Brought to you by garden.gg Zone 7b 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 7b is the warmer half of USDA zone 7, where the average coldest winter night bottoms out at 5 to 10°F. Compared with the zone 7 averages, the last spring frost in zone 7b comes about a week earlier (Apr 8) and the first fall frost about a week later (Nov 1), for a growing season of about 207 days. Every planting window on this page is shifted to match: spring sowing and transplant dates move a week earlier, fall plantings a week later. 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 7b garden — free
What to Plant in Zone 7b This Fall (September–November)
The average first fall frost in zone 7b is Nov 1. 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 7b's frost date, that gives these plant-by dates:
Plant by Jul 30
80 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Aug 9
70 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Aug 9
70 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Sep 3
45 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Zone 7a and 7b: these dates count back from zone 7b's first frost, which is about a week later than the zone 7 average of Oct 25. Zone 7a gardeners have about two weeks less fall time — see the zone 7a fall dates.
Fall crops on this zone 7b 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 7b
The right crops and methods for each season, based on zone 7b'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 4 - Mar 24
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out late April after soil warms.
Feb 4 - Mar 24
Slow to germinate; needs bottom heat. Transplant after frost when nights stay above 55°F.
Feb 4 - Mar 24
Start 8 weeks before last frost; very cold-sensitive, set out early-mid May.
Feb 14 - Mar 24
Plant at least two for cross-pollination; transplant after frost.
Feb 14 - Mar 24
Treat like tomatillo; transplant late April to early May.
Feb 14 - Mar 24
Set out transplants or sets in early spring; choose intermediate-day varieties for zone 7.
Feb 14 - Mar 24
Plant sets as soon as soil is workable.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Start indoors then transplant out in April for fall/winter harvest.
Feb 14 - Mar 24
Sow as soon as soil is workable; tolerates light frost.
Feb 14 - Mar 24
Direct sow early; provide trellis for climbing types.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Very cold-hardy; sow early for a late-spring harvest.
Feb 14 - Apr 23
Sow in succession; bolts as days lengthen and warm.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Succession sow every 2-3 weeks; provide afternoon shade as it warms.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Fast cut-and-come-again green; bolts quickly in late spring heat.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Ready in 3-4 weeks; succession sow until temperatures climb.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Keep seedbed moist; thin to avoid crowding.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Direct sow; greens and roots both harvestable.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Quick spring crop; harvest before heat turns roots woody.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost; hill as they grow.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Start indoors in Feb, transplant out in March for late-spring heads.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Transplant early; needs steady cool weather to head well.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Set out hardened transplants in March.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Fast brassica; harvest bulbs before they get woody.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Very cold-tolerant; spring sowing yields through early summer.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Heat-tolerant green that produces all season once established.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Heat- and cold-tolerant; productive into summer and again in fall.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Fast spicy green; bolts in heat.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Prone to bolting; harvest young in spring.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Bolts in heat; sow early and in succession.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Direct sow; self-seeds readily.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Slow to germinate; soak seed to speed it up.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Hardy perennial; establish in spring.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Plant crowns in a permanent bed; don't harvest the first 1-2 years.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Plant crowns early; perennial, harvest lightly year one.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Set out crowns early; pinch first-year blossoms on June-bearers.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Plant dormant canes in early spring.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Needs acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5); plant two varieties for pollination.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Zone 7 is the cold edge of its range; start indoors and may overwinter with heavy mulch.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
Cool-season annual flower; direct sow early.
Feb 14 - Mar 24
Sow early while cool; provide a trellis.
Feb 22 - Apr 23
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 14 - May 24
Set out hardened transplants after last frost; stake or cage.
Apr 24 - May 24
Transplant once nights stay above 55°F for best fruit set.
Apr 24 - May 24
Loves heat; set out after soil is thoroughly warm.
Apr 14 - May 24
Vigorous and sprawling; give plenty of room.
Apr 14 - May 24
Spreads low; harvest fruit once husks drop.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Direct sow after frost; succession sow for continuous harvest.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Fast and productive; watch for squash vine borer.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Succession sow in July to dodge borer and powdery mildew.
May 14 - Jun 23
Long season; sow by mid-June to cure before fall frost.
May 14 - Jun 23
Sow by mid-June for Halloween harvest; give vines room.
May 14 - Jun 23
Smaller cooking pumpkin; same timing as standard pumpkin.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Needs warm soil; black plastic mulch speeds ripening.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Long, hot season required; sow by early June.
May 14 - Jun 23
Loves heat; soak seed and sow when soil is warm.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Plant in blocks for pollination; succession sow for staggered harvest.
Apr 24 - Jul 24
Succession sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Provide a tall trellis; produces over a long window.
May 14 - Jun 23
Needs warm soil; bush and pole types available.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Harvest pods plump but still green.
Apr 24 - May 24
Needs ~120 warm days; sow after last frost in loose soil.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Heat- and drought-tolerant Southern staple.
May 14 - Jun 23
Heat-loving climber; trellis required.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Prefers cooler summers; mulch roots to keep cool.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Plant slips after soil warms; harvest before fall frost.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Very frost-sensitive; pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Warm-season annual herb; pairs with beans.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Heat-loving climbing green; replaces lettuce in summer heat.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Heat-tolerant spinach substitute; soak seed before sowing.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Thrives in heat; harvest young leaves.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
One of the few greens that holds through summer heat.
May 14 - Jun 23
Long warm season needed; trellis the vigorous vines.
Apr 24 - May 24
Needs a full warm season to mature sponges; start at frost-free.
Apr 24 - May 24
Plant a whole sprouting fruit; needs a long warm season.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Direct sow; succession plant for continuous bloom.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Heat-loving cut flower; deadhead for more blooms.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Pest-deterrent companion; blooms all summer.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Tolerates poor soil; self-seeds.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Edible flowers and leaves; trap crop for aphids.
Apr 24 - May 24
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.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Start indoors in July; transplant for fall heads after summer heat eases.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Fall crop often heads more reliably than spring; needs steady moisture.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Fall cabbage holds well in cool weather and resists splitting.
Jun 24 - Aug 24
Long season; transplant by August so sprouts mature in cold, which sweetens them.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Bolts in spring heat, so fall is the ideal season.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Fast fall brassica; tolerates light frost.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Quick fall green; harvest before flowers fully open.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Cool-season Asian green; sow for fall harvest.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Sweetens after frost; overwinters in zone 7 with light protection.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Very hardy; improves with frost and holds into winter.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Fall sowing produces into early winter under cover.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Overwinters under mulch for an early spring harvest.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Fall lettuce avoids bolting; use cold frames to extend.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Thrives in cool fall weather; very cold-hardy.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Spicy fall green; frost mellows the bite.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Cold-hardy salad green; cut-and-come-again.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Very cold-tolerant rosette green; great under row cover.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Fall planting avoids spring bolting.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Extremely cold-hardy; harvest through winter.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Cold-season salad green that overwinters under cover.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Quick fall crop; succession sow until hard frost.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Long roots; sow late summer for fall harvest.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Roots and greens both useful; sweetens with frost.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Fall beets store well; mulch for extended harvest.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Fall carrots sweeten in cold soil; mulch to harvest into winter.
Jun 24 - Aug 24
Long season; sow mid-summer for fall harvest.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
See Endive entry; cool-season head/leaf chicory.
Jun 24 - Aug 24
Heads up in cool fall weather; cold improves color and flavor.
Oct 8 - Dec 7
Plant cloves 4-6 weeks before ground freezes; mulch for winter.
Oct 8 - Dec 7
Fall-planted sets overwinter for an early summer harvest.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Thrives in cool fall weather without bolting.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Overwinters under mulch in zone 7.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
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 14 - Feb 21
Begin indoor seed-starting at month's end for spring transplants.
Feb 14 - Feb 21
Start indoors with bottom heat; slow germinator needs the head start.
Dec 25 - Feb 21
Start onion seed indoors for spring transplanting.
Dec 25 - Feb 21
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 7b.
Vegetables
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaranth (Leaf) | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Thrives in heat; harvest young leaves. |
| Arugula | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Fast cut-and-come-again green; bolts quickly in late spring heat. |
| Asparagus | — | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | Plant crowns in a permanent bed; don't harvest the first 1-2 years. |
| Beet | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | — | Direct sow; greens and roots both harvestable. |
| Bitter Melon | — | May 14 - Jun 23 | — | — | Long warm season needed; trellis the vigorous vines. |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | — | Fall planting avoids spring bolting. |
| Broccoli | — | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | Start indoors in July; transplant for fall heads after summer heat eases. |
| Broccoli Raab (Rapini) | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | — | — | Quick fall green; harvest before flowers fully open. |
| Brussels Sprouts | — | — | Jun 24 - Aug 24 | — | Long season; transplant by August so sprouts mature in cold, which sweetens them. |
| Bush Bean | — | Apr 24 - Jul 24 | — | — | Succession sow every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. |
| Cabbage | — | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | Fall cabbage holds well in cool weather and resists splitting. |
| Carrot | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | Dec 8 - Mar 7 | Keep seedbed moist; thin to avoid crowding. |
| Cauliflower | — | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | Fall crop often heads more reliably than spring; needs steady moisture. |
| Chayote | — | — | Apr 24 - May 24 | — | Plant a whole sprouting fruit; needs a long warm season. |
| Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | — | — | Cool-season Asian green; sow for fall harvest. |
| Claytonia (Miner's Lettuce) | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Cold-season salad green that overwinters under cover. |
| Collards | — | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | Very hardy; improves with frost and holds into winter. |
| Corn (Sweet) | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Plant in blocks for pollination; succession sow for staggered harvest. |
| Cowpea / Southern Pea | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Heat- and drought-tolerant Southern staple. |
| Cucumber | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Direct sow after frost; succession sow for continuous harvest. |
| Daikon Radish | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | — | — | Long roots; sow late summer for fall harvest. |
| Edamame (Soybean) | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Harvest pods plump but still green. |
| Eggplant | Feb 4 - Mar 24 | — | Apr 24 - May 24 | — | Start 8 weeks before last frost; very cold-sensitive, set out early-mid May. |
| Endive / Escarole | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | — | — | See Endive entry; cool-season head/leaf chicory. |
| Fava Bean | — | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | — | — | Very cold-hardy; sow early for a late-spring harvest. |
| Garden Pea | — | Feb 14 - Mar 24 | — | — | Sow as soon as soil is workable; tolerates light frost. |
| Garlic | — | — | Oct 8 - Dec 7 | — | Plant cloves 4-6 weeks before ground freezes; mulch for winter. |
| Globe Artichoke | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | — | — | — | Zone 7 is the cold edge of its range; start indoors and may overwinter with heavy mulch. |
| Husk-less / Pie Pumpkin | — | May 14 - Jun 23 | — | — | Smaller cooking pumpkin; same timing as standard pumpkin. |
| Kale | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | — | Sweetens after frost; overwinters in zone 7 with light protection. |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | — | Fast fall brassica; tolerates light frost. |
| Leek | Dec 25 - Feb 21 | — | — | — | Start indoors then transplant out in April for fall/winter harvest. |
| Lettuce | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | — | Succession sow every 2-3 weeks; provide afternoon shade as it warms. |
| Lima Bean | — | May 14 - Jun 23 | — | — | Needs warm soil; bush and pole types available. |
| Luffa | — | Apr 24 - May 24 | — | — | Needs a full warm season to mature sponges; start at frost-free. |
| Malabar Spinach | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Heat-loving climbing green; replaces lettuce in summer heat. |
| Mizuna | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Cold-hardy salad green; cut-and-come-again. |
| Mustard Greens | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | — | Spicy fall green; frost mellows the bite. |
| Napa Cabbage | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | — | — | Bolts in spring heat, so fall is the ideal season. |
| New Zealand Spinach | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Heat-tolerant spinach substitute; soak seed before sowing. |
| Okra | — | May 14 - Jun 23 | — | — | Loves heat; soak seed and sow when soil is warm. |
| Onion (Bulb) | Dec 25 - Feb 21 | — | Feb 14 - Mar 24 | — | Set out transplants or sets in early spring; choose intermediate-day varieties for zone 7. |
| Pac/Corn Salad (Mâche) | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | Dec 8 - Mar 7 | Extremely cold-hardy; harvest through winter. |
| Peanut | — | Apr 24 - May 24 | — | — | Needs ~120 warm days; sow after last frost in loose soil. |
| Pepper (Bell & Hot) | Feb 4 - Mar 24 | — | Apr 24 - May 24 | — | Slow to germinate; needs bottom heat. Transplant after frost when nights stay above 55°F. |
| Pole Bean | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Provide a tall trellis; produces over a long window. |
| Pole/Runner Bean (Scarlet) | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Prefers cooler summers; mulch roots to keep cool. |
| Potato | — | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost; hill as they grow. |
| Pumpkin | — | May 14 - Jun 23 | — | — | Sow by mid-June for Halloween harvest; give vines room. |
| Radicchio | — | — | Jun 24 - Aug 24 | — | Heads up in cool fall weather; cold improves color and flavor. |
| Radish | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Ready in 3-4 weeks; succession sow until temperatures climb. |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | Plant crowns early; perennial, harvest lightly year one. |
| Rutabaga | — | Jun 24 - Aug 24 | — | — | Long season; sow mid-summer for fall harvest. |
| Shallot | — | — | Oct 8 - Dec 7 | — | Plant sets as soon as soil is workable. |
| Snap / Snow Pea | — | Feb 14 - Mar 24 | — | — | Direct sow early; provide trellis for climbing types. |
| Spinach | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Sow in succession; bolts as days lengthen and warm. |
| Summer Squash | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Succession sow in July to dodge borer and powdery mildew. |
| Sweet Potato | — | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | Plant slips after soil warms; harvest before fall frost. |
| Swiss Chard | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Fall sowing produces into early winter under cover. |
| Tatsoi | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Very cold-tolerant rosette green; great under row cover. |
| Tomatillo | Feb 14 - Mar 24 | — | Apr 14 - May 24 | — | Plant at least two for cross-pollination; transplant after frost. |
| Tomato | Feb 4 - Mar 24 | — | Apr 14 - May 24 | — | Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; transplant out late April after soil warms. |
| Turnip | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | — | Quick spring crop; harvest before heat turns roots woody. |
| Winter Squash | — | May 14 - Jun 23 | — | — | Long season; sow by mid-June to cure before fall frost. |
| Yardlong Bean | — | May 14 - Jun 23 | — | — | Heat-loving climber; trellis required. |
| Zucchini | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Fast and productive; watch for squash vine borer. |
Herbs
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Very frost-sensitive; pinch flowers to prolong leaf production. |
| Chives | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | — | Hardy perennial; establish in spring. |
| Cilantro / Coriander | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Bolts in heat; sow early and in succession. |
| Cress (Garden/Curly) | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Very fast cool-season green; succession sow. |
| Dill | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | — | Direct sow; self-seeds readily. |
| Parsley | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | — | Slow to germinate; soak seed to speed it up. |
| Summer Savory | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Warm-season annual herb; pairs with beans. |
Fruits
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blueberry | — | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | Needs acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5); plant two varieties for pollination. |
| Ground Cherry | Feb 14 - Mar 24 | — | Apr 14 - May 24 | — | Treat like tomatillo; transplant late April to early May. |
| Muskmelon / Cantaloupe | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Needs warm soil; black plastic mulch speeds ripening. |
| Raspberry | — | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | Plant dormant canes in early spring. |
| Strawberry | — | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | Set out crowns early; pinch first-year blossoms on June-bearers. |
| Watermelon | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Long, hot season required; sow by early June. |
Flowers
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calendula | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | — | Cool-season annual flower; direct sow early. |
| Cosmos | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Tolerates poor soil; self-seeds. |
| Dahlia | — | — | Apr 24 - May 24 | — | Plant tubers after frost; lift and store over winter or mulch heavily. |
| Marigold | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Pest-deterrent companion; blooms all summer. |
| Nasturtium | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Edible flowers and leaves; trap crop for aphids. |
| Snapdragon | — | — | Feb 22 - Apr 23 | — | Cold-tolerant; transplant early for spring bloom. |
| Sunflower | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Direct sow; succession plant for continuous bloom. |
| Sweet Pea | — | Feb 14 - Mar 24 | — | — | Sow early while cool; provide a trellis. |
| Zinnia | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | 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 7b is the warmer one; here is how its frost dates compare with zone 7a 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 7b 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 7b?
In zone 7b, 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 7b?
The average last spring frost date for USDA zone 7b is Apr 8. The first fall frost typically arrives around Nov 1, giving a growing season of approximately 207 days.
When is the first frost in zone 7b?
The average first fall frost in USDA zone 7b arrives around Nov 1. 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 7b?
In zone 7b, start crops like Tomato indoors around Feb 4 - Mar 24. Check the seasonal sections above for each crop's indoor-sowing window.
What can I plant in fall in zone 7b?
Fall planting in zone 7b 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 7b?
Zone 7b has an average growing season of 207 days, from the last spring frost around Apr 8 to the first fall frost around Nov 1.
What is the difference between zone 7a and zone 7b?
Zone 7b is the warmer half of USDA zone 7, with average coldest winter nights of 5 to 10°F. Compared with the zone 7 averages (last frost Apr 15, first frost Oct 25), zone 7b's last spring frost is about a week earlier (Apr 8) and its first fall frost about a week later (Nov 1), so zone 7a gardeners plant about two weeks later in spring and earlier in fall than zone 7b.
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