Frost Dates for Brownsville, TX 78521
Last spring frost December 23 · First fall frost January 24 · 32 frost-free days · USDA Zone 10a
ZIP 78521 has about 87,400 people, the largest of 3 ZIP codes in Brownsville.
Short season: 32 frost-free days.
Frost probability for 78521
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | February 13 | December 23 | — |
| Fall (first frost) | December 12 | January 24 | — |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at PORT ISABEL (16.1 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Frost dates by ZIP code in Brownsville, TX
| ZIP | Last spring frost (50%) | First fall frost (50%) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78521 | December 23 | January 24 | 10a |
| 78520 | December 23 | January 24 | 10a |
| 78526 | December 23 | January 24 | 10a |
Which crops fit a 32-day season in Brownsville
In Brownsville (32 frost-free days, a short season), 14 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 3 get two plantings, 3 need an indoor start, 35 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant out / sow | Days you have | Verdict | Last sow date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Nov 18 | Jan 6–Jan 13 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Brownsville has 0 after Jan 6. | — |
| Pepper | Nov 11 | Jan 6–Jan 13 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Brownsville has 0 after Jan 6. | — |
| Lettuce | Oct 28 | Nov 25–Dec 2 | 67 | fits: 45 days to maturity, 67 available after Nov 25. | Dec 3 |
| Carrots | — | Dec 2–Dec 9 | 74 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 74 available after Dec 2. | — |
| Cucumber | Dec 2 | Jan 6–Jan 13 | 4 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Brownsville has 4 after Jan 6. | — |
| Beans | — | Dec 30–Jan 13 | 18 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Brownsville has 18 after Dec 30. | — |
| Peas | — | Oct 28–Jan 6 | 95 | fits: 65 days to maturity, 95 available after Oct 28. | Nov 13 |
| Zucchini | Dec 9 | Jan 6–Jan 13 | 4 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Brownsville has 4 after Jan 6. | — |
| Onion | Sep 30 | Nov 25–Dec 9 | 67 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Brownsville has 67 after Nov 25. | — |
| Spinach | — | Oct 28–Dec 16 | 109 | two-plantings: Plant Oct 28 and again by Dec 22; both mature before Feb 14. | Dec 22 |
| Kale | Oct 14 | Nov 25–Dec 9 | 81 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 81 available after Nov 25. | Dec 7 |
| Broccoli | Oct 28 | Nov 25–Dec 9 | 67 | head-start: Even planted out Nov 25, the outdoor season is about 13 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Cabbage | Oct 28 | Nov 25–Dec 9 | 81 | fits: 70 days to maturity, 81 available after Nov 25. | — |
| Radish | — | Oct 28–Jan 20 | 95 | two-plantings: Plant Oct 28 and again by Dec 23; both mature before Jan 31. | Dec 23 |
| Beets | — | Oct 28–Jan 20 | 95 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 95 available after Oct 28. | Nov 23 |
| Potatoes | — | Dec 9–Dec 16 | 53 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Brownsville has 53 after Dec 9. | — |
| Garlic | — | Jan 24 | 137 | overwinter: Plant Jan 24 to Feb 14; harvest the following summer. | Feb 14 |
| Strawberry | — | Nov 18–Jan 13 | 88 | perennial: A perennial: plant Nov 18; it fruits from the following year and keeps producing for several years. | — |
| Corn | Nov 25 | Dec 30–Jan 6 | 4 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Brownsville has 4 after Dec 30. | — |
| Pumpkin | Dec 9 | Jan 6–Jan 6 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Brownsville has 0 after Jan 6. | — |
| Cauliflower | Nov 11 | Dec 16–Dec 30 | 46 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Brownsville has 46 after Dec 16. | — |
| Swiss Chard | Oct 28 | Dec 9–Dec 9 | 53 | head-start: Even planted out Dec 9, the outdoor season is about 2 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Arugula | — | Oct 28–Jan 20 | 109 | two-plantings: Plant Oct 28 and again by Dec 22; both mature before Feb 14. | Dec 22 |
| Brussel Sprouts | Oct 28 | Nov 25–Dec 9 | 81 | head-start: Even planted out Nov 25, the outdoor season is about 19 days short; choose an early variety or grow under cover. | — |
| Butternut Squash | Dec 9 | Jan 6–Jan 13 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 100 days; Brownsville has 0 after Jan 6. | — |
| Eggplant | Nov 4 | Jan 6–Jan 13 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Brownsville has 0 after Jan 6. | — |
| Okra | Nov 25 | Dec 30–Jan 6 | 11 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Brownsville has 11 after Dec 30. | — |
| Basil | Nov 18 | Jan 13–Jan 13 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Brownsville has 0 after Jan 13. | — |
| Cilantro | — | Nov 25–Dec 16 | 67 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 67 available after Nov 25. | Nov 28 |
| Parsley | Oct 14 | Dec 30–Jan 6 | 32 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Brownsville has 32 after Dec 30. | — |
| Celery | Oct 14 | Dec 30–Jan 13 | 32 | no-fit: Needs 120 days; Brownsville has 32 after Dec 30. | — |
| Scallions | Oct 14 | Nov 25–Dec 9 | 81 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 81 available after Nov 25. | Dec 2 |
| Turnip | — | Nov 25–Dec 9 | 81 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 81 available after Nov 25. | Dec 12 |
| Kohlrabi | — | Nov 11–Nov 25 | 95 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 95 available after Nov 11. | Dec 7 |
| Bok Choy | Nov 25 | Dec 16–Dec 23 | 46 | fits: 45 days to maturity, 46 available after Dec 16. | — |
| Collards | Oct 14 | Nov 25–Dec 9 | 81 | fits: 60 days to maturity, 81 available after Nov 25. | Dec 2 |
| Cantaloupe | Dec 9 | Jan 6–Jan 13 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Brownsville has 0 after Jan 6. | — |
| Chives | Sep 30 | Dec 30–Jan 6 | 46 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Brownsville has 46 after Dec 30. | — |
| Dill | — | Oct 28–Jan 20 | 95 | fits: 55 days to maturity, 95 available after Oct 28. | Nov 23 |
| Oregano | Oct 14 | Dec 30–Jan 6 | 46 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Brownsville has 46 after Dec 30. | — |
| Rosemary | Sep 30 | Dec 30–Jan 6 | 32 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Brownsville has 32 after Dec 30. | — |
| Sage | Oct 28 | Dec 30–Jan 6 | 46 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Brownsville has 46 after Dec 30. | — |
| Thyme | Oct 14 | Dec 30–Jan 6 | 46 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Brownsville has 46 after Dec 30. | — |
| Calendula | Nov 11 | Dec 9–Dec 23 | 53 | fits: 50 days to maturity, 53 available after Dec 9. | — |
| Cosmos | Nov 25 | Dec 23–Jan 6 | 18 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Brownsville has 18 after Dec 23. | — |
| Lavender | Sep 30 | Dec 23–Jan 6 | 53 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Brownsville has 53 after Dec 23. | — |
| Marigolds | Nov 11 | Dec 23–Dec 30 | 18 | no-fit: Needs 50 days; Brownsville has 18 after Dec 23. | — |
| Melons | Dec 9 | Jan 6–Jan 13 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 85 days; Brownsville has 0 after Jan 6. | — |
| Mint | — | Dec 23–Jan 6 | 53 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Brownsville has 53 after Dec 23. | — |
| Nasturtiums | Nov 25 | Dec 23–Dec 30 | 18 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Brownsville has 18 after Dec 23. | — |
| Pole Beans | — | Dec 30–Jan 13 | 11 | no-fit: Needs 65 days; Brownsville has 11 after Dec 30. | — |
| Spaghetti Squash | Dec 9 | Jan 6–Jan 13 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 90 days; Brownsville has 0 after Jan 6. | — |
| Sunflowers | — | Dec 23–Jan 6 | 18 | no-fit: Needs 70 days; Brownsville has 18 after Dec 23. | — |
| Tomatillos | Oct 28 | Dec 30–Jan 6 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 75 days; Brownsville has 0 after Dec 30. | — |
| Watermelon | Dec 9 | Dec 30–Jan 6 | 0 | no-fit: Needs 80 days; Brownsville has 0 after Dec 30. | — |
| Yellow Squash | Dec 9 | Jan 6–Jan 13 | 4 | no-fit: Needs 55 days; Brownsville has 4 after Jan 6. | — |
| Zinnias | Nov 25 | Dec 23–Jan 6 | 18 | no-fit: Needs 60 days; Brownsville has 18 after Dec 23. | — |
Month by month in Brownsville
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Direct sow from: Garlic (Jan 24). Transplant from: Butternut Squash (Jan 6), Cantaloupe (Jan 6), Cucumber (Jan 6), Eggplant (Jan 6), Melons (Jan 6), Pepper (Jan 6), +6 more. First frost around January 24. |
| February | Last sowing dates: Garlic (Feb 14). |
| March | Transplant warm-season crops outdoors. Sow beans, cucumbers, and squash. |
| April | Main warm-season planting window. Direct sow melons and sweet corn. |
| May | Succession plant lettuce. Keep beds irrigated as temperatures climb. |
| June | Monitor for heat stress. Harvest zucchini and cucumbers frequently. |
| July | Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Watch for pests. |
| August | Start fall cool-season crops: broccoli, kale, beets, and carrots. |
| September | Start indoors: Chives (Sep 30), Lavender (Sep 30), Onion (Sep 30), Rosemary (Sep 30). |
| October | Start indoors: Celery (Oct 14), Collards (Oct 14), Kale (Oct 14), Oregano (Oct 14), Parsley (Oct 14), Scallions (Oct 14), +8 more. Direct sow from: Arugula (Oct 28), Beets (Oct 28), Dill (Oct 28), Peas (Oct 28), Radish (Oct 28), Spinach (Oct 28). |
| November | Start indoors: Eggplant (Nov 4), Calendula (Nov 11), Cauliflower (Nov 11), Marigolds (Nov 11), Pepper (Nov 11), Basil (Nov 18), +7 more. Direct sow from: Kohlrabi (Nov 11), Cilantro (Nov 25), Turnip (Nov 25). Transplant from: Broccoli (Nov 25), Brussel Sprouts (Nov 25), Cabbage (Nov 25), Collards (Nov 25), Kale (Nov 25), Lettuce (Nov 25), +2 more. Plant: Strawberry (Nov 18). Last sowing dates: Peas (Nov 13), Beets (Nov 23), Dill (Nov 23), Cilantro (Nov 28). |
| December | Start indoors: Cucumber (Dec 2), Butternut Squash (Dec 9), Cantaloupe (Dec 9), Melons (Dec 9), Pumpkin (Dec 9), Spaghetti Squash (Dec 9), +3 more. Direct sow from: Carrots (Dec 2), Potatoes (Dec 9), Sunflowers (Dec 23), Beans (Dec 30), Pole Beans (Dec 30). Transplant from: Calendula (Dec 9), Swiss Chard (Dec 9), Bok Choy (Dec 16), Cauliflower (Dec 16), Cosmos (Dec 23), Lavender (Dec 23), +15 more. Last frost around December 23. Last sowing dates: Collards (Dec 2), Scallions (Dec 2), Lettuce (Dec 3), Kale (Dec 7), Kohlrabi (Dec 7), Turnip (Dec 12), +3 more. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Brownsville, TX (ZIP 78521)?
The median last spring frost date for Brownsville, TX (ZIP code 78521) is around December 23. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.
What is the first fall frost date in Brownsville, TX?
The median first fall frost date for Brownsville, TX is around January 24. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses. The first frost arrives around December 12 in the earliest one-in-ten years, so cover tomatoes and peppers from then.
How long is the growing season in Brownsville, TX?
The frost-free growing season in Brownsville is about 32 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side. In Brownsville (32 frost-free days, a short season), 14 of 56 planner crops fit outright, 3 get two plantings, 3 need an indoor start, 35 don't reliably mature, 1 crop is perennial.
What USDA hardiness zone is Brownsville, TX?
Brownsville, TX is in USDA hardiness zone 10a (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map). Zones come from the average coldest winter temperature, so they tell you which perennials survive the winter; the frost dates on this page tell you when to plant.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Brownsville, TX?
Start tomatoes indoors Nov 18 and plant out Jan 6 in Brownsville. The planner uses the local median last frost and this crop's indoor-start and transplant offsets.
How many plantings of lettuce fit in Brownsville?
One spring planting around Nov 25. The last sow date is Dec 3.
When do I plant garlic in Brownsville?
Jan 24 to Feb 14; it overwinters and is ready the following summer.
Can I grow Celery in Brownsville?
Not reliably outdoors. Needs 120 days; Brownsville has 32 after Dec 30.
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