia
March is prime time for establishing both cool and warm-season herbs as temperatures warm.
Direct Sow Herbs
Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Basil, Chives, Fennel
Transplant Herbs
Basil, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Mint, Lemon Balm
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Lemongrass, Mexican Mint Marigold, Perilla
April is perfect for heat-loving herbs as the last frost passes and soil warms up.
Direct Sow Herbs
Basil, Dill, Cilantro (early month), Summer Savory
Transplant Herbs
Basil, Lemongrass, Mexican Mint Marigold, Lemon Verbena, Stevia, Perilla
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Cuban Oregano, Holy Basil
May is ideal for establishing summer herbs that will thrive in Central Texas heat.
Direct Sow Herbs
Basil, Summer Savory, Borage
Transplant Herbs
Basil, Lemongrass, Mexican Mint Marigold, Cuban Oregano, Holy Basil
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Start fall cilantro and parsley indoors for later transplant
June heat is intense—focus on heat-tolerant herbs and provide afternoon shade for tender varieties.
Direct Sow Herbs
Basil (with shade), Summer Savory
Transplant Herbs
Basil, Lemongrass, Mexican Mint Marigold
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Cilantro, Parsley, Dill for fall planting
July is too hot for most planting—focus on maintaining existing herbs and starting seeds indoors for fall.
Direct Sow Herbs
Not recommended due to extreme heat
Transplant Herbs
Heat-tolerant varieties only: Lemongrass, Mexican Mint Marigold
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Cilantro, Parsley, Dill, Chervil for fall transplant
Late August signals the start of fall planting season—begin preparing for cool-season herbs.
Direct Sow Herbs
Late month: Cilantro, Dill, Arugula
Transplant Herbs
Late month: Parsley, Cilantro, Chives
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Cilantro, Parsley, Dill, Chervil, Fennel
September is Central Texas's second spring—excellent for planting cool-season herbs that will thrive through winter.
Direct Sow Herbs
Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Chervil, Arugula, Fennel
Transplant Herbs
Parsley, Cilantro, Chives, Thyme, Oregano, Sage
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Chamomile, Lemon Balm
October offers ideal growing conditions for cool-season herbs with mild temperatures and lower humidity.
Direct Sow Herbs
Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Chervil, Arugula, Chives
Transplant Herbs
Parsley, Cilantro, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Rosemary, Lavender
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Winter Savory
November is still productive for cool-season herbs that will provide fresh harvests through winter.
Direct Sow Herbs
Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Chervil, Arugula
Transplant Herbs
Parsley, Cilantro, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Rosemary
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Chamomile, Lemon Balm
December is great for transplanting perennial herbs and direct sowing hardy cool-season varieties.
Direct Sow Herbs
Cilantro, Dill, Parsley, Chervil
Transplant Herbs
Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Rosemary, Lavender
Start Indoors (Seed Starting)
Basil, Lemon Balm for early spring
Central Texas Fruit Tree and Berry Planting Calendar
Fruit trees, berry bushes, and fruiting vines can be planted during different seasons in Central Texas. Use this calendar to find the best planting times for your favorite fruit crops.
Prime bare-root planting season for deciduous fruit trees—focus on peaches, plums, and pears for best establishment.
Fruit Trees
Peach – Bare-root planting season begins. Choose low-chill varieties.
Plum – Excellent time for bare-root planting.
Pear – Asian and European pears thrive when planted now.
Apple – Select low-chill varieties suited to Central Texas.
Fig – Container or bare-root planting works well.
Persimmon – Fuyu and other varieties can be planted.
Berry Bushes & Cane Fruits
Blueberry – Plant in acidic soil with proper amendments.
Blackberry – Thornless and thorny varieties both do well.
Raspberry – Limited success; choose heat-tolerant varieties.
Vines & Small Fruits
Grape – Muscadine and bunch grapes can be planted now.
Kiwi – Hardy kiwi varieties are suitable for this zone.
Last chance for bare-root fruit trees and berries—plant early in the month for optimal root development before spring growth.
Fruit Trees
Peach – Prime bare-root planting month.
Plum – Continue planting bare-root stock.
Apricot – Plant early for best establishment.
Cherry – Limited varieties; choose those suited to mild winters.
Citrus – Wait until late February or early March for container planting.
Pomegranate – Can be planted as bare-root or container.
Berry Bushes & Cane Fruits
Blueberry – Last chance for bare-root planting.
Blackberry – Excellent planting window continues.
Goji Berry – Hardy shrub that tolerates Texas heat.
Vines & Small Fruits
Grape – Ideal month for planting vines.
Passion Fruit – Can be planted in warmer microclimates.
Transition to container planting as temperatures warm—ideal time for citrus, figs, and heat-loving fruit crops.
Fruit Trees
Citrus – Lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit in containers.
Fig – Container planting is ideal now.
Mulberry – Fast-growing and heat-tolerant.
Loquat – Evergreen tree with spring fruit.
Jujube – Extremely drought-tolerant once established.
Berry Bushes & Cane Fruits
Blueberry – Container plants can still be added.
Blackberry – Transition to container planting.
Elderberry – Native varieties do well in Central Texas.
Vines & Small Fruits
Grape – Container vines can be planted.
Maypop (Passionflower) – Native vine with edible fruit.
Kiwi – Plant container stock now.
Spring planting window is closing—focus on heat-tolerant container plants and ensure consistent watering as temperatures rise.
Fruit Trees
Citrus – Continue planting container trees.
Fig – Still a good planting window.
Avocado – Mexican varieties can handle Central Texas winters.
Berry Bushes & Cane Fruits
Blueberry – Container planting only; ensure consistent watering.
Vines & Small Fruits
Passion Fruit – Plant in warm, protected locations.
Grape – Container planting continues.
Final month for spring planting—only plant heat-tolerant species and provide shade protection during establishment.
Fruit Trees
Citrus – Last recommended month for spring planting.
Fig – Heat-tolerant; can still be planted with care.
Berry Bushes & Cane Fruits
No berry bushes recommended for planting this month.
Vines & Small Fruits
Passion Fruit – Plant early in the month.
Too hot for planting—focus on maintaining existing fruit crops with deep watering and mulch.
No fruit crops configured for this month yet. Add planting information in the block settings.
Peak summer heat—avoid planting and concentrate on irrigation, pest management, and harvest.
No fruit crops configured for this month yet. Add planting information in the block settings.
Continue summer maintenance—still too hot for planting, but begin planning for fall planting season.
No fruit crops configured for this month yet. Add planting information in the block settings.
Fall planting season begins—temperatures are cooling, making it safe to plant heat-tolerant container fruit crops.
Fruit Trees
Fig – Fall planting season begins for container stock.
Pomegranate – Good time to plant before winter.
Berry Bushes & Cane Fruits
No berry bushes recommended for planting this month.
Vines & Small Fruits
No vines or small fruits recommended for planting this month.
Excellent fall planting month—cooler weather allows strong root establishment before winter dormancy.
Fruit Trees
Peach – Begin fall planting with container stock.
Plum – Excellent fall planting month.
Pear – Plant container trees now.
Apple – Good establishment period before winter.
Fig – Continue fall planting.
Persimmon – Ideal time for planting.
Berry Bushes & Cane Fruits
Blueberry – Fall planting allows root establishment.
Blackberry – Plant container or bare-root stock.
Vines & Small Fruits
Grape – Fall planting is ideal for root development.
Dormant season planting begins—bare-root stock becomes available for deciduous fruit trees and berries.
Fruit Trees
Peach – Prime bare-root season begins late in the month.
Plum – Excellent for bare-root planting.
Pear – Continue fall planting.
Apple – Good time for container and bare-root.
Citrus – Plant container citrus before first freeze risk.
Jujube – Dormant planting works well.
Berry Bushes & Cane Fruits
Blueberry – Plant now for spring growth.
Blackberry – Bare-root stock becomes available.
Vines & Small Fruits
Grape – Bare-root vines can be planted.
Peak dormant planting season—ideal conditions for bare-root fruit trees to establish roots before spring growth.
Fruit Trees
Peach – Bare-root planting continues.
Plum – Excellent dormant planting month.
Pear – Plant bare-root or container stock.
Apple – Good time for dormant planting.
Fig – Can be planted if soil is workable.
Persimmon – Dormant season planting works well.
Berry Bushes & Cane Fruits
Blueberry – Continue planting through winter.
Blackberry – Bare-root planting season is active.
Vines & Small Fruits
Grape – Dormant bare-root planting is ideal.
Seasonal Gardening Tips
Spring Garden
Plant warm-season vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and squash after the last frost in mid-March. Focus on heat-tolerant varieties suited to Central Texas.
Mulch heavily to retain moisture as temperatures rise. Prepare for the hot summer ahead by establishing deep root systems early.
Summer Garden
Water deeply in early morning to combat intense heat and drought. Drip irrigation works best for conserving water during triple-digit days.
Plant heat-loving herbs like basil, rosemary, and oregano. Provide afternoon shade for sensitive plants and watch for spider mites in dry conditions.
Fall Garden
Start cool-season crops in late August through September. Lettuce, kale, broccoli, and carrots thrive in Central Texas fall weather.
Take advantage of milder temperatures and reduced pest pressure. Fall is the best planting season for perennials and native Texas plants.
Winter Garden
Protect tender plants during occasional freezes with frost cloth or row covers. Central Texas winters are mild enough to keep many cool-season crops thriving.
Plant garlic, onions, and shallots in November. Enjoy fresh greens, root vegetables, and herbs throughout the winter months with minimal maintenance.