Brought to you by garden.gg Zone 7a Planting Calendar & Schedule
USDA zone 7 has average annual minimum temperatures of 0 to 10°F and a moderate four-season climate with mild winters, a long warm summer, and a generous ~190-day frost-free growing season. It supports both heat-loving summer crops and hardy fall/winter cool-season crops, often with light season extension.
Zone 7a is the cooler half of USDA zone 7, where the average coldest winter night bottoms out at 0 to 5°F. Compared with the zone 7 averages, the last spring frost in zone 7a comes about a week later (Apr 22) and the first fall frost about a week earlier (Oct 18), for a growing season of about 179 days. Every planting window on this page is shifted to match: spring sowing and transplant dates move a week later, fall plantings a week earlier. Crop notes still quote zone 7 timing.
Zone 7 is a transitional climate: winters are real (lows of 0 to 10°F) but short, and the 193-day season runs from mid-April to late October. It spans the Virginia and Maryland Piedmont, most of Tennessee and Arkansas, Oklahoma and north Texas, and the lowland valleys of western Oregon and Washington. The long fall is the defining advantage: first frost holds off until late October, so zone 7 fits two full brassica seasons a year, and spinach, kale, and garlic overwinter with minimal protection.
States & regions in Zone 7: Mid-Atlantic (Virginia, Maryland, central North Carolina Piedmont), Tennessee and northern Georgia/Alabama, Oklahoma and northern Texas, Arkansas, Coastal/lowland Pacific Northwest (parts of western Oregon & Washington), Northern New Mexico & Arizona high desert, Southern New Jersey & Delaware coast, Northern California interior valleys
Mild winters unlock year-round growing.
Zone 7 gardeners have a secret weapon: you can grow cool-season crops through winter. While zone 5 is buried under snow, you're harvesting spinach and kale. But summer heat means early planting for tomatoes and peppers before the dog days hit.
Pro tip: Get tomatoes in the ground by mid-March. By July, afternoon shade cloth prevents blossom drop in the heat.
Save a planting for your zone 7a garden — free
What to Plant in Zone 7a This Fall (September–November)
The average first fall frost in zone 7a is Oct 18. To find the last safe planting date for any fall crop, count back from that date by its days to maturity plus a 14-day fall factor — growth slows as days shorten and soil cools. Applied to zone 7a's frost date, that gives these plant-by dates:
Plant by Jul 16
80 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Jul 26
70 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Jul 26
70 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Aug 20
45 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Zone 7a and 7b: these dates count back from zone 7a's first frost, which is about a week earlier than the zone 7 average of Oct 25. Zone 7b gardeners have about two weeks more fall time — see the zone 7b fall dates.
Fall crops on this zone 7a calendar include Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Napa Cabbage, Kohlrabi, Broccoli Raab (Rapini), Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan), Kale, Collards, Swiss Chard, Spinach, and 21 more. Each crop's sowing and transplant window is in the fall planting section below.
For month-by-month detail, see what to plant in October across every zone, what to plant in September, and the fall vegetable planting guide by zone.
What to Plant by Season in Zone 7a
The right crops and methods for each season, based on zone 7a's climate and frost timing.
What to Plant in Spring
Spring in zone 7 spans March through May, with cool-season crops sown outdoors well before the mid-April last frost and warm-season transplants started indoors for setting out after frost. It is the busiest planting window of the year, balancing early hardy greens and roots with indoor sowing of summer fruit.
Feb 18 - Apr 7
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out late April after soil warms.
Feb 18 - Apr 7
Slow to germinate; needs bottom heat. Transplant after frost when nights stay above 55°F.
Feb 18 - Apr 7
Start 8 weeks before last frost; very cold-sensitive, set out early-mid May.
Feb 28 - Apr 7
Plant at least two for cross-pollination; transplant after frost.
Feb 28 - Apr 7
Treat like tomatillo; transplant late April to early May.
Feb 28 - Apr 7
Set out transplants or sets in early spring; choose intermediate-day varieties for zone 7.
Feb 28 - Apr 7
Plant sets as soon as soil is workable.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Start indoors then transplant out in April for fall/winter harvest.
Feb 28 - Apr 7
Sow as soon as soil is workable; tolerates light frost.
Feb 28 - Apr 7
Direct sow early; provide trellis for climbing types.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Very cold-hardy; sow early for a late-spring harvest.
Feb 28 - May 7
Sow in succession; bolts as days lengthen and warm.
Mar 8 - May 7
Succession sow every 2-3 weeks; provide afternoon shade as it warms.
Mar 8 - May 7
Fast cut-and-come-again green; bolts quickly in late spring heat.
Mar 8 - May 7
Ready in 3-4 weeks; succession sow until temperatures climb.
Mar 8 - May 7
Keep seedbed moist; thin to avoid crowding.
Mar 8 - May 7
Direct sow; greens and roots both harvestable.
Mar 8 - May 7
Quick spring crop; harvest before heat turns roots woody.
Mar 8 - May 7
Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost; hill as they grow.
Mar 8 - May 7
Start indoors in Feb, transplant out in March for late-spring heads.
Mar 8 - May 7
Transplant early; needs steady cool weather to head well.
Mar 8 - May 7
Set out hardened transplants in March.
Mar 8 - May 7
Fast brassica; harvest bulbs before they get woody.
Mar 8 - May 7
Very cold-tolerant; spring sowing yields through early summer.
Mar 8 - May 7
Heat-tolerant green that produces all season once established.
Mar 8 - May 7
Heat- and cold-tolerant; productive into summer and again in fall.
Mar 8 - May 7
Fast spicy green; bolts in heat.
Mar 8 - May 7
Prone to bolting; harvest young in spring.
Mar 8 - May 7
Bolts in heat; sow early and in succession.
Mar 8 - May 7
Direct sow; self-seeds readily.
Mar 8 - May 7
Slow to germinate; soak seed to speed it up.
Mar 8 - May 7
Hardy perennial; establish in spring.
Mar 8 - May 7
Plant crowns in a permanent bed; don't harvest the first 1-2 years.
Mar 8 - May 7
Plant crowns early; perennial, harvest lightly year one.
Mar 8 - May 7
Set out crowns early; pinch first-year blossoms on June-bearers.
Mar 8 - May 7
Plant dormant canes in early spring.
Mar 8 - May 7
Needs acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5); plant two varieties for pollination.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Zone 7 is the cold edge of its range; start indoors and may overwinter with heavy mulch.
Mar 8 - May 7
Cool-season annual flower; direct sow early.
Feb 28 - Apr 7
Sow early while cool; provide a trellis.
Mar 8 - May 7
Cold-tolerant; transplant early for spring bloom.
What to Plant in Summer
Summer is the long warm-season production window in zone 7, running June through August with reliably warm soil and nights. Heat-loving fruiting crops, beans, melons, and Southern staples thrive, while quick succession sowings of beans, squash, and cucumbers keep the harvest going.
Apr 28 - Jun 7
Set out hardened transplants after last frost; stake or cage.
May 8 - Jun 7
Transplant once nights stay above 55°F for best fruit set.
May 8 - Jun 7
Loves heat; set out after soil is thoroughly warm.
Apr 28 - Jun 7
Vigorous and sprawling; give plenty of room.
Apr 28 - Jun 7
Spreads low; harvest fruit once husks drop.
May 8 - Jul 7
Direct sow after frost; succession sow for continuous harvest.
May 8 - Jul 7
Fast and productive; watch for squash vine borer.
May 8 - Jul 7
Succession sow in July to dodge borer and powdery mildew.
May 28 - Jul 7
Long season; sow by mid-June to cure before fall frost.
May 28 - Jul 7
Sow by mid-June for Halloween harvest; give vines room.
May 28 - Jul 7
Smaller cooking pumpkin; same timing as standard pumpkin.
May 8 - Jul 7
Needs warm soil; black plastic mulch speeds ripening.
May 8 - Jul 7
Long, hot season required; sow by early June.
May 28 - Jul 7
Loves heat; soak seed and sow when soil is warm.
May 8 - Jul 7
Plant in blocks for pollination; succession sow for staggered harvest.
May 8 - Aug 7
Succession sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.
May 8 - Jul 7
Provide a tall trellis; produces over a long window.
May 28 - Jul 7
Needs warm soil; bush and pole types available.
May 8 - Jul 7
Harvest pods plump but still green.
May 8 - Jun 7
Needs ~120 warm days; sow after last frost in loose soil.
May 8 - Jul 7
Heat- and drought-tolerant Southern staple.
May 28 - Jul 7
Heat-loving climber; trellis required.
May 8 - Jul 7
Prefers cooler summers; mulch roots to keep cool.
May 8 - Jul 7
Plant slips after soil warms; harvest before fall frost.
May 8 - Jul 7
Very frost-sensitive; pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
May 8 - Jul 7
Warm-season annual herb; pairs with beans.
May 8 - Jul 7
Heat-loving climbing green; replaces lettuce in summer heat.
May 8 - Jul 7
Heat-tolerant spinach substitute; soak seed before sowing.
May 8 - Jul 7
Thrives in heat; harvest young leaves.
May 8 - Jul 7
One of the few greens that holds through summer heat.
May 28 - Jul 7
Long warm season needed; trellis the vigorous vines.
May 8 - Jun 7
Needs a full warm season to mature sponges; start at frost-free.
May 8 - Jun 7
Plant a whole sprouting fruit; needs a long warm season.
May 8 - Jul 7
Direct sow; succession plant for continuous bloom.
May 8 - Jul 7
Heat-loving cut flower; deadhead for more blooms.
May 8 - Jul 7
Pest-deterrent companion; blooms all summer.
May 8 - Jul 7
Tolerates poor soil; self-seeds.
May 8 - Jul 7
Edible flowers and leaves; trap crop for aphids.
May 8 - Jun 7
Plant tubers after frost; lift and store over winter or mulch heavily.
What to Plant in Fall
Fall is a strong second cool-season window in zone 7, with mild Septembers and a late-October frost allowing brassicas, roots, and hardy greens to mature in cooling weather that sweetens their flavor. Many crops can be sown in late summer to early fall, and garlic goes in for next year.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Start indoors in July; transplant for fall heads after summer heat eases.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Fall crop often heads more reliably than spring; needs steady moisture.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Fall cabbage holds well in cool weather and resists splitting.
Jul 8 - Sep 7
Long season; transplant by August so sprouts mature in cold, which sweetens them.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Bolts in spring heat, so fall is the ideal season.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Fast fall brassica; tolerates light frost.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Quick fall green; harvest before flowers fully open.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Cool-season Asian green; sow for fall harvest.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Sweetens after frost; overwinters in zone 7 with light protection.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Very hardy; improves with frost and holds into winter.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Fall sowing produces into early winter under cover.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Overwinters under mulch for an early spring harvest.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Fall lettuce avoids bolting; use cold frames to extend.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Thrives in cool fall weather; very cold-hardy.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Spicy fall green; frost mellows the bite.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Cold-hardy salad green; cut-and-come-again.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Very cold-tolerant rosette green; great under row cover.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Fall planting avoids spring bolting.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Extremely cold-hardy; harvest through winter.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Cold-season salad green that overwinters under cover.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Quick fall crop; succession sow until hard frost.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Long roots; sow late summer for fall harvest.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Roots and greens both useful; sweetens with frost.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Fall beets store well; mulch for extended harvest.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Fall carrots sweeten in cold soil; mulch to harvest into winter.
Jul 8 - Sep 7
Long season; sow mid-summer for fall harvest.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
See Endive entry; cool-season head/leaf chicory.
Jul 8 - Sep 7
Heads up in cool fall weather; cold improves color and flavor.
Sep 24 - Nov 23
Plant cloves 4-6 weeks before ground freezes; mulch for winter.
Sep 24 - Nov 23
Fall-planted sets overwinter for an early summer harvest.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Thrives in cool fall weather without bolting.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Overwinters under mulch in zone 7.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Very fast cool-season green; succession sow.
What to Plant in Winter
Zone 7 winters are mild enough that the hardiest greens and roots survive in the ground under row cover, cold frames, or mulch, but little new outdoor sowing happens December through February. Winter is mainly for harvesting overwintered crops, protecting garlic and perennials, planning, and starting the earliest seeds indoors near February's end.
Feb 28 - Mar 7
Begin indoor seed-starting at month's end for spring transplants.
Feb 28 - Mar 7
Start indoors with bottom heat; slow germinator needs the head start.
Jan 8 - Mar 7
Start onion seed indoors for spring transplanting.
Jan 8 - Mar 7
Start indoors for transplanting out in April.
Save a planting from your zone 7 calendar
Choose a crop and a date that suits your local conditions. Create a free account or sign in, then review and save your planting plan. Your saved plan is available on web, iOS, and Android.
Zone calendars are starting points, not local forecasts. Check local frost dates, soil temperature, and the crop's planting instructions before choosing a date. This does not change your profile's zone.
Full Planting Timing Table
Start-indoors, direct-sow, transplant, and harvest windows for every crop in zone 7a.
Vegetables
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaranth (Leaf) | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Thrives in heat; harvest young leaves. |
| Arugula | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Fast cut-and-come-again green; bolts quickly in late spring heat. |
| Asparagus | — | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | Plant crowns in a permanent bed; don't harvest the first 1-2 years. |
| Beet | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | — | Direct sow; greens and roots both harvestable. |
| Bitter Melon | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Long warm season needed; trellis the vigorous vines. |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | — | Fall planting avoids spring bolting. |
| Broccoli | — | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | Start indoors in July; transplant for fall heads after summer heat eases. |
| Broccoli Raab (Rapini) | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Quick fall green; harvest before flowers fully open. |
| Brussels Sprouts | — | — | Jul 8 - Sep 7 | — | Long season; transplant by August so sprouts mature in cold, which sweetens them. |
| Bush Bean | — | May 8 - Aug 7 | — | — | Succession sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. |
| Cabbage | — | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | Fall cabbage holds well in cool weather and resists splitting. |
| Carrot | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | Nov 24 - Feb 21 | Keep seedbed moist; thin to avoid crowding. |
| Cauliflower | — | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | Fall crop often heads more reliably than spring; needs steady moisture. |
| Chayote | — | — | May 8 - Jun 7 | — | Plant a whole sprouting fruit; needs a long warm season. |
| Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Cool-season Asian green; sow for fall harvest. |
| Claytonia (Miner's Lettuce) | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Cold-season salad green that overwinters under cover. |
| Collards | — | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | Very hardy; improves with frost and holds into winter. |
| Corn (Sweet) | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Plant in blocks for pollination; succession sow for staggered harvest. |
| Cowpea / Southern Pea | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Heat- and drought-tolerant Southern staple. |
| Cucumber | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Direct sow after frost; succession sow for continuous harvest. |
| Daikon Radish | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Long roots; sow late summer for fall harvest. |
| Edamame (Soybean) | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Harvest pods plump but still green. |
| Eggplant | Feb 18 - Apr 7 | — | May 8 - Jun 7 | — | Start 8 weeks before last frost; very cold-sensitive, set out early-mid May. |
| Endive / Escarole | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | See Endive entry; cool-season head/leaf chicory. |
| Fava Bean | — | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | — | — | Very cold-hardy; sow early for a late-spring harvest. |
| Garden Pea | — | Feb 28 - Apr 7 | — | — | Sow as soon as soil is workable; tolerates light frost. |
| Garlic | — | — | Sep 24 - Nov 23 | — | Plant cloves 4-6 weeks before ground freezes; mulch for winter. |
| Globe Artichoke | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | — | — | — | Zone 7 is the cold edge of its range; start indoors and may overwinter with heavy mulch. |
| Husk-less / Pie Pumpkin | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Smaller cooking pumpkin; same timing as standard pumpkin. |
| Kale | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | — | Sweetens after frost; overwinters in zone 7 with light protection. |
| Kohlrabi | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | — | Fast fall brassica; tolerates light frost. |
| Leek | Jan 8 - Mar 7 | — | — | — | Start indoors then transplant out in April for fall/winter harvest. |
| Lettuce | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | — | Succession sow every 2-3 weeks; provide afternoon shade as it warms. |
| Lima Bean | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Needs warm soil; bush and pole types available. |
| Luffa | — | May 8 - Jun 7 | — | — | Needs a full warm season to mature sponges; start at frost-free. |
| Malabar Spinach | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Heat-loving climbing green; replaces lettuce in summer heat. |
| Mizuna | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Cold-hardy salad green; cut-and-come-again. |
| Mustard Greens | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | — | Spicy fall green; frost mellows the bite. |
| Napa Cabbage | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Bolts in spring heat, so fall is the ideal season. |
| New Zealand Spinach | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Heat-tolerant spinach substitute; soak seed before sowing. |
| Okra | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Loves heat; soak seed and sow when soil is warm. |
| Onion (Bulb) | Jan 8 - Mar 7 | — | Feb 28 - Apr 7 | — | Set out transplants or sets in early spring; choose intermediate-day varieties for zone 7. |
| Pac/Corn Salad (Mâche) | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | Nov 24 - Feb 21 | Extremely cold-hardy; harvest through winter. |
| Peanut | — | May 8 - Jun 7 | — | — | Needs ~120 warm days; sow after last frost in loose soil. |
| Pepper (Bell & Hot) | Feb 18 - Apr 7 | — | May 8 - Jun 7 | — | Slow to germinate; needs bottom heat. Transplant after frost when nights stay above 55°F. |
| Pole Bean | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Provide a tall trellis; produces over a long window. |
| Pole/Runner Bean (Scarlet) | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Prefers cooler summers; mulch roots to keep cool. |
| Potato | — | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost; hill as they grow. |
| Pumpkin | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Sow by mid-June for Halloween harvest; give vines room. |
| Radicchio | — | — | Jul 8 - Sep 7 | — | Heads up in cool fall weather; cold improves color and flavor. |
| Radish | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Ready in 3-4 weeks; succession sow until temperatures climb. |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | Plant crowns early; perennial, harvest lightly year one. |
| Rutabaga | — | Jul 8 - Sep 7 | — | — | Long season; sow mid-summer for fall harvest. |
| Shallot | — | — | Sep 24 - Nov 23 | — | Plant sets as soon as soil is workable. |
| Snap / Snow Pea | — | Feb 28 - Apr 7 | — | — | Direct sow early; provide trellis for climbing types. |
| Spinach | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Sow in succession; bolts as days lengthen and warm. |
| Summer Squash | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Succession sow in July to dodge borer and powdery mildew. |
| Sweet Potato | — | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | Plant slips after soil warms; harvest before fall frost. |
| Swiss Chard | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Fall sowing produces into early winter under cover. |
| Tatsoi | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Very cold-tolerant rosette green; great under row cover. |
| Tomatillo | Feb 28 - Apr 7 | — | Apr 28 - Jun 7 | — | Plant at least two for cross-pollination; transplant after frost. |
| Tomato | Feb 18 - Apr 7 | — | Apr 28 - Jun 7 | — | Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out late April after soil warms. |
| Turnip | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | — | Quick spring crop; harvest before heat turns roots woody. |
| Winter Squash | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Long season; sow by mid-June to cure before fall frost. |
| Yardlong Bean | — | May 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Heat-loving climber; trellis required. |
| Zucchini | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Fast and productive; watch for squash vine borer. |
Herbs
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Very frost-sensitive; pinch flowers to prolong leaf production. |
| Chives | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | — | Hardy perennial; establish in spring. |
| Cilantro / Coriander | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Bolts in heat; sow early and in succession. |
| Cress (Garden/Curly) | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Very fast cool-season green; succession sow. |
| Dill | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | — | Direct sow; self-seeds readily. |
| Parsley | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | — | Slow to germinate; soak seed to speed it up. |
| Summer Savory | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Warm-season annual herb; pairs with beans. |
Fruits
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blueberry | — | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | Needs acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5); plant two varieties for pollination. |
| Ground Cherry | Feb 28 - Apr 7 | — | Apr 28 - Jun 7 | — | Treat like tomatillo; transplant late April to early May. |
| Muskmelon / Cantaloupe | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Needs warm soil; black plastic mulch speeds ripening. |
| Raspberry | — | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | Plant dormant canes in early spring. |
| Strawberry | — | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | Set out crowns early; pinch first-year blossoms on June-bearers. |
| Watermelon | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Long, hot season required; sow by early June. |
Flowers
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calendula | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | — | Cool-season annual flower; direct sow early. |
| Cosmos | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Tolerates poor soil; self-seeds. |
| Dahlia | — | — | May 8 - Jun 7 | — | Plant tubers after frost; lift and store over winter or mulch heavily. |
| Marigold | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Pest-deterrent companion; blooms all summer. |
| Nasturtium | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Edible flowers and leaves; trap crop for aphids. |
| Snapdragon | — | — | Mar 8 - May 7 | — | Cold-tolerant; transplant early for spring bloom. |
| Sunflower | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Direct sow; succession plant for continuous bloom. |
| Sweet Pea | — | Feb 28 - Apr 7 | — | — | Sow early while cool; provide a trellis. |
| Zinnia | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Heat-loving cut flower; deadhead for more blooms. |
Zone 7a vs Zone 7b
USDA divides zone 7 into two half-zones 5°F apart. Zone 7a is the cooler one; here is how its frost dates compare with zone 7b and the zone 7 average.
| Zone 7a | Zone 7 | Zone 7b | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter low | 0 to 5°F | 0 to 10°F | 5 to 10°F |
| Last spring frost | Apr 22 | Apr 15 | Apr 8 |
| First fall frost | Oct 18 | Oct 25 | Nov 1 |
| Growing season | 179 days | 193 days | 207 days |
Not sure which half you're in? The half-zone comes from your area's average coldest winter night, so check the USDA map for your ZIP code. Your own microclimate — slope, shelter, pavement, elevation — can move dates as much as the half-zone does.
Zone 7a Growing Tips
- ✓ Use the long ~193-day season: time tomatoes, peppers, melons, and okra to go in after the mid-April last frost, then squeeze in a full fall brassica/root crop sown in August-September for harvest into November.
- ✓ Plant garlic and overwintering shallots in October-November, then mulch heavily; they need the cold period and will be ready early the following summer.
- ✓ Take advantage of mild winters with season extension - cold frames, low tunnels, and row cover let kale, mâche, spinach, collards, and carrots overwinter and provide fresh harvests December through February.
- ✓ Succession sow heat-tolerant summer greens (Malabar spinach, New Zealand spinach, amaranth, Swiss chard) to bridge the July-August gap when lettuce and spinach bolt in the heat.
- ✓ Watch for squash vine borer and powdery mildew on cucurbits during humid zone 7 summers - a second sowing of summer squash in July often outruns the first generation of borers.
- ✓ Start warm-season seedlings indoors in mid-to-late February (8 weeks before last frost) so tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant are ready to transplant in late April-May and make full use of the warm season.
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Sign Up FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What can I plant in spring in zone 7a?
In zone 7a, spring planting includes Tomato, Pepper (Bell & Hot), Eggplant, Tomatillo, Ground Cherry, Onion (Bulb), Shallot, Leek, and more. See the spring section above for each crop's timing.
What is the last frost date for zone 7a?
The average last spring frost date for USDA zone 7a is Apr 22. The first fall frost typically arrives around Oct 18, giving a growing season of approximately 179 days.
When is the first frost in zone 7a?
The average first fall frost in USDA zone 7a arrives around Oct 18. That is an average, not a guarantee — the actual first frost varies by up to 2 weeks either way, so watch your local forecast from a few weeks before that date and have row covers ready for tender crops still in the ground.
When can I start seeds indoors in zone 7a?
In zone 7a, start crops like Tomato indoors around Feb 18 - Apr 7. Check the seasonal sections above for each crop's indoor-sowing window.
What can I plant in fall in zone 7a?
Fall planting in zone 7a includes Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Napa Cabbage, Kohlrabi, Broccoli Raab (Rapini), Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan), and more.
How long is the growing season in zone 7a?
Zone 7a has an average growing season of 179 days, from the last spring frost around Apr 22 to the first fall frost around Oct 18.
What is the difference between zone 7a and zone 7b?
Zone 7a is the cooler half of USDA zone 7, with average coldest winter nights of 0 to 5°F. Compared with the zone 7 averages (last frost Apr 15, first frost Oct 25), zone 7a's last spring frost is about a week later (Apr 22) and its first fall frost about a week earlier (Oct 18), so zone 7b gardeners plant about two weeks earlier in spring and later in fall than zone 7a.
What to plant right now
Month-specific guides for zone 7, hand-tuned to current frost dates and crop windows.
- What to Plant in October: Garlic Month, Cover Crops, and the Southern Fall Garden — What to plant in October: garlic goes in across zones 3-7, cover crops hit their deadline, and zones 8-10 plant the best garden of their year.
Learn more: When to plant vegetables by zone