When to plant rosemary in zone 8b — planting calendar

Not your zone?

Showing USDA Zone 8B

Growing SeasonZone 8b

Last frost ~Mar 15First frost ~Nov 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCT

Start indoors Jan 4 · Transplant Mar 15 · First harvest Jun 3 · Wrap by Oct 21

Last spring frostMar 15

Start seeds indoorsJan 4

Transplant outMar 15

First harvestJun 3

Last harvestOct 21

First fall frostNov 15

Why these dates work in zone 8b

Zone 8b's last spring frost averages Mar 15 and first fall frost Nov 15 — about 245 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 8b?

Rosemary matures in about 80–100 days from transplanting. In zone 8b that means setting plants out around Mar 15 and first picking around Jun 3.

Will rosemary survive frost in zone 8b?

No — rosemary is frost-sensitive. In zone 8b, wait until after the last frost (around Mar 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 15).

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