Data: 2023 USDA zones (PRISM/OSU) · NOAA 1991–2020 normals · updated Oct 29, 2026

Planting zone for 78608 — Briggs, TX

ZIP code 78608 (Briggs, Burnet County) is in USDA zone 8b: the coldest winter night averages 15 to 20 °F. The median last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost November 17.

Where ZIP 78608 is

Outlined: the ZIP code area · tap the map for the zone at any spot · scroll or pinch to zoom

Not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Zones come from the 2023 USDA hardiness-zone data by the PRISM Group, Oregon State University; we re-mapped and recolored them. The official map is at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.

Zone8b15 to 20 °F

Coldest night−9.4 to −6.7 °C

Last frostMar 14

First frostNov 17

2012 zone8a

Was 8a on the 2012 map — half a zone warmer now. The zone is the one at the center of the ZIP code; hilly ZIPs can span two zones. What zone 8b means →

Frost forecast — next 7 nights

live from the National Weather Service

Loading the forecast for Briggs, TX…

Forecast data: National Weather Service (api.weather.gov), public domain. This is not a warning service — for official frost and freeze warnings see weather.gov.

Frost dates in Briggs, TX

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Blue: frost possible · fading green: frost risk falling or rising (90% → 10%) · green: frost-free

Last spring frostMarch 14median — 50% chance of a later frost

Safe for tender plantsApril 4only 10% chance of frost after

First fall frostNovember 17median — 10% chance by Nov 1

Growing season247 daysfrost-free, median

A hard freeze (28 °F) usually ends around March 2 and returns around November 30.

From the NOAA station Killeen, TX — 17 miles away, elevation 814 ft. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, 32 °F threshold. Low spots and valleys can freeze later in spring than the station.

When to plant vegetables in 78608

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeasSow outdoors · Jan 31 – Feb 14

SpinachSow outdoors · Jan 31 – Feb 21

Broccoli, cabbageStart indoors · Jan 3 – Jan 17

Broccoli, cabbageTransplant · Feb 21 – Mar 7

Onion setsPlant outdoors · Feb 14 – Feb 28

PotatoesPlant outdoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

LettuceSow outdoors · Feb 14 – Feb 28

Carrots, beetsSow outdoors · Feb 21 – Mar 7

TomatoesStart indoors · Jan 17 – Jan 31

TomatoesTransplant · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Peppers, eggplantStart indoors · Jan 3 – Jan 17

Peppers, eggplantTransplant · Mar 28 – Apr 11

BeansSow outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Sweet cornSow outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Cucumbers, squashSow outdoors · Mar 21 – Apr 4

Fall lettuce, spinachSow outdoors · Sep 22 – Oct 6

GarlicPlant cloves · Nov 3 – Dec 8

Start seeds indoorsSow or plant outdoorsFall plantingMedian last & first frost

Counted from the median last spring frost (Mar 14) and first fall frost (Nov 17) with the rules of thumb U.S. extension services publish. Cool-season crops take a light frost; warm-season crops do best once the soil is above about 60 °F.

When spring arrived in 2026

In 2026, spring leaf-out near 78608 came on Jan 30 — about the same time as the 1991–2020 average (Jan 31).

average
Jan 312026
Jan 30

JanFebMarAprMayJun

The Spring Index marks the day when accumulated warmth is enough for lilac and honeysuckle to leaf out — a widely used signal that the growing season has started. Source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org — Spring Indices, first leaf, 2026 (data as of 2026-09-08) and 30-year average 1991–2020 (CC BY 4.0).

Native plants for zone 8b in Texas

620 plants native to the lower 48 states, recorded in Texas, and rated by the USDA to survive 15 °F or colder — the bottom of zone 8b. Each links to its USDA PLANTS profile.

Source: USDA, NRCS. 2026. The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov), National Plant Data Team — state distribution, native status and the “Temperature, Minimum” characteristic. Check light, moisture and soil needs before buying; local nurseries and your state native plant society can confirm what thrives in Briggs, TX.

Soil in Briggs, TX

The soil mapped at the center of ZIP 78608 is Brackett — clay loam, well drained.

TextureClay loamholds water and nutrients; slow to drain and warm up

pH7.9alkaline; most vegetables like 6.0–7.0

DrainageWell drainednatural drainage class

Organic matter2%moderate

Hydrologic groupDwater soaks in very slowly

Farmland classNot prime farmlandUSDA classification

Map unit: Brackett association, 1 to 8 percent slopes.

Soil Survey Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA. Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) Database, via Soil Data Access, accessed 2026-10-29. The soil at the center point of ZIP 78608; soils change within a few hundred feet, so a home soil test (pH, nutrients) is still the best guide.

Climate in Briggs, TX

Summer high97 °Faverage high, August

Winter low36 °Faverage low, January

Hot days105days a year at 90 °F or more

Freezing nights31nights a year at 32 °F or less

Growing degree days6,526base 50 °F — the season’s usable heat

Longest day14 h 09 mindaylight on June 21

Shortest day10 h 08 mindaylight on December 21

Onions to growShort-daysummer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb

Precipitation33.2 inper year, rain and melted snow

Average high and low, by month

Precipitation by month inches

NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 — temperature: Killeen, TX (17 mi away); precipitation: Watson, TX (5 mi away). Daylight is calculated from latitude.

Nearby ZIP codes

All 8 nearest ZIP codes share zone 8b.

Liberty Hill, TX · 16 mi

786338b

Georgetown, TX · 17 mi

765418b

Killeen, TX · 18 mi

Texas planting zones →

Questions about 78608

What planting zone is ZIP code 78608?

ZIP code 78608 (Briggs, TX) is in USDA hardiness zone 8b on the 2023 map: the coldest night of an average winter reaches 15 to 20 °F (−9.4 to −6.7 °C).

When is the last frost in Briggs, TX?

The median last spring frost (32 °F) near 78608 is March 14; after April 4 there is only a 10% chance of frost. Data: NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Killeen station.

When is the first frost in Briggs, TX?

The median first fall frost near 78608 is November 17, giving a median frost-free growing season of 247 days.

When should I plant tomatoes in 78608?

Start tomato seeds indoors around Jan 17 – Jan 31 and set transplants outside around Mar 21 – Apr 4, one to three weeks after the median last frost.

How much rain and snow does 78608 get?

About 33.2 inches of precipitation a year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Watson station).

How hot do summers get in Briggs, TX?

The average high peaks at 97 °F in August, with about 105 days a year at 90 °F or more.

What kind of soil does 78608 have?

The USDA soil survey maps Brackett at the center of ZIP 78608: clay loam, well drained, pH about 7.9 (alkaline).

Did spring come early in Briggs, TX in 2026?

Spring leaf-out near 78608 came on Jan 30 in 2026, about the same as the 1991–2020 average (Jan 31), according to the USA National Phenology Network Spring Index.

What kind of onions grow in Briggs, TX?

Short-day onions: the longest day near 78608 is 14 h 09 min, so summer days stay under about 14 h 20 min, so long-day varieties won’t bulb.

Did the zone for 78608 change?

Yes. The 2012 USDA map put 78608 in zone 8a; the 2023 map puts it in zone 8b. The newer map uses 1991–2020 data and more weather stations.