This guide will dig into an array of vegetables, flowers, herbs, and landscape plants suitable for planting in October in Texas, offering detailed insights into their growing requirements and tolerances.
Vegetables To Plant
Planting vegetables in October can extend your harvest season, especially for cool-season crops. Here’s a list of ten vegetable options that thrive in Texas during this month.
Broccoli
Temperature Tolerance: Broccoli thrives in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F. It can withstand light frosts, making it ideal for fall planting.
Planting Dates: In most regions of Texas, particularly in zones 8a to 9b, you can plant broccoli in early October. However, in the northern parts of the state, aim for mid-October.
Details: This cruciferous vegetable is both nutritious and versatile. When planting, choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil enriched with compost. Space plants 18 inches apart to allow for excellent air circulation. As they grow, be vigilant for pests like aphids and caterpillars, which can be managed organically.
Kale
Temperature Tolerance: Kale is frost-tolerant and thrives in cooler temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 65°F.
Planting Dates: Plant kale in October for a harvest that can continue into the winter months. For northern Texas zones, begin planting mid-month to avoid extreme cold.
Details: Kale is a nutrient powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K. It grows best in rich, well-drained soil. Harvest leaves from the bottom upward to encourage new growth. Mulching around your kale plants can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Carrots
Temperature Tolerance: Carrots prefer temperatures between 60°F and 70°F, but they can tolerate light frost.
Planting Dates: Early to mid-October is the ideal time for sowing carrot seeds across Texas, especially in zones 8a to 9b.
Details: Carrots thrive in loose, sandy soil that allows their long taproots to develop without obstruction. To ensure even germination, keep the soil consistently moist until seeds have sprouted, which usually takes 14-21 days. Thin your seedlings to 3 inches apart for optimal growth.
Spinach
Temperature Tolerance: Spinach can withstand temperatures down to 20°F, making it an excellent choice for planting in October.
Planting Dates: In Texas, spinach can be sown directly in the ground from early to mid-October.
Details: This leafy green grows quickly and is resilient against varying temperatures. Plant seeds ½ inch deep in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Spinach can be harvested multiple times by cutting leaves from the outer edges of the plant.
Radishes
Temperature Tolerance: Radishes prefer cooler temperatures and can withstand light frosts, typically thriving in temperatures around 50°F to 70°F.
Planting Dates: For fall harvesting, sow radish seeds in early October.
Details: Radishes are among the fastest-growing crops, often maturing in just three to four weeks. They’re perfect for interplanting with slower-maturing vegetables like carrots. They prefer loose soil and adequate moisture for rapid growth.
Onions
Temperature Tolerance: Onions grow well in cooler temperatures; they can handle dips to about 20°F during their growing period.
Planting Dates: October is a crucial month for planting onion sets in Texas, particularly in zones 8a to 9b.
Details: Choose a sunny spot and plant sets about 1 inch deep with the tip exposed. Onion plants benefit from well-drained, fertile soil and consistent watering. Harvest is typically around late spring to early summer.
Garlic
Temperature Tolerance: Garlic prefers cooler weather, ideally between 55°F and 75°F, and is hardy to temperatures around 20°F.
Planting Dates: Mid to late October is optimal for planting garlic in most Texas zones.
Details: Garlic is often grown for the flavorful bulbs that thrive in loamy, well-draining soil. Plant cloves 2 inches deep and space them 4-6 inches apart. Consistent watering is key until the leaves begin to yellow, indicating readiness for harvest in late spring.
Peas
Temperature Tolerance: Peas flourish in cooler weather, ideally between 50°F and 70°F, and can survive light frosts.
Planting Dates: Plant peas in October for a late winter harvest, especially in areas like the Hill Country (zone 8a) and other central regions.
Details: Sweet peas thrive in well-drained soil, ideally with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and ensure they have a support system as they grow, such as trellises or fencing. Regular watering will help maintain soil moisture.
Lettuce
Temperature Tolerance: Lettuce grows best in cooler weather, ideally between 60°F and 70°F, and can withstand light frosts.
Planting Dates: October is a suitable month to start lettuce seeds directly in the garden, particularly in milder regions.
Details: This fast-growing leafy green is perfect for continuous harvests. There are numerous varieties, so choose according to your taste. Space plants about 12 inches apart, and consider planting them in partial shade in warmer areas to prevent bolting.
Swiss Chard
Temperature Tolerance: Swiss chard is adaptable, thriving in temperatures between 50°F and 70°F and tolerating light frost.
Planting Dates: Start sowing seeds in early to mid-October, particularly in zones 8a to 9b, for a fall crop.
Details: This leafy vegetable is highly nutritious and can add a pop of color to your garden with its vibrant stems. Quick to germinate, chard prefers well-draining soil enriched with compost. Regular harvesting promotes further growth, and you’ll enjoy a steady supply of greens throughout the fall.
Flowers To Plant
October also presents a unique opportunity to plant fall-blooming flowers, adding color and beauty to your Texas landscape. Here are ten beautiful options to consider.
Pansies
Temperature Tolerance: Pansies thrive in cooler weather, with an optimal range of 45°F to 65°F.
Planting Dates: In Texas, pansies can be planted from mid-October onward.
Details: These cheerful flowers come in a variety of colors and patterns, perfecting your fall garden. Choose a location with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Regular deadheading promotes blooming through the cooler months.
Snapdragons
Temperature Tolerance: Snapdragons prefer temperatures between 60°F and 70°F and can withstand light frosts.
Planting Dates: Plant snapdragons in early October for blooms in late winter through spring.
Details: These tall, colorful flowers are stunning additions to borders or containers. To ensure healthy growth, provide good air circulation and occasional deep watering, especially in drier periods.
Violas
Temperature Tolerance: Violas prefer cooler climates and can typically handle temperatures down to 20°F.
Planting Dates: Plant viola seeds in October for vibrant blooms throughout the cooler months.
Details: Similar to pansies but often smaller in size, violas are resilient and prolific. They can self-seed, ensuring blooms year after year. Plant them in well-drained soil with moderate sunlight to encourage vibrant colors.
Mums (Chrysanthemums)
Temperature Tolerance: Mums thrive in temperatures between 45°F and 70°F and can handle light frost.
Planting Dates: In Texas, October is an excellent time to plant garden mums.
Details: Known for their ability to bloom in a variety of colors, mums are essential for autumn gardens. They enjoy well-draining soil and should be watered regularly but not excessively. After blooming, cut back the plants to encourage new growth.
Calendula
Temperature Tolerance: This flower does well in cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frost.
Planting Dates: Calendula can be seeded directly into the garden in mid to late October.
Details: Known for its bright, daisy-like flowers, calendula is not just visually pleasing but also edible. It prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly for the best blooms.
Dianthus
Temperature Tolerance: Dianthus performs well in cooler climates, ideally between 50°F and 70°F.
Planting Dates: Start planting dianthus in October for spring blooms.
Details: With a lovely fragrance and striking flowers, dianthus is excellent in borders or containers. They require well-drained soil and benefit from deadheading to encourage continuous blooming throughout their growing season.
Ornamental Cabbage and Kale
Temperature Tolerance: These plants flourish in cooler temperatures, ideally ranging from 50°F to 70°F.
Planting Dates: Mid-October is perfect for planting ornamental varieties.
Details: Their leafy rosettes provide visual interest with their vibrant colorfulness during the cooler months. While primarily decorative, they benefit from full sun and well-drained soil, helping them maintain their compact shape.
Asters
Temperature Tolerance: Asters thrive in cool temperatures and can tolerate frost.
Planting Dates: Stick to a mid-October planting schedule for optimal blooming.
Details: These perennial flowers are known for their splendid blooms late in the season, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Asters prefer well-drained soil and full sun to part shade.
Coreopsis
Temperature Tolerance: Coreopsis is hardy and can handle cooler temperatures, making it suitable for late fall planting.
Planting Dates: October is ideal for planting coreopsis in most Texas regions.
Details: Known as tickseed, coreopsis often blooms until the first frost. It grows best in dry, well-drained soil and requires full sun. These cheerful flowers are drought-tolerant once established, making them a low-maintenance option.
Zinnias
Temperature Tolerance: Zinnias thrive in warm weather but can be planted in late October for fall displays, generally enjoying temperatures around 70°F.
Planting Dates: Late October is acceptable in warmer areas of Texas, such as zones 9a and 9b.
Details: With a broad spectrum of colors, zinnias are perfect for adding brightness to your garden. They require well-draining soil and regular watering in the early stages until established. Removing spent blooms enhances their continuous blooming nature.
Herbs To Plant
Herbs not only enrich your culinary endeavors but also offer aromatic delights to your garden. Here are ten herbs you can confidently plant in October in Texas.
Parsley
Temperature Tolerance: Parsley does well in cooler conditions, tolerating temperatures down to 20°F.
Planting Dates: Plant parsley seeds in October for fresh leaves available through the fall and winter.
Details: This biennial herb prefers well-draining soil and partial shade, especially in warmer regions. Parsley requires regular watering, particularly in dry periods, and benefits from a layer of mulch during hot spells.
Cilantro
Temperature Tolerance: Cilantro thrives in cool weather, ideally between 50°F and 70°F, and can tolerate light frost.
Planting Dates: October is the prime time to plant cilantro seeds in Texas.
Details: This herb is perfect for adding flavor to various dishes, especially in Mexican cuisine. It’s a fast-growing plant that usually matures within three to four weeks. Keep the soil moist and spaced 6 inches apart to allow for a good yield.
Chives
Temperature Tolerance: Chives can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F and prefer cooler growing conditions.
Planting Dates: Chives can be planted in October in most Texas zones for winter harvest.
Details: This perennial herb adds a mild onion flavor to dishes. Chives thrive in well-draining soil and require full sun. Regular trims can promote extra growth.
Thyme
Temperature Tolerance: Thyme does well in cooler weather and can tolerate light frosts.
Planting Dates: Plant thyme in October as it establishes well before winter.
Details: This hardy herb prefers well-drained and slightly alkaline soil. Plant thyme in full sun for maximum flavor, and trim regularly to encourage bushier growth. Thyme is drought-resistant once established.
Oregano
Temperature Tolerance: Oregano thrives in moderate temperatures but is tolerant to cooler weather.
Planting Dates: October is suitable for planting oregano in Texas.
Details: This herb enjoys well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Oregano requires little water once established but will benefit from occasional watering during dry spells, ensuring robust growth and flavor.
Sage
Temperature Tolerance: Sage is quite hardy, thriving in temperatures from 45°F to 75°F.
Planting Dates: Plant sage in early October for best results in Texas.
Details: This aromatic herb needs full sun and can tolerate drought, making it perfect for xeriscaping. Sage prefers well-draining soil infused with organic matter. Prune back established plants for a fresher growth habit.
Mint
Temperature Tolerance: Mint enjoys cooler temperatures but can adapt to milder climates.
Planting Dates: Start propagation or planting mint in October for vibrant growth.
Details: Mint can quickly become invasive, so it’s best to plant it in pots or confined spaces. Regularly harvesting leaves encourages bushier growth and enhances flavor. Mint prefers moist, fertile soil and partial shade in hotter areas.
Dill
Temperature Tolerance: Dill prefers cooler temperatures and can withstand light frosts.
Planting Dates: October is suitable for planting dill in Texas.
Details: Dill grows quickly and is known for its aromatic leaves and seeds. Plant it in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun. Regular watering helps ensure rapid growth, and don’t forget to pinch back flowering stems to extend the harvest.
Fennel
Temperature Tolerance: Fennel can grow well in cool weather, surviving down to 20°F.
Planting Dates: Plant fennel bulbs in mid-October for a healthy harvest.
Details: Known for its anise flavor, fennel is both a culinary herb and a beautiful plant with feathery leaves. Fennel prefers rich, well-drained soil and full sun to thrive. Be sure to space plants adequately as they grow quite large.
Lemon Balm
Temperature Tolerance: Lemon balm prefers cooler temperatures, thriving in the 60°F to 75°F range.
Planting Dates: Plant lemon balm in October, particularly in northern Texas.
Details: This fragrant herb is mildly invasive, so planting it in contained spaces is advisable. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil and partial to full sun. Regular harvesting enhances growth and flavor.
Landscape Plants To Plant In October
In addition to vegetables, flowers, and herbs, October is also a great time to enhance your landscape with hardy perennials and shrubs. Here are ten landscape plants to consider.
Texas Sage
Temperature Tolerance: Texas Sage is heat-tolerant and thrives in temperatures up to 100°F while being hardy down to 0°F.
Planting Dates: October is an excellent time to plant Texas Sage, especially in zones 8a to 9b.
Details: Known for its silvery foliage and vibrant purple flowers, Texas Sage is a drought-tolerant shrub that requires minimal maintenance. When planting, choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to optimize blooming.
Crepe Myrtle
Temperature Tolerance: Crepe Myrtles are heat-loving plants, thriving in temperatures above 75°F during the growing season.
Planting Dates: October is a great month to plant Crepe Myrtle for establishment before the winter.
Details: Renowned for their stunning summer blooms, Crepe Myrtles do require full sun and well-drained soil. They flourish with minimal care, becoming an eye-catching focal point in your landscape.
Red Oak
Temperature Tolerance: Red Oaks adapt well to a broad range of temperatures, surviving down to -10°F.
Planting Dates: October is the ideal time to plant Red Oaks in Texas.
Details: As a native Texas tree, it provides ample shade and striking fall color. When selecting a planting site, consider areas with full sun and well-drained soil. Properly watering young trees ensures healthy establishment.
Mexican Feather Grass
Temperature Tolerance: This grass thrives in hot, dry conditions and can endure temperatures above 100°F.
Planting Dates: Plant Mexican Feather Grass in October for optimal growth.
Details: Known for its delicate, wispy appearance, this ornamental grass adds texture and movement to the landscape. It requires full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it thrives with minimal water, making it excellent for xeriscaping.
Lantana
Temperature Tolerance: Lantana is extremely heat-tolerant and can withstand up to 100°F, withstanding light frosts.
Planting Dates: October is a good time to plant Lantana for ample bloomage in spring.
Details: This perennial shrub attracts butterflies while providing vibrant color to your landscape. Lantanas thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, they require minimal watering.
Gulf Muhly Grass
Temperature Tolerance: Gulf Muhly is heat-tolerant, flourishing in temperatures up to 100°F.
Planting Dates: October is an excellent time to plant this ornamental grass.
Details: With its striking pinkish-purple flower plumes, Gulf Muhly Grass adds visual interest to any garden. It requires well-drained soil and a sunny location, and it is drought-resistant once established.
Bluebonnet
Temperature Tolerance: Bluebonnets are hardy, thriving in temperatures as low as 20°F and as high as 90°F.
Planting Dates: October is the recommended time to plant Bluebonnet seeds, particularly in southern regions.
Details: This iconic Texas wildflower requires well-drained soil and full sun to flourish. Once established, Bluebonnets become a beautiful sight in early spring, attracting pollinators and providing vibrant color to landscapes.
Daylilies
Temperature Tolerance: Daylilies adapt to a wide range of temperatures and can withstand cold weather but also thrive in the heat.
Planting Dates: October is an excellent month for planting daylilies in various Texas regions.
Details: These hardy perennials produce stunning blooms with minimal care. Plant them in well-drained soil with adequate sunlight and ensure consistent watering for prosperous growth.
