Austin Seasonal Planting Guide

Last updated: July 10, 2026

Timing is everything in Central Texas. Plant at the wrong moment and you fight heat, drought, and clay all summer; plant in the right window and roots establish while the weather cooperates. This guide breaks the Austin year into four seasons with what to plant, when, and why — for lawns, beds, trees, and the vegetable garden.

Spring (March–May)

Austin’s average last frost falls in early to mid-March, so once it passes the warm-season garden opens up. Plant warm-season vegetables — tomatoes and peppers early (they need to set fruit before the brutal summer heat), then squash, cucumbers, beans, and okra. Set out warm-season annuals like zinnias, lantana, and pentas. This is also the time to lay or plug warm-season turf (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine) as soil warms. Hold off planting trees and shrubs if you can — spring plantings head straight into summer stress — but if you do, water diligently.

Summer (June–August)

Summer is for maintaining, not establishing. Avoid planting anything that is not heat-proven; new roots struggle in 100-degree heat and dry soil. If you must add color, stick to true heat lovers — lantana, esperanza (yellow bells), purslane, vinca, and salvia. Keep everything mulched 2–3 inches deep and water deeply but infrequently. Late summer (August) is the time to plan and prep fall beds and start cool-season vegetable transplants indoors. Do not fertilize stressed lawns in peak heat.

Fall (September–November)

Fall is the single best planting season in Austin, and most homeowners miss it. The soil is still warm but the air has cooled, so roots establish for months before the next summer — giving plants a huge survival advantage. Plant trees and shrubs now (live oak, Texas red oak, cedar elm, crepe myrtle, Texas sage, rosemary). Plant perennials (salvia greggii, blackfoot daisy, autumn sage). Sow wildflower seed including bluebonnets in October so they germinate with fall rains and bloom in spring. Plant cool-season vegetables — lettuce, spinach, kale, broccoli, carrots, and garlic. Overseed shaded areas and refresh mulch.

Winter (December–February)

Central Texas winters are mild, so the ground rarely freezes hard and dormant planting works well. This is an excellent, low-stress time to plant bare-root and balled trees and shrubs — they settle in before spring growth. Plant cool-season color like pansies, violas, snapdragons, and ornamental kale for winter beds. Prune dormant trees and shrubs (wait on spring-bloomers until after they flower), and hold off cutting back frost-tender perennials until the last freeze passes. Watch the forecast for the occasional hard freeze and protect tender plants.

Central Texas Planting Notes

Two local realities shape success here: alkaline, often shallow clay or caliche soil and summer drought with watering restrictions. Amend beds with compost, choose plants adapted to high pH, and lean on Texas natives and adapted species that thrive on less water once established. Fall planting plus deep mulch is the single biggest thing you can do to reduce summer watering. When in doubt about a planting plan for your specific lot, we are glad to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the last frost in Austin?

On average, early to mid-March (around March 1–15). Wait until after it passes to set out warm-season vegetables and tender annuals; watch the forecast, as late cold snaps happen.

What is the best time to plant trees in Austin?

Fall, hands down. October through November lets roots establish through the mild winter and spring before facing summer heat. Winter dormant planting is a close second.

When should I plant bluebonnets?

Sow bluebonnet and other wildflower seed in fall, around October, so it germinates with cooler weather and fall moisture and blooms the following spring.

Can I plant in the Austin summer?

It is the hardest time. Stick to heat-proven plants and water carefully, or better, wait for fall. Summer is best spent maintaining and planning.