When to plant rosemary in zone 9a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9A

Growing SeasonZone 9a

Last frost ~Feb 28First frost ~Nov 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

DECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCT

Start indoors Dec 20 · Transplant Feb 28 · First harvest May 19 · Wrap by Oct 6

Last spring frostFeb 28

Start seeds indoorsDec 20

Transplant outFeb 28

First harvestMay 19

Last harvestOct 6

First fall frostNov 30

Why these dates work in zone 9a

Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 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 9a?

Rosemary matures in about 80–100 days from transplanting. In zone 9a that means setting plants out around Feb 28 and first picking around May 19.

Will rosemary survive frost in zone 9a?

No — rosemary is frost-sensitive. In zone 9a, wait until after the last frost (around Feb 28) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 30).

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