2012 Best Planting Dates for Seeds for Dallas, Texas

When determining the best planting dates for seeds, the date of the last spring frost is important to your success. NOTE: Our chart calculates U.S. frost dates only, based on historical data. Other factors can also influence planting dates, including soil temperature, altitude and slope of land, nearby waters, and day length. Keep records of your garden's conditions each year to plan more accurately.

  • Seeds for plants with a long growing season should be started indoors during the periods shown below.
  • Seeds for plants sown in the ground should be planted during the periods shown.
  • When no dates appear in the chart, that starting method is not recommended for the particular vegetable.
  • To start transplants, see our Best Dates to Transplant (by region).

Planting by the Moon?

Above-ground crops are planted during the light of the Moon (new to full); below-ground crops are planted during the dark of the Moon (from the day after it is full to the day before it is new again). Planting is done in the daytime; planting at night is optional!

This chart includes the most popular crops. For more information, consult your cooperative extension.

Click on the underlined crops below for free "how to" plant and grow guides!

ZIP Code or City,State

50% probability of frost free after March 3 (at DALLAS LOVE AP, TX climate station).

CropStart Seeds IndoorsMoon-favorable DatesStart Seeds in the GroundMoon-favorable Dates
BeansMar 3-17Mar 3- 8
BeetsFeb 11-Mar 24Feb 11-20
BroccoliJan 7-21Jan 7- 9Feb 11-18
Brussels sproutsJan 7-21Jan 7- 9
CabbageJan 7-21Jan 7- 9Feb 25-Mar 10Feb 25-Mar 8
CarrotsJan 28-Feb 11Feb 8-11
CauliflowerJan 7-21Jan 7- 9Feb 25-Mar 10Feb 25-Mar 8
CeleryJan 7-21Jan 7- 9
CornMar 17-24Mar 22-24
CucumbersFeb 4-18Feb 4- 7Mar 10-17
LettuceJan 21-Feb 4Jan 23-Feb 4Feb 25-Mar 17Feb 25-Mar 8
MelonsFeb 4-18Feb 4- 7Mar 17-24Mar 22-24
Onion setsFeb 4-11Feb 8-11
ParsnipsFeb 11-Mar 3Feb 11-20
PeasJan 21-Feb 4Jan 23-Feb 4
PeppersJan 7-21Jan 7- 9
Potato tubersMar 3-17Mar 9-17
PumpkinsFeb 4-18Feb 4- 7Mar 10-17
RadishesFeb 25-Mar 10Mar 9-10
SpinachJan 21-Feb 4Jan 23-Feb 4
Squash, summerFeb 4-18Feb 4- 7Mar 10-17
Squash, winterFeb 4-18Feb 4- 7Mar 10-17
TomatoesJan 7-21Jan 7- 9