When to plant rosemary in zone 7a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 7A

Growing SeasonZone 7a

Last frost ~Apr 15First frost ~Oct 25Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

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Start indoors Feb 4 · Transplant Apr 15 · First harvest Jul 4 · Wrap by Oct 18

Last spring frostApr 15

Start seeds indoorsFeb 4

Transplant outApr 15

First harvestJul 4

Last harvestOct 18

First fall frostOct 25

Why these dates work in zone 7a

Zone 7a's last spring frost averages Apr 15 and first fall frost Oct 25 — about 193 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 7a?

Rosemary matures in about 80–100 days from transplanting. In zone 7a that means setting plants out around Apr 15 and first picking around Jul 4.

Will rosemary survive frost in zone 7a?

No — rosemary is frost-sensitive. In zone 7a, wait until after the last frost (around Apr 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Oct 25).

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