Zone 8 — 10 to 20°F

What grows in Zone 8

Zone 8 suits the following plants based on temperature tolerance and growing-season length:

• Tomatoes (spring + fall plantings)
• Peppers (sweet + hot)
• Okra
• Sweet potatoes
• Southern peas
• Melons, watermelon
• Figs
• Pomegranates
• Citrus (in protected spots — Meyer lemon)
• Pecans
• Cool-season greens (Oct-Apr)
• Garlic (fall-planted)

Climate notes for Zone 8

Summer heat can shut down tomato production July-August. Many zone 8 gardeners do spring + fall tomato crops with a midsummer break.

Frost dates and timing

These are zone-wide averages. Local microclimates (south-facing slopes, urban heat, lakeside warmth) can shift dates by 1-2 weeks within the same zone.

Source and methodology

Temperature ranges from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023). Frost-date averages from NOAA Climate Data Online national averages within each zone. Plant recommendations curated by the Growli editorial team from US extension service references.

What to plant in Zone 8

Crop-by-crop sowing, transplant, and harvest dates for zone 8:

• When to plant tomatoes in zone 8
• When to plant peppers in zone 8
• When to plant basil in zone 8
• When to plant garlic in zone 8
• When to plant lettuce in zone 8
• When to plant bush beans in zone 8
• When to plant cucumbers in zone 8
• When to plant summer squash in zone 8
• When to plant peas in zone 8
• When to plant carrots in zone 8
• When to plant broccoli in zone 8
• When to plant cauliflower in zone 8
• When to plant cabbage in zone 8
• When to plant kale in zone 8
• When to plant brussels sprouts in zone 8
• When to plant collard greens in zone 8
• When to plant spinach in zone 8
• When to plant swiss chard in zone 8
• When to plant arugula in zone 8
• When to plant beets in zone 8
• When to plant radishes in zone 8
• When to plant turnips in zone 8
• When to plant parsnips in zone 8
• When to plant kohlrabi in zone 8
• When to plant onions in zone 8
• When to plant leeks in zone 8
• When to plant celery in zone 8
• When to plant asparagus in zone 8
• When to plant rhubarb in zone 8
• When to plant potatoes in zone 8
• When to plant sweet potatoes in zone 8
• When to plant eggplant in zone 8
• When to plant okra in zone 8
• When to plant sweet corn in zone 8
• When to plant pumpkins in zone 8
• When to plant winter squash in zone 8
• When to plant zucchini in zone 8
• When to plant cantaloupe in zone 8
• When to plant watermelon in zone 8
• When to plant pole beans in zone 8
• When to plant edamame in zone 8
• When to plant fava beans in zone 8
• When to plant cilantro in zone 8
• When to plant dill in zone 8
• When to plant parsley in zone 8
• When to plant oregano in zone 8
• When to plant thyme in zone 8
• When to plant sage in zone 8
• When to plant rosemary in zone 8
• When to plant chives in zone 8

Common questions

Related guides

• Zone 8 frost dates — average last & first frost
• How to grow tomatoes — complete guide
• How to grow peppers — beginner guide
• How to grow basil — indoor and outdoor
• How to start a vegetable garden