US Grow Zones

USDA hardiness zone 8a

In zone 8a, the average annual extreme minimum temperature is 10 to 15°F (-12.2 to -9.4°C), based on 1991–2020 data from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Temperature range10 to 15°F-12.2 to -9.4°C
ZIP codes3,430in this half-zone
Major cities33on this site
Typical last frostApr 130% risk

What zone 8a means for your garden

A plant labeled "hardy to zone 8a" should survive a typical winter low of 10°F. Most perennials sold at garden centers are rated for this zone or colder; marginal plants rated one zone warmer can survive in sheltered spots. Zone 8b is the warmer half of zone 8.

ZIP codes in zone 8a: 3,421 in contiguous U.S., 9 in Alaska.

Frost dates in zone 8a

Across 33 major cities in zone 8a, the 30%-risk last spring frost ranges from Mar 23 to Apr 9 (median Apr 1), and the first fall frost has a median of Nov 3. Frost timing depends on elevation, latitude and distance from water — a zone does not set a frost date, so check your city page for local dates.

Typical planting calendar for zone 8a

Based on the median frost dates above. For your exact dates, use your city page.

CropStart indoorsTransplant / plant outDirect sowFall crop sow/plant
TomatoFeb 4 – Feb 18Apr 8 – Apr 22——
PepperJan 21 – Feb 4Apr 15 – Apr 29——
LettuceFeb 18 – Mar 4Mar 18 – Apr 8Mar 4 – Apr 15Aug 25 – Sep 22
Green Beans——Apr 8 – May 13Aug 11 – Aug 25
Sweet Corn——Apr 8 – May 6—
Zucchini & Summer SquashMar 4 – Mar 11Apr 8 – Apr 22Apr 8 – Apr 29Aug 11 – Aug 25
CucumberMar 4 – Mar 11Apr 15 – Apr 22Apr 8 – Apr 29Aug 11 – Aug 25
Carrot——Mar 11 – Apr 15Aug 11 – Aug 25
OnionJan 7 – Jan 21Mar 4 – Mar 18——
Potato—Mar 4 – Mar 25——
BasilFeb 18 – Mar 4Apr 15 – Apr 29Apr 15 – May 6—
Spinach——Feb 18 – Mar 18Sep 8 – Oct 6
KaleFeb 4 – Feb 18Mar 4 – Mar 25Mar 4 – Mar 25Aug 25 – Sep 22
BroccoliFeb 4 – Feb 18Mar 18 – Apr 8—Aug 11 – Aug 25
Peas——Feb 18 – Mar 11Aug 25 – Sep 8
EggplantJan 21 – Feb 4Apr 15 – Apr 29——
CabbageFeb 4 – Feb 18Mar 4 – Mar 18—Aug 11 – Aug 25
Radish——Feb 25 – Apr 15Sep 22 – Oct 20
Strawberry—Mar 4 – Mar 25——
Beets——Mar 11 – Apr 22Aug 25 – Sep 8

Cities in zone 8a (33)

Major cities whose center falls in zone 8a:

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