Brought to you by garden.gg Zone 8a Planting Calendar & Schedule
USDA zone 8 has mild winters (average annual minimums 10 to 20°F) and long, hot summers, giving roughly eight months of frost-free growing plus productive cool-season shoulders in fall through early spring. The climate spans humid Southeast pine country to the drier Pacific Northwest lowlands and inland Southwest, but all share a long season that supports nearly every common garden crop.
Zone 8a is the cooler half of USDA zone 8, where the average coldest winter night bottoms out at 10 to 15°F. Compared with the zone 8 averages, the last spring frost in zone 8a comes about a week later (Apr 1) and the first fall frost about a week earlier (Nov 8), for a growing season of about 221 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 8 timing.
Zone 8 has a split personality. Its winter lows of 10 to 20°F cover both the humid Gulf South (Austin, San Antonio, Louisiana, the Georgia and Carolina Piedmont) and the cool maritime Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland), and the two share almost nothing else: Gulf gardeners plant around a brutal July and August in two windows, spring and fall, while PNW gardeners get mild summers where lettuce never quits. Both ends get a 235-day season and winters mild enough to harvest hardy greens straight through.
States & regions in Zone 8: Coastal & inland Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland, WA/OR lowlands), Central & coastal Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Houston outskirts), Southeast Gulf & Atlantic interior (Georgia, Alabama, the Carolinas Piedmont, north Florida), Northern Gulf states (Louisiana, Mississippi), Inland Southwest (parts of New Mexico, Arizona high desert)
Heat is your superpower — and your challenge.
In zone 8, summer doesn't mess around. Peppers and eggplant thrive, but lettuce bolts in a heartbeat. The trick is two growing seasons: a cool spring crop and a fall encore. Smart gardeners here grow more food in October than July.
Pro tip: Don't fight the summer heat. Focus on okra, sweet potatoes, and peppers June through August, then plant your fall garden in September.
Save a planting for your zone 8a garden — free
What to Plant in Zone 8a This Fall (September–November)
The average first fall frost in zone 8a is Nov 8. 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 8a's frost date, that gives these plant-by dates:
Plant by Aug 6
80 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Aug 16
70 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Aug 16
70 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Sep 5
50 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Zone 8a and 8b: these dates count back from zone 8a's first frost, which is about a week earlier than the zone 8 average of Nov 15. Zone 8b gardeners have about two weeks more fall time — see the zone 8b fall dates.
Fall crops on this zone 8a calendar include Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Collards, Mustard Greens, Napa Cabbage, Bok Choy / Pak Choi, Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan), Broccoli Raab (Rapini), Kohlrabi, and 25 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 8a
The right crops and methods for each season, based on zone 8a's climate and frost timing.
What to Plant in Spring
Spring is the busy launch window: start warm-season crops indoors in February, harden off and transplant after the late-March frost, and direct-sow a second flush of cool-season greens and roots before summer heat arrives. Soil warms early, so most warm crops can go in by April.
Jan 28 - Mar 7
Start 6-8 weeks before the Mar 25 last frost; transplant early-mid April.
Jan 28 - Mar 7
Slow germinators; needs 75-85F bottom heat. Transplant mid-late April.
Jan 28 - Mar 7
Loves heat; transplant once nights stay above 55F.
Feb 8 - Mar 7
Plant at least two for pollination; transplant mid-April.
Feb 8 - Mar 7
Same timing as tomatillo; self-fertile but slow to establish.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Frost-tender; transplant after Apr 1 or direct-sow late April.
Jan 28 - Mar 7
Sow as soon as soil can be worked; tolerates light frost.
Jan 28 - Mar 7
Trellis early; finishes before May heat.
Feb 8 - Mar 7
Cool-season legume; can also be fall-sown in mild zone 8 winters.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Succession-sow every 2 weeks; bolts once highs pass 80F.
Jan 28 - Mar 7
Sow early; bolts fast in spring warmth.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Fast and cold-hardy; succession-sow.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Ready in 25-30 days; sow every 2 weeks until warm.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Keep seedbed moist; thin early.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Roots and greens both usable.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Quick spring crop before heat.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Set out hardened transplants; very frost-tolerant.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Heat-tolerant; carries from spring into summer.
Jan 28 - Mar 7
Transplant early so heads form before May heat.
Jan 28 - Mar 7
Set out 4-6 week transplants.
Jan 28 - Mar 7
Needs steady cool spell; spring timing is tight.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Harvest at tennis-ball size.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Bolts in heat; harvest young.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost; hill as they grow.
Jan 28 - Mar 7
Use short-day or intermediate-day varieties in zone 8.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Quick and cut-and-come-again.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Bolts fast in heat; succession-sow.
Mar 8 - Apr 7
Self-sows readily; sow where it will stay.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Slow germination; soak seed first.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Set out bare-root crowns early for a spring crop.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Cool-season bloomer; edible petals.
Feb 8 - Apr 7
Hardy; tolerates light frost and blooms into early summer.
Jan 28 - Mar 7
Sow early for spring bloom; needs cool roots.
What to Plant in Summer
Summer is the heart of the warm-season harvest, but mid-zone-8 heat (frequent 90s) can stall tomatoes and bolt greens, so this is the window for true heat-lovers and a mid-summer sowing of long-season fall crops. Mulch heavily and irrigate consistently.
Apr 28 - Jul 7
Thrives in zone 8 heat; pick pods every 1-2 days.
Apr 28 - Jun 7
Set slips after soil warms; 100-120 day crop.
Apr 28 - Jun 7
Needs the full long season; harvest at first fall frost.
May 8 - Jul 7
Heat- and drought-tolerant Southern staple.
May 8 - Jul 7
Vigorous in heat; trellis tall.
May 8 - Jul 7
Bush or pole; loves warm soil.
May 8 - Jul 7
Harvest pods at the plump green stage.
Apr 8 - Aug 7
Succession-sow; a final sowing in July yields before fall frost.
Apr 8 - Jul 7
Long-bearing on a trellis.
Apr 8 - Jul 7
Succession-sow; watch for cucumber beetles.
Apr 8 - Jul 7
Replant in July if squash borers kill spring plants.
Apr 8 - Jul 7
Prolific; harvest small and often.
May 8 - Jul 7
Needs long season to mature rinds before fall.
Jun 8 - Jul 17
Time sowing so fruit matures by mid-October.
Jun 8 - Jul 17
Smaller fruit; same timing as pumpkin.
May 8 - Jul 7
Wants hot soil and room to sprawl.
May 8 - Jul 7
Harvest at full slip for best flavor.
Apr 8 - Jul 7
Plant in blocks for pollination; succession-sow.
May 8 - Jul 7
Heat-loving spinach substitute on a trellis.
May 8 - Jul 7
Tolerates summer heat that bolts true spinach.
May 8 - Jul 7
Productive summer green; cut young leaves.
May 8 - Jul 7
Long warm season; trellis the vines.
May 8 - Jul 7
Needs the full season to mature sponge gourds.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Plant a whole sprouted fruit; vigorous perennial-leaning vine in zone 8.
Apr 8 - Jul 7
Pinch flowers to keep leaves coming all summer.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Zone 8 lower edge of hardiness; mulch heavily or treat as annual.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Tender perennial; harvest before fall frost.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Annual; pairs with beans.
Apr 8 - Jul 7
Succession-sow for continuous bloom.
Apr 8 - Jul 7
Heat-loving cut flower; deadhead often.
Apr 8 - Jul 7
Thrives in poor, dry soil.
Apr 8 - Jul 7
Good companion for tomatoes and beans.
Apr 8 - Jun 7
Edible flowers; may stall in peak heat.
What to Plant in Fall
Fall is arguably the best season in zone 8: long mild conditions let cool-season crops sown in late summer mature without bolting, and the first frost (mid-November) is gentle and late. Start brassicas indoors in July-August to beat the heat, then transplant into cooling soil.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Start indoors in July; fall heads are sweeter than spring.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Cooler fall ramp gives more reliable curds than spring.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Heads hold well into cold; very hardy.
Jul 8 - Sep 7
Needs a long run; light frost improves flavor.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Overwinters in zone 8; frost sweetens leaves.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Southern staple; harvest through winter.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Fast and cold-hardy.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Best as a fall crop to avoid spring bolting.
Jul 25 - Oct 24
Cool weather keeps it from bolting.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Harvest flowering stems before frost hardens them.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Quick; harvest buds before full bloom.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Fall bulbs stay tender longer.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Cool nights give crisp heads; succession-sow.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Overwinters under light cover for early spring picking.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Cold-hardy; mild flavor in cool weather.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Frilly mild green; cut-and-come-again.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Very cold-tolerant rosette green.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Carries through winter in zone 8.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Fall carrots sweeten in cold soil; mulch to overwinter.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Reliable fall root; harvest into winter.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Quick fall succession crop.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Long roots; also a great cover/tillage crop.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Roots and greens; frost-sweetened.
Jul 8 - Sep 7
Needs longer than turnip; sow earlier.
Jul 8 - Sep 7
Slow; leave in ground and harvest after frost for sweetness.
Jul 25 - Aug 24
Transplants establish fast for a long fall harvest.
Sep 24 - Nov 23
Plant cloves in fall; harvest the following early summer.
Sep 24 - Nov 23
Fall-plant sets like garlic for a summer harvest.
Sep 24 - Nov 23
Short-day transplants overwinter for a late-spring crop.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Very hardy; stands in the ground all winter.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Far longer-lived in fall than spring; overwinters.
Aug 25 - Sep 23
Cool weather slows bolting.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Overwinters in zone 8 for early-spring harvest.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Extremely cold-hardy; harvest all winter.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Thrives in cool, low light; winter salad green.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Blanch hearts; fall crop is less bitter.
Jul 25 - Sep 23
Cold triggers tight head formation.
Aug 25 - Oct 24
Overwinters and blooms through mild spells.
What to Plant in Winter
Zone 8 winters are mild enough to keep a productive cool-season garden going: hardy greens and roots sown in fall stand through the season under light row cover, and the lull is the time to overwinter garlic, plant bare-root perennials, and start spring transplants indoors. Hard freezes are brief, so frost cloth on the coldest nights usually carries everything through.
Nov 24 - Dec 24
Late plantings still root before spring; mulch the bed.
Nov 24 - Jan 24
Overwinters in zone 8 for an early-spring harvest.
Jan 8 - Feb 7
Late-winter sowing gets a jump on spring; tolerates frost.
Nov 24 - Jan 24
Fall-sown beds keep yielding; new sowings germinate in mild spells.
Nov 24 - Jan 24
Among the most cold-tolerant salad greens; harvest fresh.
Jan 28 - Feb 7
Start seed indoors under lights for early-April transplanting.
Jan 8 - Feb 7
Slow to germinate; an early winter start pays off.
Nov 24 - Jan 24
Start seed for spring transplants if not fall-set.
Jan 28 - Feb 7
Begin spring transplants 6-8 weeks before set-out.
Nov 24 - Feb 21
Plant dormant crowns; zone 8 is its warm limit, give afternoon shade.
Jan 8 - Mar 7
Plant bare-root crowns in the dormant season; harvest in year 2-3.
Nov 24 - Feb 21
Set bare-root crowns during dormancy for spring fruit.
Nov 24 - Feb 21
Plant dormant bushes; choose Southern highbush/rabbiteye for zone 8.
Jan 8 - Mar 7
Plant and prune dormant vines now.
Jan 8 - Mar 7
Plant dormant; zone 8 is comfortable for figs with minimal protection.
Save a planting from your zone 8 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 8a.
Vegetables
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaranth (Leaf) | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Productive summer green; cut young leaves. |
| Arugula | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Fast and cold-hardy; succession-sow. |
| Asparagus | — | — | Jan 8 - Mar 7 | — | Plant bare-root crowns in the dormant season; harvest in year 2-3. |
| Beet | — | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | — | — | Roots and greens both usable. |
| Bitter Melon | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Long warm season; trellis the vines. |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | — | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | — | — | Cool weather keeps it from bolting. |
| Broccoli | Jan 28 - Feb 7 | — | Jan 28 - Mar 7 | — | Start indoors in July; fall heads are sweeter than spring. |
| Broccoli Raab (Rapini) | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Quick; harvest buds before full bloom. |
| Brussels Sprouts | — | — | Jul 8 - Sep 7 | — | Needs a long run; light frost improves flavor. |
| Bush Bean | — | Apr 8 - Aug 7 | — | — | Succession-sow; a final sowing in July yields before fall frost. |
| Cabbage | — | — | Jan 28 - Mar 7 | — | Heads hold well into cold; very hardy. |
| Carrot | — | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | — | — | Keep seedbed moist; thin early. |
| Cauliflower | — | — | Jan 28 - Mar 7 | — | Cooler fall ramp gives more reliable curds than spring. |
| Chayote | — | — | Apr 8 - Jun 7 | — | Plant a whole sprouted fruit; vigorous perennial-leaning vine in zone 8. |
| Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Harvest flowering stems before frost hardens them. |
| Claytonia (Miner's Lettuce) | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Thrives in cool, low light; winter salad green. |
| Collards | — | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | Southern staple; harvest through winter. |
| Corn (Sweet) | — | Apr 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Plant in blocks for pollination; succession-sow. |
| Cowpea / Southern Pea | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Heat- and drought-tolerant Southern staple. |
| Cucumber | — | Apr 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Succession-sow; watch for cucumber beetles. |
| Daikon Radish | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Long roots; also a great cover/tillage crop. |
| Edamame (Soybean) | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Harvest pods at the plump green stage. |
| Eggplant | Jan 28 - Mar 7 | — | — | — | Loves heat; transplant once nights stay above 55F. |
| Endive / Escarole | — | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | Blanch hearts; fall crop is less bitter. |
| Fava Bean | — | Feb 8 - Mar 7 | — | — | Overwinters in zone 8 for an early-spring harvest. |
| Garden Pea | — | Jan 28 - Mar 7 | — | — | Late-winter sowing gets a jump on spring; tolerates frost. |
| Garlic | — | — | Sep 24 - Nov 23 | — | Late plantings still root before spring; mulch the bed. |
| Husk-less / Pie Pumpkin | — | Jun 8 - Jul 17 | — | — | Smaller fruit; same timing as pumpkin. |
| Kale | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | Nov 24 - Feb 21 | Overwinters in zone 8; frost sweetens leaves. |
| Kohlrabi | — | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | — | — | Fall bulbs stay tender longer. |
| Leek | — | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | Nov 24 - Feb 21 | Very hardy; stands in the ground all winter. |
| Lettuce | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Succession-sow every 2 weeks; bolts once highs pass 80F. |
| Lima Bean | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Bush or pole; loves warm soil. |
| Luffa | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Needs the full season to mature sponge gourds. |
| Malabar Spinach | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Heat-loving spinach substitute on a trellis. |
| Mizuna | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Frilly mild green; cut-and-come-again. |
| Mustard Greens | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Fast and cold-hardy. |
| Napa Cabbage | — | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | Best as a fall crop to avoid spring bolting. |
| New Zealand Spinach | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Tolerates summer heat that bolts true spinach. |
| Okra | — | Apr 28 - Jul 7 | — | — | Thrives in zone 8 heat; pick pods every 1-2 days. |
| Onion (Bulb) | Nov 24 - Jan 24 | — | Sep 24 - Nov 23 | — | Start seed for spring transplants if not fall-set. |
| Pac/Corn Salad (Mâche) | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Among the most cold-tolerant salad greens; harvest fresh. |
| Parsnip | — | Jul 8 - Sep 7 | — | — | Slow; leave in ground and harvest after frost for sweetness. |
| Peanut | — | Apr 28 - Jun 7 | — | — | Needs the full long season; harvest at first fall frost. |
| Pepper (Bell & Hot) | Jan 28 - Mar 7 | — | — | — | Slow germinators; needs 75-85F bottom heat. Transplant mid-late April. |
| Pole Bean | — | Apr 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Long-bearing on a trellis. |
| Potato | — | — | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | — | Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost; hill as they grow. |
| Pumpkin | — | Jun 8 - Jul 17 | — | — | Time sowing so fruit matures by mid-October. |
| Radicchio | — | — | Jul 25 - Sep 23 | — | Cold triggers tight head formation. |
| Radish | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Ready in 25-30 days; sow every 2 weeks until warm. |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Nov 24 - Feb 21 | — | Plant dormant crowns; zone 8 is its warm limit, give afternoon shade. |
| Rutabaga | — | Jul 8 - Sep 7 | — | — | Needs longer than turnip; sow earlier. |
| Scallion / Green Onion | — | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | — | — | Quick and cut-and-come-again. |
| Shallot | — | — | Sep 24 - Nov 23 | — | Fall-plant sets like garlic for a summer harvest. |
| Snap / Snow Pea | — | Jan 28 - Mar 7 | — | — | Trellis early; finishes before May heat. |
| Spinach | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Fall-sown beds keep yielding; new sowings germinate in mild spells. |
| Summer Squash | — | Apr 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Prolific; harvest small and often. |
| Sweet Potato | — | — | Apr 28 - Jun 7 | — | Set slips after soil warms; 100-120 day crop. |
| Swiss Chard | — | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | — | — | Heat-tolerant; carries from spring into summer. |
| Tatsoi | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Very cold-tolerant rosette green. |
| Tomatillo | Feb 8 - Mar 7 | — | — | — | Plant at least two for pollination; transplant mid-April. |
| Tomato | Jan 28 - Mar 7 | — | — | — | Start 6-8 weeks before the Mar 25 last frost; transplant early-mid April. |
| Turnip | — | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | — | — | Quick spring crop before heat. |
| Winter Squash | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Needs long season to mature rinds before fall. |
| Yardlong Bean | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Vigorous in heat; trellis tall. |
| Zucchini | — | Apr 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Replant in July if squash borers kill spring plants. |
Herbs
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | Apr 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Frost-tender; transplant after Apr 1 or direct-sow late April. |
| Cilantro / Coriander | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Bolts fast in heat; succession-sow. |
| Dill | — | Aug 25 - Sep 23 | — | — | Self-sows readily; sow where it will stay. |
| Lemongrass | — | — | Apr 8 - Jun 7 | — | Zone 8 lower edge of hardiness; mulch heavily or treat as annual. |
| Parsley | — | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | Slow germination; soak seed first. |
| Stevia | — | — | Apr 8 - Jun 7 | — | Tender perennial; harvest before fall frost. |
| Summer Savory | — | Apr 8 - Jun 7 | — | — | Annual; pairs with beans. |
Fruits
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blueberry | — | — | Nov 24 - Feb 21 | — | Plant dormant bushes; choose Southern highbush/rabbiteye for zone 8. |
| Fig | — | — | Jan 8 - Mar 7 | — | Plant dormant; zone 8 is comfortable for figs with minimal protection. |
| Grape | — | — | Jan 8 - Mar 7 | — | Plant and prune dormant vines now. |
| Ground Cherry | Feb 8 - Mar 7 | — | — | — | Same timing as tomatillo; self-fertile but slow to establish. |
| Muskmelon / Cantaloupe | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Harvest at full slip for best flavor. |
| Strawberry | — | — | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | — | Set bare-root crowns during dormancy for spring fruit. |
| Watermelon | — | May 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Wants hot soil and room to sprawl. |
Flowers
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calendula | — | Aug 25 - Oct 24 | — | — | Cool-season bloomer; edible petals. |
| Cosmos | — | Apr 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Thrives in poor, dry soil. |
| Marigold | — | Apr 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Good companion for tomatoes and beans. |
| Nasturtium | — | Apr 8 - Jun 7 | — | — | Edible flowers; may stall in peak heat. |
| Snapdragon | — | — | Feb 8 - Apr 7 | — | Hardy; tolerates light frost and blooms into early summer. |
| Sunflower | — | Apr 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Succession-sow for continuous bloom. |
| Sweet Pea | — | Jan 28 - Mar 7 | — | — | Sow early for spring bloom; needs cool roots. |
| Zinnia | — | Apr 8 - Jul 7 | — | — | Heat-loving cut flower; deadhead often. |
Zone 8a vs Zone 8b
USDA divides zone 8 into two half-zones 5°F apart. Zone 8a is the cooler one; here is how its frost dates compare with zone 8b and the zone 8 average.
| Zone 8a | Zone 8 | Zone 8b | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter low | 10 to 15°F | 10 to 20°F | 15 to 20°F |
| Last spring frost | Apr 1 | Mar 25 | Mar 18 |
| First fall frost | Nov 8 | Nov 15 | Nov 22 |
| Growing season | 221 days | 235 days | 249 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 8a Growing Tips
- ✓ Run two big planting pushes: warm-season crops transplanted early-mid April after the Mar 25 frost, and a heat-beating fall garden started indoors in July-August. Fall is often the more reliable brassica and root window than spring.
- ✓ Time tomatoes and peppers to set fruit before mid-summer: zone 8 nights above ~75F stall fruit set, so get transplants in by mid-April and consider a second short crop transplanted in July for fall.
- ✓ Lean on true heat-lovers (okra, Southern peas, sweet potato, peanut, Malabar/New Zealand spinach) for July-August when lettuce and cilantro bolt; mulch heavily and water deeply to ride out the hottest weeks.
- ✓ Plant garlic and shallots in October-November and overwinter onion transplants; the mild winter lets them root in for an early-summer harvest.
- ✓ Keep harvesting all winter: fall-sown kale, collards, chard, leeks, mache, and carrots stand through zone 8 cold under light row cover, and frost actually sweetens the brassicas and roots.
- ✓ Use the dormant winter window (December-February) to plant bare-root perennials and fruit (asparagus, strawberry, blueberry, grape, fig, rhubarb) and to start spring tomato/pepper seed indoors under lights.
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Sign Up FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What can I plant in spring in zone 8a?
In zone 8a, spring planting includes Tomato, Pepper (Bell & Hot), Eggplant, Tomatillo, Ground Cherry, Basil, Garden Pea, Snap / Snow Pea, and more. See the spring section above for each crop's timing.
What is the last frost date for zone 8a?
The average last spring frost date for USDA zone 8a is Apr 1. The first fall frost typically arrives around Nov 8, giving a growing season of approximately 221 days.
When is the first frost in zone 8a?
The average first fall frost in USDA zone 8a arrives around Nov 8. 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 8a?
In zone 8a, start crops like Tomato indoors around Jan 28 - Mar 7. Check the seasonal sections above for each crop's indoor-sowing window.
What can I plant in fall in zone 8a?
Fall planting in zone 8a includes Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Collards, Mustard Greens, Napa Cabbage, and more.
How long is the growing season in zone 8a?
Zone 8a has an average growing season of 221 days, from the last spring frost around Apr 1 to the first fall frost around Nov 8.
What is the difference between zone 8a and zone 8b?
Zone 8a is the cooler half of USDA zone 8, with average coldest winter nights of 10 to 15°F. Compared with the zone 8 averages (last frost Mar 25, first frost Nov 15), zone 8a's last spring frost is about a week later (Apr 1) and its first fall frost about a week earlier (Nov 8), so zone 8b gardeners plant about two weeks earlier in spring and later in fall than zone 8a.
What to plant right now
Month-specific guides for zone 8, 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