Zone 7a Planting Calendar
Zone 7a has an average minimum temperature range of 0°F to 5°F. The average last spring frost is around March 25 and the first fall frost is around November 1, giving you approximately 221 days in the growing season.
There are 183 plants in our database that grow well in Zone 7a.
States That Include Zone 7a
Many states span multiple zones. The states highlighted below contain areas classified as Zone 7a.
Growing Season Comparison
What to Plant Right Now in Zone 7a
Based on April 2026 planting windows.
All Planting Windows at a Glance
This chart shows when to start, transplant, sow, and harvest every plant in Zone 7a.
Vegetables for Zone 7a
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 80–100 |
| Amaranth | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 26 | 90–120 |
| Artichoke | — | — | Apr 8 | Aug 12 – Oct 21 | 120–180 |
| Arugula | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Apr 29 – Jul 1 | 30–50 |
| Asparagus | — | — | Apr 8 | — | 730–1095 |
| Beets | — | Mar 11 | — | May 6 – Jun 3 | 50–70 |
| Belgian Endive | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Jul 15 – Sep 9 | 110–150 |
| Bitter Melon | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 10 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Black Beans | — | Apr 1 | — | Jul 1 – Aug 19 | 90–120 |
| Bok Choy | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 6 – Jun 10 | 40–60 |
| Broccoli | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 27 – Jul 8 | 60–90 |
| Broccoli Rabe | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 6 – Jun 10 | 40–60 |
| Brussels Sprouts | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Jun 24 – Aug 19 | 90–130 |
| Butternut Squash | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 | 85–110 |
| Cabbage | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 27 – Jul 22 | 60–100 |
| Calabash | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 1 – Aug 26 | 80–120 |
| Cardoon | — | — | Apr 8 | Aug 12 – Sep 23 | 120–150 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 11 | — | May 13 – Jun 17 | 60–80 |
| Cauliflower | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 20 – Jul 22 | 55–100 |
| Celeriac | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Jul 8 – Aug 12 | 100–120 |
| Celery | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Jun 17 – Aug 12 | 80–120 |
| Celtuce | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 27 – Jul 8 | 60–90 |
| Chard | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 20 – Jul 8 | 50–60 |
| Chayote | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 12 – Oct 21 | 120–180 |
| Chickpeas | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Jun 17 – Jul 29 | 80–110 |
| Chicory | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 27 – Jul 8 | 60–85 |
| Chinese Cabbage | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 20 – Jun 17 | 50–70 |
| Christmas Lima Beans | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 80–100 |
| Collard Greens | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 20 – Jul 22 | 55–75 |
| Corn | — | Apr 1 | — | Jun 3 – Jul 29 | 60–100 |
| Cowpeas | — | Apr 1 | — | Jun 3 – Jul 15 | 60–90 |
| Cress | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | 14–21 |
| Crookneck Squash | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | May 27 – Jun 24 | 45–60 |
| Crosne | — | Mar 11 | — | Aug 12 – Oct 14 | 150–200 |
| Cucumber | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 | 50–70 |
| Daikon | — | Mar 11 | — | May 6 – Jun 3 | 50–70 |
| Delicata Squash | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 80–100 |
| Edamame | — | Apr 1 | — | Jun 17 – Jul 29 | 75–100 |
| Eggplant | Jan 21 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 | 65–85 |
| Endive | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 13 – Jun 17 | 45–65 |
| Escarole | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 20 – Jun 17 | 50–70 |
| Fava Beans | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Jun 10 – Jul 22 | 75–100 |
| Fennel | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 10 – Jul 22 | 60–90 |
| Garlic | — | — | — | — | 90–240 |
| Green Beans | — | Apr 1 | — | May 27 – Jul 22 | 50–65 |
| Horseradish | — | — | Apr 8 | Aug 12 – Oct 21 | 120–180 |
| Hot Peppers | Jan 21 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 17 – Sep 23 | 70–120 |
| Hubbard Squash | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 22 – Aug 26 | 100–120 |
| Jicama | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 12 – Oct 21 | 120–180 |
| Kabocha | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 | 85–100 |
| Kai Lan | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 13 – Jun 10 | 45–60 |
| Kale | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 20 – Jul 15 | 50–70 |
| Kidney Beans | — | Apr 1 | — | Jul 1 – Aug 5 | 85–110 |
| Kohlrabi | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 13 – Jun 17 | 45–65 |
| Komatsuna | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Apr 29 – Jun 3 | 35–50 |
| Leeks | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Jun 24 – Sep 9 | 90–150 |
| Lentils | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Jun 17 – Jul 29 | 80–110 |
| Lettuce | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Apr 29 – Jul 8 | 30–60 |
| Lima Beans | — | Apr 1 | — | Jun 3 – Jul 15 | 60–90 |
| Loofah | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 | 100–150 |
| Luffa | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 23 | 90–150 |
| Mache | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 6 – Jun 10 | 40–60 |
| Malabar Spinach | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 3 – Jul 1 | 55–70 |
| Melon | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 17 – Aug 5 | 70–100 |
| Microgreens | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Apr 1 – Apr 29 | 7–21 |
| Mitsuba | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | May 13 – Jul 8 | 50–70 |
| Mizuna | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Apr 29 – May 27 | 30–45 |
| Mustard Greens | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Apr 29 – Jul 1 | 30–50 |
| Napa Cabbage | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 20 – Jun 24 | 55–75 |
| New Zealand Spinach | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 3 – Jul 1 | 55–70 |
| Okra | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 | 50–65 |
| Onion | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Jun 24 – Aug 12 | 90–120 |
| Pac Choi | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 6 – Jun 3 | 40–55 |
| Parsnip | — | Mar 11 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 5 | 100–130 |
| Patty Pan Squash | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | May 27 – Jun 24 | 45–60 |
| Peas | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 20 – Jul 15 | 55–70 |
| Peppers | Jan 21 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 10 – Aug 19 | 60–90 |
| Pole Beans | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 | 55–70 |
| Potatoes | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 17 – Aug 26 | 70–120 |
| Pumpkin | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 26 | 85–120 |
| Purslane | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 6 – Jun 10 | 40–60 |
| Radicchio | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 27 – Jul 1 | 60–80 |
| Radish | — | Mar 11 | — | Apr 8 – Apr 29 | 22–35 |
| Rhubarb | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 365–730 |
| Romanesco | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Jun 10 – Jul 22 | 75–100 |
| Rutabaga | — | Mar 11 | — | Jun 3 – Jul 8 | 80–100 |
| Salsify | — | Mar 11 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 5 | 100–130 |
| Savoy Cabbage | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 | 70–110 |
| Scallions | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 20 – Jun 17 | 50–70 |
| Scarlet Runner Beans | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 10 – Jul 15 | 60–80 |
| Shallot | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Jun 24 – Aug 12 | 90–120 |
| Shiso | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 | 50–70 |
| Snap Peas | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 | 55–70 |
| Snow Peas | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 20 – Jul 15 | 50–65 |
| Soybeans | — | Apr 1 | — | Jun 24 – Aug 19 | 80–120 |
| Spaghetti Squash | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 | 85–100 |
| Spinach | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Apr 29 – Jul 1 | 35–50 |
| Squash (Summer) | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | May 27 – Jul 29 | 45–65 |
| Squash (Winter) | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 1 – Aug 26 | 80–120 |
| Sunchoke | — | — | Apr 8 | Jul 29 – Sep 23 | 110–150 |
| Sunflower | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 17 – Aug 5 | 70–100 |
| Sweet Corn | — | Apr 1 | — | Jun 3 – Jul 15 | 60–90 |
| Sweet Potatoes | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 26 | 90–120 |
| Tatsoi | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | Apr 29 – Jun 3 | 35–50 |
| Tomatillo | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 10 – Aug 19 | 60–85 |
| Tomatoes | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 10 – Aug 19 | 60–85 |
| Turnip | — | Mar 11 | — | Apr 22 – May 27 | 40–60 |
| Watercress | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 25 | May 6 – Jun 10 | 40–60 |
| Watermelon | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 17 – Aug 5 | 70–100 |
| Wax Beans | — | Apr 1 | — | May 27 – Jul 22 | 50–65 |
| Winter Melon | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 26 | 90–120 |
| Yard Long Beans | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 3 – Jul 15 | 55–80 |
| Zucchini | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | May 27 – Jul 22 | 45–60 |
Fruits for Zone 7a
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Strawberries | — | — | Apr 15 | Jul 15 – Oct 28 | 90–180 |
| Aronia | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Blackberries | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 365–730 |
| Blueberries | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Boysenberries | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 365–730 |
| Cantaloupe | — | — | Apr 15 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 | 70–90 |
| Che Fruit | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Cranberries | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Currants | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Elderberries | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Figs | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1825 |
| Goji Berries | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Gooseberries | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Grapes | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Ground Cherry | — | — | Apr 15 | Jun 24 – Aug 19 | 65–80 |
| Hardy Kiwi | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Haskaps | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Honeydew | — | — | Apr 15 | Jul 8 – Aug 19 | 80–110 |
| Jostaberry | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Kiwi | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Lingonberries | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Loquat | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1825 |
| Medlar | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Mulberries | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1825 |
| Pawpaw | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Persimmon | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 1095–2555 |
| Pomegranate | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Quince | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 1095–1825 |
| Raspberries | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 365–730 |
| Serviceberries | — | — | Apr 15 | — | 730–1095 |
| Strawberries | — | — | Apr 15 | Jul 15 – Nov 25 | 90–365 |
Herbs for Zone 7a
| Plant | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelica | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | — | 365–730 |
| Anise | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | Jun 17 – Sep 2 | 90–120 |
| Basil | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 3 – Aug 5 | 50–75 |
| Bee Balm | — | — | Apr 1 | Jul 1 – Sep 16 | 90–120 |
| Borage | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | May 13 – Jul 1 | 50–60 |
| Caraway | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | — | 365–450 |
| Catnip | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 3 – Aug 5 | 60–80 |
| Chamomile | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | May 20 – Jul 29 | 60–90 |
| Chervil | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | Apr 29 – Jul 1 | 40–60 |
| Chives | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 3 – Aug 12 | 60–90 |
| Cilantro | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | Apr 29 – Jul 1 | 40–60 |
| Comfrey | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 3 – Aug 12 | 60–90 |
| Cumin | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | Jul 1 – Sep 2 | 100–120 |
| Dill | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | Apr 29 – Jul 1 | 40–60 |
| Echinacea | — | — | Apr 1 | Aug 5 – Nov 11 | 120–180 |
| Epazote | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | May 27 – Jul 22 | 45–60 |
| Fennel (herb) | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | May 20 – Jul 29 | 60–90 |
| Feverfew | — | — | Apr 1 | Jul 1 – Sep 16 | 90–120 |
| Garlic Chives | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 3 – Aug 12 | 60–90 |
| Horehound | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 17 – Aug 12 | 75–90 |
| Hyssop | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 70–90 |
| Lavender | — | — | Apr 1 | Jul 1 – Nov 11 | 90–200 |
| Lemon Balm | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 3 – Jul 22 | 60–70 |
| Lemon Thyme | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 70–90 |
| Lovage | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 70–90 |
| Marjoram | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 3 – Aug 12 | 60–90 |
| Mint | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 3 – Aug 12 | 60–90 |
| Oregano | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 3 – Aug 12 | 60–90 |
| Parsley | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | May 20 – Jul 22 | 60–80 |
| Rosemary | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 24 – Nov 11 | 80–180 |
| Rue | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 70–90 |
| Sage | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 17 – Aug 12 | 75–90 |
| Savory | — | — | Apr 1 | May 27 – Jul 22 | 50–70 |
| Sorrel | Feb 18 | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | Apr 29 – Jul 1 | 40–60 |
| Tarragon | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 3 – Aug 12 | 60–90 |
| Thai Basil | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jun 3 – Aug 5 | 50–75 |
| Thyme | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 | 70–90 |
| Valerian | — | — | Apr 1 | Aug 5 – Nov 11 | 120–180 |
| Yarrow | — | — | Apr 1 | Jul 1 – Sep 16 | 90–120 |
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Essential garden hand trowel for planting, transplanting, and weeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I grow in Zone 7a?
Zone 7a supports 183 plants in our database including vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. With a 221-day growing season (last frost ~March 25, first frost ~November 1), you can grow most common garden crops with proper timing.
What is Zone 7a?
USDA Zone 7a has an average annual minimum temperature of 0°F to 5°F.
When is the last frost in Zone 7a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 7a is approximately March 25. The first fall frost averages around November 1, giving a growing season of about 221 days. These dates are based on 50% probability — plan for some year-to-year variation.