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Zone 8b Planting Calendar

Zone 8b has an average minimum temperature range of 15°F to 20°F. The average last spring frost is around February 25 and the first fall frost is around November 28, giving you approximately 276 days in the growing season.

There are 184 plants in our database that grow well in Zone 8b.

Zone 8b Year-round
276 days
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Last Spring Frost February 25
➔ 276 growing days ➔
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First Fall Frost November 28
Zone 8b Frost Countdown
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Last Frost: Feb 25 First Frost: Nov 28

States That Include Zone 8b

Many states span multiple zones. The states highlighted below contain areas classified as Zone 8b.

AL — Zone 7b AL AR — Zone 7b AR AZ — Zone 8a AZ CA — Zone 9a CA CO — Zone 5a CO CT — Zone 6b CT DE — Zone 7a DE FL — Zone 9a FL GA — Zone 7b GA IA — Zone 5a IA ID — Zone 5b ID IL — Zone 5b IL IN — Zone 6a IN KS — Zone 6a KS KY — Zone 6b KY LA — Zone 8b LA MA — Zone 6a MA MD — Zone 7a MD ME — Zone 4b ME MI — Zone 5b MI MN — Zone 4a MN MO — Zone 6a MO MS — Zone 8a MS MT — Zone 4b MT NC — Zone 7a NC ND — Zone 3b ND NE — Zone 5a NE NH — Zone 5a NH NJ — Zone 7a NJ NM — Zone 6b NM NV — Zone 6b NV NY — Zone 5b NY OH — Zone 6a OH OK — Zone 7a OK OR — Zone 7a OR PA — Zone 6a PA RI — Zone 6b RI SC — Zone 8a SC SD — Zone 4a SD TN — Zone 7a TN TX — Zone 8a TX UT — Zone 5b UT VA — Zone 7a VA VT — Zone 4b VT WA — Zone 7a WA WI — Zone 4b WI WV — Zone 6a WV WY — Zone 4a WY AK — Zone 2a AK HI — Zone 11a HI
Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Growing Season Comparison

What to Plant Right Now in Zone 8b

Based on April 2026 planting windows.

🍓 Alpine Strawberries Transplant Outdoors Mar 18 – Apr 1 🍓 Aronia Transplant Outdoors Mar 18 – Apr 1 🥬 Arugula Harvest Apr 1 – Jun 3 🥬 Beets Harvest Apr 8 – May 6 🍓 Blackberries Transplant Outdoors Mar 18 – Apr 1 🍓 Blueberries Transplant Outdoors Mar 18 – Apr 1 🥬 Bok Choy Harvest Apr 8 – May 13 🌿 Borage Harvest Apr 15 – Jun 3

See all April plantings →

All Planting Windows at a Glance

This chart shows when to start, transplant, sow, and harvest every plant in Zone 8b.

Vegetables for Zone 8b

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Acorn Squash Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 3 – Jul 8 80–100
Amaranth Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 10 – Jul 29 90–120
Artichoke — — Mar 11 Jul 15 – Sep 23 120–180
Arugula Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 1 – Jun 3 30–50
Asparagus — — Mar 11 — 730–1095
Beets — Feb 11 — Apr 8 – May 6 50–70
Belgian Endive Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Jun 17 – Aug 12 110–150
Bitter Melon Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 13 – Jun 24 60–90
Black Beans — Mar 4 — Jun 3 – Jul 22 90–120
Bok Choy Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 8 – May 13 40–60
Broccoli Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 29 – Jun 10 60–90
Broccoli Rabe Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 8 – May 13 40–60
Brussels Sprouts Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 May 27 – Jul 22 90–130
Butternut Squash Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 10 – Jul 15 85–110
Cabbage Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 29 – Jun 24 60–100
Calabash Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 3 – Jul 29 80–120
Cardoon — — Mar 11 Jul 15 – Aug 26 120–150
Carrots — Feb 11 — Apr 15 – May 20 60–80
Cauliflower Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 22 – Jun 24 55–100
Celeriac Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Jun 10 – Jul 15 100–120
Celery Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 May 20 – Jul 15 80–120
Celtuce Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 29 – Jun 10 60–90
Chard Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 22 – Jun 10 50–60
Chayote Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jul 15 – Sep 23 120–180
Chickpeas Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 May 20 – Jul 1 80–110
Chicory Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 29 – Jun 10 60–85
Chinese Cabbage Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 22 – May 20 50–70
Christmas Lima Beans Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 3 – Jul 8 80–100
Collard Greens Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 22 – Jun 24 55–75
Corn — Mar 4 — May 6 – Jul 1 60–100
Cowpeas — Mar 4 — May 6 – Jun 17 60–90
Cress Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Mar 11 – Apr 1 14–21
Crookneck Squash Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 Apr 29 – May 27 45–60
Crosne — Feb 11 — Jul 15 – Sep 16 150–200
Cucumber Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 6 – Jul 1 50–70
Daikon — Feb 11 — Apr 8 – May 6 50–70
Delicata Squash Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 3 – Jul 8 80–100
Edamame — Mar 4 — May 20 – Jul 1 75–100
Eggplant Dec 24 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 20 – Jul 22 65–85
Endive Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 15 – May 20 45–65
Escarole Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 22 – May 20 50–70
Fava Beans Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 May 13 – Jun 24 75–100
Fennel Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 13 – Jun 24 60–90
Garlic — — — — 90–240
Ginger Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 Nov 11 – Nov 25 240–300
Green Beans — Mar 4 — Apr 29 – Jun 24 50–65
Horseradish — — Mar 11 Jul 15 – Sep 23 120–180
Hot Peppers Dec 24 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 20 – Aug 26 70–120
Hubbard Squash Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 24 – Jul 29 100–120
Jicama Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jul 15 – Sep 23 120–180
Kabocha Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 10 – Jul 8 85–100
Kai Lan Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 15 – May 13 45–60
Kale Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 22 – Jun 17 50–70
Kidney Beans — Mar 4 — Jun 3 – Jul 8 85–110
Kohlrabi Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 15 – May 20 45–65
Komatsuna Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 1 – May 6 35–50
Leeks Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 May 27 – Aug 12 90–150
Lentils Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 May 20 – Jul 1 80–110
Lettuce Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 1 – Jun 10 30–60
Lima Beans — Mar 4 — May 6 – Jun 17 60–90
Loofah Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 24 – Aug 26 100–150
Luffa Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 10 – Aug 26 90–150
Mache Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 8 – May 13 40–60
Malabar Spinach Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 6 – Jun 3 55–70
Melon Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 20 – Jul 8 70–100
Microgreens Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Mar 4 – Apr 1 7–21
Mitsuba Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 18 Apr 15 – Jun 10 50–70
Mizuna Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 1 – Apr 29 30–45
Mustard Greens Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 1 – Jun 3 30–50
Napa Cabbage Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 22 – May 27 55–75
New Zealand Spinach Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 6 – Jun 3 55–70
Okra Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 6 – Jul 1 50–65
Onion Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 May 27 – Jul 15 90–120
Pac Choi Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 8 – May 6 40–55
Parsnip — Feb 11 — May 27 – Jul 8 100–130
Patty Pan Squash Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 Apr 29 – May 27 45–60
Peas Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 22 – Jun 17 55–70
Peppers Dec 24 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 13 – Jul 22 60–90
Pole Beans Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 6 – Jul 1 55–70
Potatoes Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 20 – Jul 29 70–120
Pumpkin Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 10 – Jul 29 85–120
Purslane Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 8 – May 13 40–60
Radicchio Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 29 – Jun 3 60–80
Radish — Feb 11 — Mar 11 – Apr 1 22–35
Rhubarb — — Mar 18 — 365–730
Romanesco Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 May 13 – Jun 24 75–100
Rutabaga — Feb 11 — May 6 – Jun 10 80–100
Salsify — Feb 11 — May 27 – Jul 8 100–130
Savoy Cabbage Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 May 6 – Jul 1 70–110
Scallions Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 22 – May 20 50–70
Scarlet Runner Beans Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 13 – Jun 17 60–80
Shallot Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 May 27 – Jul 15 90–120
Shiso Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 6 – Jul 1 50–70
Snap Peas Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 6 – Jul 1 55–70
Snow Peas Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 22 – Jun 17 50–65
Soybeans — Mar 4 — May 27 – Jul 22 80–120
Spaghetti Squash Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 10 – Jul 8 85–100
Spinach Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 1 – Jun 3 35–50
Squash (Summer) Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 Apr 29 – Jul 1 45–65
Squash (Winter) Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 3 – Jul 29 80–120
Sunchoke — — Mar 11 Jul 1 – Aug 26 110–150
Sunflower Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 20 – Jul 8 70–100
Sweet Corn — Mar 4 — May 6 – Jun 17 60–90
Sweet Potatoes Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 10 – Jul 29 90–120
Tatsoi Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 1 – May 6 35–50
Tomatillo Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 13 – Jul 22 60–85
Tomatoes Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 13 – Jul 22 60–85
Turmeric Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 Nov 11 – Nov 25 240–300
Turnip — Feb 11 — Mar 25 – Apr 29 40–60
Watercress Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 25 Apr 8 – May 13 40–60
Watermelon Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 20 – Jul 8 70–100
Wax Beans — Mar 4 — Apr 29 – Jun 24 50–65
Winter Melon Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 Jun 10 – Jul 29 90–120
Yard Long Beans Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 6 – Jun 17 55–80
Zucchini Jan 28 Mar 4 Mar 11 Apr 29 – Jun 24 45–60

Fruits for Zone 8b

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Alpine Strawberries — — Mar 18 Jun 17 – Sep 30 90–180
Aronia — — Mar 18 — 730–1095
Blackberries — — Mar 18 — 365–730
Blueberries — — Mar 18 — 730–1095
Boysenberries — — Mar 18 — 365–730
Cantaloupe — — Mar 18 May 27 – Jul 1 70–90
Che Fruit — — Mar 18 — 1095–1825
Elderberries — — Mar 18 — 730–1095
Figs — — Mar 18 — 730–1825
Goji Berries — — Mar 18 — 730–1095
Gooseberries — — Mar 18 — 730–1095
Grapes — — Mar 18 — 730–1095
Ground Cherry — — Mar 18 May 27 – Jul 22 65–80
Hardy Kiwi — — Mar 18 — 1095–1825
Honeydew — — Mar 18 Jun 10 – Jul 22 80–110
Jostaberry — — Mar 18 — 730–1095
Kiwi — — Mar 18 — 1095–1825
Loquat — — Mar 18 — 730–1825
Medlar — — Mar 18 — 1095–1825
Mulberries — — Mar 18 — 730–1825
Pawpaw — — Mar 18 — 1095–2555
Persimmon — — Mar 18 — 1095–2555
Pomegranate — — Mar 18 — 730–1095
Quince — — Mar 18 — 1095–1825
Raspberries — — Mar 18 — 365–730
Serviceberries — — Mar 18 — 730–1095
Strawberries — — Mar 18 Jun 17 – Dec 2 90–365

Herbs for Zone 8b

Plant Start Indoors Direct Sow Transplant Harvest Days to Maturity
Angelica Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 18 — 365–730
Anise Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 18 May 20 – Aug 5 90–120
Basil Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 6 – Jul 8 50–75
Bee Balm — — Mar 4 Jun 3 – Aug 19 90–120
Borage Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 18 Apr 15 – Jun 3 50–60
Caraway Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 18 — 365–450
Catnip — — Mar 4 May 6 – Jul 8 60–80
Chamomile Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 18 Apr 22 – Jul 1 60–90
Chervil Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 18 Apr 1 – Jun 3 40–60
Chives — — Mar 4 May 6 – Jul 15 60–90
Cilantro Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 18 Apr 1 – Jun 3 40–60
Comfrey — — Mar 4 May 6 – Jul 15 60–90
Cumin Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 18 Jun 3 – Aug 5 100–120
Dill Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 18 Apr 1 – Jun 3 40–60
Echinacea — — Mar 4 Jul 8 – Oct 14 120–180
Epazote Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 Apr 29 – Jun 24 45–60
Fennel (herb) Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 18 Apr 22 – Jul 1 60–90
Feverfew — — Mar 4 Jun 3 – Aug 19 90–120
Garlic Chives — — Mar 4 May 6 – Jul 15 60–90
Horehound — — Mar 4 May 20 – Jul 15 75–90
Hyssop — — Mar 4 May 13 – Jul 15 70–90
Lavender — — Mar 4 Jun 3 – Nov 4 90–200
Lemon Balm — — Mar 4 May 6 – Jun 24 60–70
Lemon Thyme — — Mar 4 May 13 – Jul 15 70–90
Lemon Verbena Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 13 – Jul 22 60–90
Lemongrass Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 27 – Aug 26 75–120
Lovage — — Mar 4 May 13 – Jul 15 70–90
Marjoram — — Mar 4 May 6 – Jul 15 60–90
Mint — — Mar 4 May 6 – Jul 15 60–90
Oregano — — Mar 4 May 6 – Jul 15 60–90
Parsley Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 18 Apr 22 – Jun 24 60–80
Rosemary — — Mar 4 May 27 – Oct 14 80–180
Rue — — Mar 4 May 13 – Jul 15 70–90
Sage — — Mar 4 May 20 – Jul 15 75–90
Savory — — Mar 4 Apr 29 – Jun 24 50–70
Sorrel Jan 21 Feb 11 Feb 18 Apr 1 – Jun 3 40–60
Stevia Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 13 – Jul 22 60–90
Tarragon — — Mar 4 May 6 – Jul 15 60–90
Thai Basil Jan 7 Mar 4 Mar 11 May 6 – Jul 8 50–75
Thyme — — Mar 4 May 13 – Jul 15 70–90
Valerian — — Mar 4 Jul 8 – Oct 14 120–180
Yarrow — — Mar 4 Jun 3 – Aug 19 90–120

Recommended for Your Garden

🌱
Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

Essential for starting seeds indoors before transplanting.

🧪
Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

Know your soil before you plant for best results.

🔧
Hand Trowel $8-18

Essential garden hand trowel for planting, transplanting, and weeding.

A must-have tool for every gardener.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I grow in Zone 8b?

Zone 8b supports 184 plants in our database including vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. With a 276-day growing season (last frost ~February 25, first frost ~November 28), you can grow most common garden crops with proper timing.

What is Zone 8b?

USDA Zone 8b has an average annual minimum temperature of 15°F to 20°F.

When is the last frost in Zone 8b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 8b is approximately February 25. The first fall frost averages around November 28, giving a growing season of about 276 days. These dates are based on 50% probability — plan for some year-to-year variation.

Level Up Your Garden

Composting Guide for Homesteaders
Composting Guide for Homesteaders

Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into black gold. Step-by-step composting for any backyard.

Start Composting →

Monthly Planting Guide for Zone 8b

Other Zones

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.

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