USDA Zone 8 planting guide
231 frost-free daysUSDA hardiness zone 8 runs through 701 cities in 21 states we cover, with a long growing season of about 231 frost-free days. It spans sub-zones 8a and 8b, which differ by about 5°F in winter lows.Frost isn’t one date across a whole zone, so these are ranges — each city page uses its own nearest NOAA station.
What to plant in Zone 8
150 crops fit the seasonWith about 231 frost-free days, these crops have time to reach maturity. Open a crop for its exact indoor-start, transplant, and direct-sow dates, or check a city below for exact local timing.
Cities in Zone 8
the 48 largest of 701Zone 8 planting FAQ
What can I grow in USDA zone 8?
With about 231 frost-free days, zone 8 has time to mature 101 of the crops we track — including acorn squash, amaranth, anise, arugula, basil. See the full list above, each linked to its planting dates.
What are the frost dates for zone 8?
Across zone 8, the last spring frost falls between February 11 and May 16, and the first fall frost between October 8 and December 5 (50% chance, 32°F). Your city page gives the exact dates for your location.
How long is the growing season in zone 8?
Zone 8 averages about 231 frost-free days, ranging from 150 to 297 days between its coolest and mildest cities.
Hardiness zones from the USDA/PRISM map · frost dates from 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals, aggregated across this zone’s cities. How we compute this.