When to plant rosemary in zone 8a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8A

Growing SeasonZone 8a

Last frost ~Mar 25First frost ~Nov 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOV

Start indoors Jan 14 · Transplant Mar 25 · First harvest Jun 13 · Wrap by Oct 31

Last spring frostMar 25

Start seeds indoorsJan 14

Transplant outMar 25

First harvestJun 13

Last harvestOct 31

First fall frostNov 10

Why these dates work in zone 8a

Zone 8a's last spring frost averages Mar 25 and first fall frost Nov 10 — about 230 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 8a?

Rosemary matures in about 80–100 days from transplanting. In zone 8a that means setting plants out around Mar 25 and first picking around Jun 13.

Will rosemary survive frost in zone 8a?

No — rosemary is frost-sensitive. In zone 8a, wait until after the last frost (around Mar 25) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 10).

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