When to plant rosemary in zone 9b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9B

Growing SeasonZone 9b

Last frost ~Feb 15First frost ~Dec 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

NOVDECJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCT

Start indoors Dec 7 · Transplant Feb 15 · First harvest May 6 · Wrap by Sep 23

Last spring frostFeb 15

Start seeds indoorsDec 7

Transplant outFeb 15

First harvestMay 6

Last harvestSep 23

First fall frostDec 10

Why these dates work in zone 9b

Zone 9b's last spring frost averages Feb 15 and first fall frost Dec 10 — about 298 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 9b?

Rosemary matures in about 80–100 days from transplanting. In zone 9b that means setting plants out around Feb 15 and first picking around May 6.

Will rosemary survive frost in zone 9b?

No — rosemary is frost-sensitive. In zone 9b, wait until after the last frost (around Feb 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Dec 10).

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