Discover the Best Vegetables to Grow in Texas according to the state’s climate for a fresh harvest all year round!
Looking to create a thriving vegetable garden in Texas? Explore the Best Vegetables to Grow in Texas that are in tune with the state’s warm climate.
Check out the Best Purple Flower Trees in Texas here
Growing Vegetables in Texas
Knowing Texas‘ hardiness zone is crucial for successful vegetable gardening. Most of Texas falls into Zone 7, while some southern areas are in Zones 8 and 9. This information determines which vegetables will thrive in your garden and ensure a bountiful harvest.
Best Vegetables to Grow in Texas
1. Cabbage
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata
One of the Best Vegetables to Grow in Texas, Cabbage enjoys Texas’ cool spring and fall weather, making it a great choice. Plant them in early spring.
2. Peppers
Botanical Name: Capsicum
These easy-to-care-for vegetables thrive in hot weather, especially during a long summer, resulting in abundant pepper harvests.
3. Tomatoes
Botanical Name: Lycopersicon esculentum
Tomatoes are the best vegetable to grow in Texas due to their ability to thrive in the state’s warm climate and long growing seasons.
4. Kale
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Kale is one of the Best Vegetables to Grow in Texas. Unlike others on the list, it can be grown all year round, making it a reliable and consistent choice for your garden.
5. Squash
Botanical Name: Cucurbita
If planted correctly, you can harvest squash from May to November, allowing you to enjoy it fresh. Zucchini, Acorn, Butternut, Spaghetti are the best ones to grow.
Learn How to Grow Squash on a Trellis here
6. Asparagus
Botanical Name: Asparagus officinalis
Asparagus doesn’t need much water to grow and produce a harvest all summer long. This is beneficial during both dry and wet summers.
7. Peas
Botanical Name: Pisum sativum
Peas do well in Texas’ spring and fall weather and are tastiest when grown in winter and early spring. They are great for vertical gardening.
Learn Everything About Growing Peas In Containers and Pots here
8. Radishes
Botanical Name: Raphanus sativus
Radishes, like carrots and other root crops, need minimal water, sunlight, and pest attention, making them perfect for full-sun and partial-sun gardens.
9. Cucumbers
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus
Cucumbers are hardy, with some types thriving in cold weather and others in warmer climates. You can harvest cucumbers from late spring to late fall.
10. Green Beans
Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
Green beans are unique as they don’t need much water to grow, flower, and produce multiple harvests. This is beneficial during dry summers.
11. Eggplant
Botanical Name: Solanum melongena
Eggplants thrive in Texas’ hot summer heat, benefiting from higher temperatures and even more so with rainfall, resulting in larger and better harvests.
12. Okra
Botanical Name: Abelmoschus esculentus
Its heat-loving nature and ability to tolerate drought make it a perfect choice. Okra thrives in hot summers, making it one of the Best Vegetables to Grow in Texas.
Learn about Growing Okra In Pots here
13. Sweet Potatoes
Botanical Name: Ipomoea batatas
Growing sweet potatoes in Texas is advantageous due to the state’s warm weather and loose soil, which are ideal conditions for these nutritious root vegetables.
14. Malabar Spinach
Botanical Name: Basella alba
Growing Malabar Spinach in Texas is beneficial because it thrives in the state’s hot and humid climate. Unlike traditional spinach,it doesn’t bolt in the heat.
Learn Growing Malabar Spinach in Pots and Benefits here
15. Corn
Botanical Name: Zea mays
Growing corn in Texas is advantageous due to the state’s warm climate and long growing seasons, which are ideal for this crop. It is a versatile staple in many dishes.
16. Zucchini
Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo
Zucchini thrives in the state’s warm climate and long growing season. It produces an abundance of fruits, making zucchini a prolific crop.
17. Cantaloupe
Botanical Name: Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis
This fruit loves warm weather, and Texas provides a long, warm growing season. It requires lots of sun, which Texas has in abundance.
18. Swiss Chard
Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Despite preferring cooler temperatures, Swiss chard can tolerate the heat in Texas, especially if grown in partial shade. It’s also rich in nutrients, making it a rewarding plant.
19. Turmeric
Botanical Name: Curcuma longa
Turmeric is a tropical plant that loves warm, humid climates. Texas’ long, hot summers provide an ideal environment for this plant, and it can be easily grown in pots.
20. Collard Greens
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. viridis
This hardy vegetable prefers cooler weather, but can tolerate heat, making it suitable for the Texas climate. It’s also nutrient-rich and versatile in the kitchen.
21. Peanuts
Botanical Name: Arachis hypogaea
Texas is a leading producer of peanuts in the U.S. because peanuts thrive in the sandy soil common in parts of the state. They also prefer warm weather, which Texas provides.
22. Lettuce
Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa
Lettuce grows best in cooler temperatures. In Texas, it can be planted in early spring or late fall to avoid the extreme summer heat or grown in shady areas during summer.
Check out our article on growing Lettuce here
23. Garlic
Botanical Name: Allium sativum
Garlic is planted in the fall and harvested in late spring or early summer, making it ideal for Texas’ mild winters. It’s also a great companion plant, helping deter pests.
24. Turnips
Botanical Name: Brassica rapa
Turnips are cool-season crops that can be planted in early spring or fall in Texas. They grow quickly, and both the roots and greens can be eaten.
25. Broccoli
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
Broccoli is a cool-season crop that does well in Texas if planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. It’s also high in nutrients and can be harvested multiple times.
26. Cauliflower
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Similar to broccoli, cauliflower is a cool-season vegetable that can be grown in Texas in early spring or late summer. Its versatility in cooking makes it a popular choice.
27. Brussels Sprouts
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
These are cool-weather plants that do well during Texas winters. They are hardy and can survive frost, making them an ideal crop for the cooler months.
28. Pumpkins
Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo and other species
Pumpkins need a long, warm growing season to mature, making Texas an ideal place to grow them. They’re often planted in mid-summer for a fall harvest.
Here’s How To Grow Pumpkins In Pots
29. Carrots
Botanical Name: Daucus carota
Carrots are another cool-season crop that can be planted in early spring or fall in Texas. They grow well in loose soil, common in many parts of Texas.
30. Beets
Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris
Beets tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making them a good choice for Texas. They prefer looser, well-drained soil and can be harvested for both their roots and leaves.
31. Onions
Botanical Name: Allium cepa
Texas is famous for its sweet onions. They prefer cooler weather, making late fall or early spring the best time to plant them.
Fun Fact: Onions can be harvested at various stages, depending on whether you want green onions or mature bulbs.
