Best Fall Plants for Texas: What to Grow Now

As the summer heat begins to wane in Texas, fall presents an ideal opportunity to invigorate your garden with a new set of plants. With mild temperatures and ample rainfall, autumn provides a perfect window for planting, allowing your new additions to establish strong roots before winter's chill sets in. But what should you plant in the fall in Texas? Let's explore some excellent choices that will thrive in the Lone Star State's diverse climates.

Texas' fall planting season, typically from September to November, offers a broad spectrum of options, from hardy perennials to cool-season vegetables and even some trees and shrubs. By selecting the right plants, you can enjoy vibrant colors, increased biodiversity, and a head start on next year's garden. So, let's dive into the best plants to consider for your fall garden in Texas.

Cool-Season Vegetables

Fall is an excellent time to plant cool-season vegetables, as they thrive in the mild temperatures and shorter days of autumn. These crops will mature just in time to escape the worst of the summer heat and provide you with a bountiful harvest.

Some cool-season vegetables that excel in Texas' fall climate include:

• Leafy greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and collards are all excellent choices for fall planting. They grow best in temperatures between 60-65°F (15-18°C) and can tolerate light frosts.
• Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are all members of the brassica family and prefer cooler temperatures. Plant them in early fall for a winter harvest.
• Root vegetables: Beets, carrots, radishes, and turnips can be sown in fall and harvested throughout the winter and early spring.

Legumes

Legumes, such as peas and beans, are another excellent option for fall planting in Texas. They prefer cooler temperatures and can be harvested in early spring.

Some legume varieties that do well in Texas' fall climate include:

• Peas: Snow peas, snap peas, and shelling peas can all be planted in fall and harvested in early spring.
• Beans: Bush beans and Southern peas (cowpeas) are both well-suited to Texas' fall climate. Plant them in late summer or early fall for a winter harvest.

Alliums

Alliums, such as garlic and onions, are cool-season crops that can be planted in fall and harvested in late spring or early summer.

Some allium varieties that do well in Texas include:

• Garlic: Plant garlic cloves in fall for a summer harvest. Choose varieties like 'Inchelium Red' or 'German Extra Hardy' for Texas' climate.
• Onions: Plant onion sets or seedlings in fall for a summer harvest. 'Texas Sweet' and 'Walla Walla Sweet' are both well-suited to Texas' climate.

Ornamental Plants

Fall is an ideal time to plant ornamental plants in Texas, as the cooler temperatures and increased rainfall promote strong root growth. Many ornamental plants will provide color and interest throughout the fall and winter, with some even blooming in early spring.

Some ornamental plants that thrive in Texas' fall climate include:

Perennials

Perennials are a great choice for fall planting, as they will return year after year. Some perennials that do well in Texas include:

• Black-eyed Susan (Ageratum): This drought-tolerant perennial produces vibrant purple or blue flowers with yellow centers from fall to spring.
• Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii): This compact shrub produces red, pink, or white flowers from fall to spring and is drought-tolerant once established.
• Blue Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii): This low-maintenance perennial produces masses of lavender-blue flowers from fall to spring and attracts pollinators.

Trees and Shrubs

Fall is an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs in Texas, as the cooler temperatures and increased rainfall promote strong root growth. Some trees and shrubs that do well in Texas include:

• Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis): This small, deciduous tree produces vibrant pink flowers in early spring and attracts pollinators.
• Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria): This evergreen shrub or small tree produces small, white flowers in spring and red berries in fall, providing food for wildlife.
• Texas Madrone (Arbutus xalapensis): This evergreen shrub or small tree produces clusters of white flowers in fall and red, edible berries in winter.

Incorporating these plants into your fall garden in Texas will not only enhance your landscape's beauty but also provide valuable habitat and food sources for local wildlife. So, get out there and start planting! With a little effort now, you'll be rewarded with a vibrant and thriving garden throughout the coming year.