2026 Planting Guide
Fall cropWhen to Plant Wheat in Texas
Complete guide to growing wheat in Texas with optimal planting dates, recommended varieties, soil requirements, pest management, and harvest timing. Data sourced from USDA and state extension services.
Monthly Planting Calendar
Visual overview of the wheat growing season in Texas. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
40-55°F (4-13°C)
Growing Period
210-260 days (winter wheat)
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
March 15
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
November 15
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing wheat in Texas.
January - April
Grow & MonitorIrrigate as needed, scout for pests, apply side-dress fertilizer, and manage weeds.
May - June
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
July - August
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
September - November
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
December
Grow & MonitorIrrigate as needed, scout for pests, apply side-dress fertilizer, and manage weeds.
Best Wheat Varieties for Texas
These varieties have proven performance in Texas's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TAM 114 | Texas climate |
| 2 | TAM 204 | Texas climate |
| 3 | Gallagher | Texas climate |
| 4 | Smith's Gold | Texas climate |
Growing Tips for Texas
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Texas farmers.
Texas Rolling Plains and Panhandle are primary wheat areas
Dual-purpose (graze-out + grain) is common practice
Plant September in Panhandle, October further south
Stripe rust monitoring critical in wet springs
Pest & Disease Watch
Monitor for these threats throughout the growing season. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended.
Hessian fly
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Aphids
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Armyworm
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Wheat midge
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Cereal leaf beetle
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Companion Planting
These plants grow well alongside wheat, improving pest control, pollination, and nutrient availability.
Frost Dates
Last Spring Frost
March 15
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
November 15
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant wheat in Texas?
The optimal planting window for wheat in Texas is September 15 to November 15. Soil temperature should reach at least 40-55°F (4-13°C) before planting. The total growing period is 210-260 days (winter wheat).
What varieties of wheat grow best in Texas?
The best varieties for Texas include TAM 114, TAM 204, Gallagher, Smith's Gold. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest wheat in Texas?
The harvest window for wheat in Texas is typically May 15 to June 30. The crop takes 210-260 days (winter wheat) from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, Texas Cooperative Extension Service, and NOAA frost date records. Last updated: March 2026.
Planting dates are averages and may vary by county, elevation, and local microclimate. Always consult your local extension office for the most precise recommendations.