Brought to you by garden.gg Zone 8b 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 8b is the warmer half of USDA zone 8, where the average coldest winter night bottoms out at 15 to 20°F. Compared with the zone 8 averages, the last spring frost in zone 8b comes about a week earlier (Mar 18) and the first fall frost about a week later (Nov 22), for a growing season of about 249 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 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 8b garden — free
What to Plant in Zone 8b This Fall (September–November)
The average first fall frost in zone 8b is Nov 22. 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 8b's frost date, that gives these plant-by dates:
Plant by Aug 20
80 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Aug 30
70 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Aug 30
70 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Plant by Sep 19
50 days to maturity + 14-day fall factor
Zone 8a and 8b: these dates count back from zone 8b's first frost, which is about a week later than the zone 8 average of Nov 15. Zone 8a gardeners have about two weeks less fall time — see the zone 8a fall dates.
Fall crops on this zone 8b 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 8b
The right crops and methods for each season, based on zone 8b'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 14 - Feb 21
Start 6-8 weeks before the Mar 25 last frost; transplant early-mid April.
Jan 14 - Feb 21
Slow germinators; needs 75-85F bottom heat. Transplant mid-late April.
Jan 14 - Feb 21
Loves heat; transplant once nights stay above 55F.
Jan 25 - Feb 21
Plant at least two for pollination; transplant mid-April.
Jan 25 - Feb 21
Same timing as tomatillo; self-fertile but slow to establish.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Frost-tender; transplant after Apr 1 or direct-sow late April.
Jan 14 - Feb 21
Sow as soon as soil can be worked; tolerates light frost.
Jan 14 - Feb 21
Trellis early; finishes before May heat.
Jan 25 - Feb 21
Cool-season legume; can also be fall-sown in mild zone 8 winters.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Succession-sow every 2 weeks; bolts once highs pass 80F.
Jan 14 - Feb 21
Sow early; bolts fast in spring warmth.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Fast and cold-hardy; succession-sow.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Ready in 25-30 days; sow every 2 weeks until warm.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Keep seedbed moist; thin early.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Roots and greens both usable.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Quick spring crop before heat.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Set out hardened transplants; very frost-tolerant.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Heat-tolerant; carries from spring into summer.
Jan 14 - Feb 21
Transplant early so heads form before May heat.
Jan 14 - Feb 21
Set out 4-6 week transplants.
Jan 14 - Feb 21
Needs steady cool spell; spring timing is tight.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Harvest at tennis-ball size.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Bolts in heat; harvest young.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost; hill as they grow.
Jan 14 - Feb 21
Use short-day or intermediate-day varieties in zone 8.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Quick and cut-and-come-again.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Bolts fast in heat; succession-sow.
Feb 22 - Mar 24
Self-sows readily; sow where it will stay.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Slow germination; soak seed first.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Set out bare-root crowns early for a spring crop.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Cool-season bloomer; edible petals.
Jan 25 - Mar 24
Hardy; tolerates light frost and blooms into early summer.
Jan 14 - Feb 21
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 14 - Jun 23
Thrives in zone 8 heat; pick pods every 1-2 days.
Apr 14 - May 24
Set slips after soil warms; 100-120 day crop.
Apr 14 - May 24
Needs the full long season; harvest at first fall frost.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Heat- and drought-tolerant Southern staple.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Vigorous in heat; trellis tall.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Bush or pole; loves warm soil.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Harvest pods at the plump green stage.
Mar 25 - Jul 24
Succession-sow; a final sowing in July yields before fall frost.
Mar 25 - Jun 23
Long-bearing on a trellis.
Mar 25 - Jun 23
Succession-sow; watch for cucumber beetles.
Mar 25 - Jun 23
Replant in July if squash borers kill spring plants.
Mar 25 - Jun 23
Prolific; harvest small and often.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Needs long season to mature rinds before fall.
May 25 - Jul 3
Time sowing so fruit matures by mid-October.
May 25 - Jul 3
Smaller fruit; same timing as pumpkin.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Wants hot soil and room to sprawl.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Harvest at full slip for best flavor.
Mar 25 - Jun 23
Plant in blocks for pollination; succession-sow.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Heat-loving spinach substitute on a trellis.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Tolerates summer heat that bolts true spinach.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Productive summer green; cut young leaves.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Long warm season; trellis the vines.
Apr 24 - Jun 23
Needs the full season to mature sponge gourds.
Mar 25 - May 24
Plant a whole sprouted fruit; vigorous perennial-leaning vine in zone 8.
Mar 25 - Jun 23
Pinch flowers to keep leaves coming all summer.
Mar 25 - May 24
Zone 8 lower edge of hardiness; mulch heavily or treat as annual.
Mar 25 - May 24
Tender perennial; harvest before fall frost.
Mar 25 - May 24
Annual; pairs with beans.
Mar 25 - Jun 23
Succession-sow for continuous bloom.
Mar 25 - Jun 23
Heat-loving cut flower; deadhead often.
Mar 25 - Jun 23
Thrives in poor, dry soil.
Mar 25 - Jun 23
Good companion for tomatoes and beans.
Mar 25 - May 24
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.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Start indoors in July; fall heads are sweeter than spring.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Cooler fall ramp gives more reliable curds than spring.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Heads hold well into cold; very hardy.
Jun 24 - Aug 24
Needs a long run; light frost improves flavor.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Overwinters in zone 8; frost sweetens leaves.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Southern staple; harvest through winter.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Fast and cold-hardy.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Best as a fall crop to avoid spring bolting.
Aug 8 - Nov 7
Cool weather keeps it from bolting.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Harvest flowering stems before frost hardens them.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Quick; harvest buds before full bloom.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Fall bulbs stay tender longer.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Cool nights give crisp heads; succession-sow.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Overwinters under light cover for early spring picking.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Cold-hardy; mild flavor in cool weather.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Frilly mild green; cut-and-come-again.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Very cold-tolerant rosette green.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Carries through winter in zone 8.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Fall carrots sweeten in cold soil; mulch to overwinter.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Reliable fall root; harvest into winter.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Quick fall succession crop.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Long roots; also a great cover/tillage crop.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Roots and greens; frost-sweetened.
Jun 24 - Aug 24
Needs longer than turnip; sow earlier.
Jun 24 - Aug 24
Slow; leave in ground and harvest after frost for sweetness.
Aug 8 - Sep 7
Transplants establish fast for a long fall harvest.
Oct 8 - Dec 7
Plant cloves in fall; harvest the following early summer.
Oct 8 - Dec 7
Fall-plant sets like garlic for a summer harvest.
Oct 8 - Dec 7
Short-day transplants overwinter for a late-spring crop.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Very hardy; stands in the ground all winter.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Far longer-lived in fall than spring; overwinters.
Sep 8 - Oct 7
Cool weather slows bolting.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Overwinters in zone 8 for early-spring harvest.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Extremely cold-hardy; harvest all winter.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
Thrives in cool, low light; winter salad green.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Blanch hearts; fall crop is less bitter.
Aug 8 - Oct 7
Cold triggers tight head formation.
Sep 8 - Nov 7
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.
Dec 8 - Jan 7
Late plantings still root before spring; mulch the bed.
Dec 8 - Feb 7
Overwinters in zone 8 for an early-spring harvest.
Dec 25 - Jan 24
Late-winter sowing gets a jump on spring; tolerates frost.
Dec 8 - Feb 7
Fall-sown beds keep yielding; new sowings germinate in mild spells.
Dec 8 - Feb 7
Among the most cold-tolerant salad greens; harvest fresh.
Jan 14 - Jan 24
Start seed indoors under lights for early-April transplanting.
Dec 25 - Jan 24
Slow to germinate; an early winter start pays off.
Dec 8 - Feb 7
Start seed for spring transplants if not fall-set.
Jan 14 - Jan 24
Begin spring transplants 6-8 weeks before set-out.
Dec 8 - Mar 7
Plant dormant crowns; zone 8 is its warm limit, give afternoon shade.
Dec 25 - Feb 21
Plant bare-root crowns in the dormant season; harvest in year 2-3.
Dec 8 - Mar 7
Set bare-root crowns during dormancy for spring fruit.
Dec 8 - Mar 7
Plant dormant bushes; choose Southern highbush/rabbiteye for zone 8.
Dec 25 - Feb 21
Plant and prune dormant vines now.
Dec 25 - Feb 21
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 8b.
Vegetables
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaranth (Leaf) | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Productive summer green; cut young leaves. |
| Arugula | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Fast and cold-hardy; succession-sow. |
| Asparagus | — | — | Dec 25 - Feb 21 | — | Plant bare-root crowns in the dormant season; harvest in year 2-3. |
| Beet | — | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | — | — | Roots and greens both usable. |
| Bitter Melon | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Long warm season; trellis the vines. |
| Bok Choy / Pak Choi | — | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | — | — | Cool weather keeps it from bolting. |
| Broccoli | Jan 14 - Jan 24 | — | Jan 14 - Feb 21 | — | Start indoors in July; fall heads are sweeter than spring. |
| Broccoli Raab (Rapini) | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | — | — | Quick; harvest buds before full bloom. |
| Brussels Sprouts | — | — | Jun 24 - Aug 24 | — | Needs a long run; light frost improves flavor. |
| Bush Bean | — | Mar 25 - Jul 24 | — | — | Succession-sow; a final sowing in July yields before fall frost. |
| Cabbage | — | — | Jan 14 - Feb 21 | — | Heads hold well into cold; very hardy. |
| Carrot | — | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | — | — | Keep seedbed moist; thin early. |
| Cauliflower | — | — | Jan 14 - Feb 21 | — | Cooler fall ramp gives more reliable curds than spring. |
| Chayote | — | — | Mar 25 - May 24 | — | Plant a whole sprouted fruit; vigorous perennial-leaning vine in zone 8. |
| Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan) | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | — | — | Harvest flowering stems before frost hardens them. |
| Claytonia (Miner's Lettuce) | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Thrives in cool, low light; winter salad green. |
| Collards | — | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | — | Southern staple; harvest through winter. |
| Corn (Sweet) | — | Mar 25 - Jun 23 | — | — | Plant in blocks for pollination; succession-sow. |
| Cowpea / Southern Pea | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Heat- and drought-tolerant Southern staple. |
| Cucumber | — | Mar 25 - Jun 23 | — | — | Succession-sow; watch for cucumber beetles. |
| Daikon Radish | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | — | — | Long roots; also a great cover/tillage crop. |
| Edamame (Soybean) | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Harvest pods at the plump green stage. |
| Eggplant | Jan 14 - Feb 21 | — | — | — | Loves heat; transplant once nights stay above 55F. |
| Endive / Escarole | — | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | — | Blanch hearts; fall crop is less bitter. |
| Fava Bean | — | Jan 25 - Feb 21 | — | — | Overwinters in zone 8 for an early-spring harvest. |
| Garden Pea | — | Jan 14 - Feb 21 | — | — | Late-winter sowing gets a jump on spring; tolerates frost. |
| Garlic | — | — | Oct 8 - Dec 7 | — | Late plantings still root before spring; mulch the bed. |
| Husk-less / Pie Pumpkin | — | May 25 - Jul 3 | — | — | Smaller fruit; same timing as pumpkin. |
| Kale | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | Dec 8 - Mar 7 | Overwinters in zone 8; frost sweetens leaves. |
| Kohlrabi | — | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | — | — | Fall bulbs stay tender longer. |
| Leek | — | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | Dec 8 - Mar 7 | Very hardy; stands in the ground all winter. |
| Lettuce | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Succession-sow every 2 weeks; bolts once highs pass 80F. |
| Lima Bean | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Bush or pole; loves warm soil. |
| Luffa | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Needs the full season to mature sponge gourds. |
| Malabar Spinach | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Heat-loving spinach substitute on a trellis. |
| Mizuna | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Frilly mild green; cut-and-come-again. |
| Mustard Greens | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | — | — | Fast and cold-hardy. |
| Napa Cabbage | — | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | — | Best as a fall crop to avoid spring bolting. |
| New Zealand Spinach | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Tolerates summer heat that bolts true spinach. |
| Okra | — | Apr 14 - Jun 23 | — | — | Thrives in zone 8 heat; pick pods every 1-2 days. |
| Onion (Bulb) | Dec 8 - Feb 7 | — | Oct 8 - Dec 7 | — | Start seed for spring transplants if not fall-set. |
| Pac/Corn Salad (Mâche) | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Among the most cold-tolerant salad greens; harvest fresh. |
| Parsnip | — | Jun 24 - Aug 24 | — | — | Slow; leave in ground and harvest after frost for sweetness. |
| Peanut | — | Apr 14 - May 24 | — | — | Needs the full long season; harvest at first fall frost. |
| Pepper (Bell & Hot) | Jan 14 - Feb 21 | — | — | — | Slow germinators; needs 75-85F bottom heat. Transplant mid-late April. |
| Pole Bean | — | Mar 25 - Jun 23 | — | — | Long-bearing on a trellis. |
| Potato | — | — | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | — | Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost; hill as they grow. |
| Pumpkin | — | May 25 - Jul 3 | — | — | Time sowing so fruit matures by mid-October. |
| Radicchio | — | — | Aug 8 - Oct 7 | — | Cold triggers tight head formation. |
| Radish | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Ready in 25-30 days; sow every 2 weeks until warm. |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Dec 8 - Mar 7 | — | Plant dormant crowns; zone 8 is its warm limit, give afternoon shade. |
| Rutabaga | — | Jun 24 - Aug 24 | — | — | Needs longer than turnip; sow earlier. |
| Scallion / Green Onion | — | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | — | — | Quick and cut-and-come-again. |
| Shallot | — | — | Oct 8 - Dec 7 | — | Fall-plant sets like garlic for a summer harvest. |
| Snap / Snow Pea | — | Jan 14 - Feb 21 | — | — | Trellis early; finishes before May heat. |
| Spinach | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Fall-sown beds keep yielding; new sowings germinate in mild spells. |
| Summer Squash | — | Mar 25 - Jun 23 | — | — | Prolific; harvest small and often. |
| Sweet Potato | — | — | Apr 14 - May 24 | — | Set slips after soil warms; 100-120 day crop. |
| Swiss Chard | — | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | — | — | Heat-tolerant; carries from spring into summer. |
| Tatsoi | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Very cold-tolerant rosette green. |
| Tomatillo | Jan 25 - Feb 21 | — | — | — | Plant at least two for pollination; transplant mid-April. |
| Tomato | Jan 14 - Feb 21 | — | — | — | Start 6-8 weeks before the Mar 25 last frost; transplant early-mid April. |
| Turnip | — | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | — | — | Quick spring crop before heat. |
| Winter Squash | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Needs long season to mature rinds before fall. |
| Yardlong Bean | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Vigorous in heat; trellis tall. |
| Zucchini | — | Mar 25 - Jun 23 | — | — | Replant in July if squash borers kill spring plants. |
Herbs
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | Mar 25 - Jun 23 | — | — | Frost-tender; transplant after Apr 1 or direct-sow late April. |
| Cilantro / Coriander | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Bolts fast in heat; succession-sow. |
| Dill | — | Sep 8 - Oct 7 | — | — | Self-sows readily; sow where it will stay. |
| Lemongrass | — | — | Mar 25 - May 24 | — | Zone 8 lower edge of hardiness; mulch heavily or treat as annual. |
| Parsley | — | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | Slow germination; soak seed first. |
| Stevia | — | — | Mar 25 - May 24 | — | Tender perennial; harvest before fall frost. |
| Summer Savory | — | Mar 25 - May 24 | — | — | Annual; pairs with beans. |
Fruits
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blueberry | — | — | Dec 8 - Mar 7 | — | Plant dormant bushes; choose Southern highbush/rabbiteye for zone 8. |
| Fig | — | — | Dec 25 - Feb 21 | — | Plant dormant; zone 8 is comfortable for figs with minimal protection. |
| Grape | — | — | Dec 25 - Feb 21 | — | Plant and prune dormant vines now. |
| Ground Cherry | Jan 25 - Feb 21 | — | — | — | Same timing as tomatillo; self-fertile but slow to establish. |
| Muskmelon / Cantaloupe | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Harvest at full slip for best flavor. |
| Strawberry | — | — | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | — | Set bare-root crowns during dormancy for spring fruit. |
| Watermelon | — | Apr 24 - Jun 23 | — | — | Wants hot soil and room to sprawl. |
Flowers
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calendula | — | Sep 8 - Nov 7 | — | — | Cool-season bloomer; edible petals. |
| Cosmos | — | Mar 25 - Jun 23 | — | — | Thrives in poor, dry soil. |
| Marigold | — | Mar 25 - Jun 23 | — | — | Good companion for tomatoes and beans. |
| Nasturtium | — | Mar 25 - May 24 | — | — | Edible flowers; may stall in peak heat. |
| Snapdragon | — | — | Jan 25 - Mar 24 | — | Hardy; tolerates light frost and blooms into early summer. |
| Sunflower | — | Mar 25 - Jun 23 | — | — | Succession-sow for continuous bloom. |
| Sweet Pea | — | Jan 14 - Feb 21 | — | — | Sow early for spring bloom; needs cool roots. |
| Zinnia | — | Mar 25 - Jun 23 | — | — | Heat-loving cut flower; deadhead often. |
Zone 8a vs Zone 8b
USDA divides zone 8 into two half-zones 5°F apart. Zone 8b is the warmer one; here is how its frost dates compare with zone 8a 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 8b 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 8b?
In zone 8b, 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 8b?
The average last spring frost date for USDA zone 8b is Mar 18. The first fall frost typically arrives around Nov 22, giving a growing season of approximately 249 days.
When is the first frost in zone 8b?
The average first fall frost in USDA zone 8b arrives around Nov 22. 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 8b?
In zone 8b, start crops like Tomato indoors around Jan 14 - Feb 21. Check the seasonal sections above for each crop's indoor-sowing window.
What can I plant in fall in zone 8b?
Fall planting in zone 8b includes Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Collards, Mustard Greens, Napa Cabbage, and more.
How long is the growing season in zone 8b?
Zone 8b has an average growing season of 249 days, from the last spring frost around Mar 18 to the first fall frost around Nov 22.
What is the difference between zone 8a and zone 8b?
Zone 8b is the warmer half of USDA zone 8, with average coldest winter nights of 15 to 20°F. Compared with the zone 8 averages (last frost Mar 25, first frost Nov 15), zone 8b's last spring frost is about a week earlier (Mar 18) and its first fall frost about a week later (Nov 22), so zone 8a gardeners plant about two weeks later in spring and earlier in fall than zone 8b.
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