When to plant rosemary in zone 6a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 6A

Growing SeasonZone 6a

Last frost ~Apr 30First frost ~Oct 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Feb 19 · Transplant Apr 30 · First harvest Jul 19 · Wrap by Oct 3

Last spring frostApr 30

Start seeds indoorsFeb 19

Transplant outApr 30

First harvestJul 19

Last harvestOct 3

First fall frostOct 10

Why these dates work in zone 6a

Zone 6a's last spring frost averages Apr 30 and first fall frost Oct 10 — about 163 frost-free days. Rosemary is frost-sensitive, so the around last frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost. Starting seeds indoors 10 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms.

Common questions

How long does rosemary take to grow in zone 6a?

Rosemary matures in about 80–100 days from transplanting. In zone 6a that means setting plants out around Apr 30 and first picking around Jul 19.

Will rosemary survive frost in zone 6a?

No — rosemary is frost-sensitive. In zone 6a, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 30) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 10).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full rosemary growing guide →