Zone 11b Planting Calendar
Zone 11b gardeners: here's your July plan
Each item below is timed to Zone 11b's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Plan the fall garden
Make a planting map for August. Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, lettuce, root crops all go in over the next 8 weeks. Soil amendments and irrigation prep happen now.
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Keep heat-survivor crops productive
Daily harvest of okra and southern peas keeps plants producing. Let pods over-mature and the plant stops setting new fruit.
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Watch for hurricane prep season
August-October is hurricane season. Stake young trees, secure rain barrels, and plan how to protect tender transplants from high winds.
Zone 11b has an average minimum temperature range of 45°F to 50°F. The average last spring frost is around January 1 and the first fall frost is around December 31, giving you approximately 364 days in the growing season.
There are 109 plants in our database that grow well in Zone 11b.
No frost countdown needed. Frost is exceptional in this area — most years record zero frost days. Plan around heat and rainfall instead.
States That Include Zone 11b
Many states span multiple zones. The states highlighted below contain areas classified as Zone 11b.
Growing Season Comparison
What to Plant Right Now in Zone 11b
Based on July 2026 planting windows.
All Planting Windows at a Glance
This chart shows when to start, transplant, sow, and harvest every plant in Zone 11b.
Vegetables for Zone 11b
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 7 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 28 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Jan 15 | May 21 – Jul 30 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 30–50 |
| Beets | — | Dec 11 | — | Feb 5 – Mar 5 | 50–70 |
| Bitter Melon | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – Apr 23 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Jan 8 | — | Apr 9 – May 28 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 12 – Mar 19 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Mar 5 – Apr 16 | 60–90 |
| Butternut Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 14 | 85–110 |
| Calabash | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 28 | 80–120 |
| Chard | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 16 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 120–180 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 7 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 12 – May 7 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Jan 15 – Feb 5 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | 45–60 |
| Cucumber | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Dec 11 | — | Feb 5 – Mar 5 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 7 | 80–100 |
| Eggplant | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – May 21 | 65–85 |
| Ginger | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Sep 10 – Nov 19 | 240–300 |
| Green Beans | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 50–65 |
| Hot Peppers | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – Jun 25 | 70–120 |
| Jicama | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | May 14 – Jul 23 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 7 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 19 – Mar 19 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Jan 8 | — | Apr 9 – May 14 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 19 – Mar 26 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Mar 12 | 35–50 |
| Lettuce | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Apr 16 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 23 – Jun 25 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – Jun 25 | 90–150 |
| Malabar Spinach | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 2 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – May 7 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 – Feb 5 | 7–21 |
| Mizuna | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Mar 5 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 2 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 2 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 50–65 |
| Pac Choi | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 12 – Mar 12 | 40–55 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Mar 26 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 55–70 |
| Purslane | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 12 – Mar 19 | 40–60 |
| Radish | — | Dec 11 | — | Jan 8 – Jan 29 | 22–35 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – Apr 16 | 60–80 |
| Shiso | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 | 50–65 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 7 | 85–100 |
| Squash (Summer) | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 30 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 2 – May 28 | 80–120 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 12 – Apr 23 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 28 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 5 – Mar 12 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–85 |
| Turmeric | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Sep 10 – Nov 19 | 240–300 |
| Watercress | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Jan 1 | Feb 12 – Mar 19 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 19 – May 7 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Jan 8 | — | Mar 5 – Apr 30 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 28 | 90–120 |
| Yam | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Jul 9 – Dec 24 | 180–330 |
| Yard Long Beans | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 16 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 | 45–60 |
Fruits for Zone 11b
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Jan 15 | Mar 26 – Apr 30 | 70–90 |
| Dragon Fruit | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 365–730 |
| Figs | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 730–1825 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Jan 15 | Mar 26 – May 21 | 65–80 |
| Guava | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 365–730 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Jan 15 | Apr 9 – May 21 | 80–110 |
| Passion Fruit | — | — | Jan 15 | — | 365–545 |
Herbs for Zone 11b
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – May 7 | 50–75 |
| Borage | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Feb 19 – Apr 9 | 50–60 |
| Cilantro | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 40–60 |
| Cumin | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Apr 9 – Jun 11 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Dec 4 | Dec 11 | Dec 25 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 | 40–60 |
| Epazote | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Feb 26 – Apr 23 | 45–60 |
| Lemon Verbena | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–90 |
| Lemongrass | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 26 – Jun 25 | 75–120 |
| Stevia | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 12 – May 21 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Nov 20 | Jan 8 | Jan 8 | Mar 5 – May 7 | 50–75 |
Flowers for Zone 11b
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ageratum | Nov 20 | Oct 30 | Oct 30 | Dec 25 – Aug 20 | 60–75 |
| Bachelor's Button | — | Oct 2 | Oct 30 | Dec 18 – Mar 19 | 60–90 |
| Begonias | Oct 23 | — | Oct 30 | Jan 8 – Oct 29 | 70–90 |
| Calendula | — | Oct 2 | Oct 30 | Dec 4 – Mar 5 | 50–70 |
| Celosia | Dec 4 | Oct 30 | Oct 30 | Jan 1 – Sep 17 | 60–90 |
| Cosmos | Dec 4 | Oct 30 | Oct 30 | Jan 8 – Sep 3 | 60–90 |
| Freesia | — | — | — | Nov 19 – Dec 24 | 84–112 |
| Geraniums | Oct 23 | — | Oct 30 | Jan 8 – Oct 29 | 70–100 |
| Impatiens | Nov 6 | — | Oct 30 | Jan 8 – Sep 3 | 60–75 |
| Marigolds | Dec 4 | Oct 30 | Oct 30 | Dec 25 – Aug 20 | 50–70 |
| Nasturtium | Dec 4 | Oct 30 | Oct 30 | Dec 25 – Sep 3 | 55–65 |
| Petunia | Nov 6 | — | Oct 30 | Jan 8 – Aug 20 | 70–90 |
| Portulaca | Dec 4 | Oct 30 | Oct 30 | Dec 18 – Sep 17 | 50–70 |
| Salvia | Nov 6 | — | Oct 30 | Jan 8 – Sep 3 | 70–90 |
| Snapdragon | — | Oct 2 | Oct 30 | Dec 25 – Jun 11 | 70–100 |
| Sunflower | Dec 11 | Oct 30 | Oct 30 | Jan 22 – Sep 3 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Alyssum | — | Oct 2 | Oct 30 | Nov 27 – Feb 5 | 45–60 |
| Vinca (Annual) | Oct 23 | — | Oct 30 | Jan 8 – Oct 29 | 70–90 |
| Zinnia | Dec 4 | Oct 30 | Oct 30 | Jan 8 – Sep 3 | 60–70 |
Recommended for Your Garden
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I grow in Zone 11b?
Zone 11b supports 109 plants in our database including vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. With a 364-day growing season (last frost ~January 1, first frost ~December 31), you can grow most common garden crops with proper timing.
What is Zone 11b?
USDA Zone 11b has an average annual minimum temperature of 45°F to 50°F.
When is the last frost in Zone 11b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 11b is approximately January 1. The first fall frost averages around December 31, giving a growing season of about 364 days. These dates are based on 50% probability — plan for some year-to-year variation.
Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into compost that actually feeds the garden — instead of a pile that smells, attracts pests, and never breaks down.
- 14 sections on composting methods, soil science, and troubleshooting
- The 7-step hot-compost system from start to finish
- Bonus tools: troubleshooting chart, safety guide, monitoring log