Zone 8 Planting Guide
Warm-Temperate — Deep South, Pacific Coast, Lower Midwest
- Min Winter Temp
- 10 to 20 °F / -12 to -7 °C
- Last Spring Frost
- Late February – late March
- First Fall Frost
- Mid November – mid December
- Growing Season
- 225–270 days
- Annual Rainfall
- 20–65 in
Climate overview
Zone 8 offers near year-round gardening. In the Southeast, hot and humid summers demand heat-tolerant varieties and vigilant disease management, but the reward is a growing calendar that barely pauses. On the Pacific Coast, Zone 8 means mild, wet winters and dry, warm summers — a Mediterranean-style climate that suits citrus, figs, olives, and tender perennials that would never survive in the East. Gardeners in this zone can grow vegetables in every month of the year with good planning, and ornamental gardens can include a wide range of tropicals and sub-tropicals that are used as annuals further north.
States & regions
- South Carolina (coastal)
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- Louisiana (northern)
- Arkansas (southern)
- Texas (central)
- California (Central Coast, Bay Area)
- Oregon (coast)
- Washington (coast)
Example cities
- Atlanta, GA
- Jackson, MS
- Birmingham, AL
- Austin, TX
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Portland, OR
Soil notes
Southeast soils are typically acidic red or yellow clay. Pacific Coast soils vary widely — from rich loam in river valleys to sandy coastal soils. Regular amendment with compost is beneficial everywhere.
- Temperature range
- 10 to 20 °F / -12 to -7 °C
- Growing season
- 225–270 days
- Annual rainfall
- 20–65 inches
Challenges
- Extreme summer heat and humidity in the Southeast
- High disease and pest pressure year-round
- Drought stress in Pacific Coast dry-summer climate
- Occasional hard freeze events can damage established plants
Advantages
- Near year-round growing season
- Can grow figs, satsumas, and cold-hardy citrus outdoors
- Mild winters allow most brassicas and root vegetables to overwinter
- Pacific Coast climate excellent for Mediterranean crops
Gardening strategies for Zone 8
- 1
Plant cool-season crops in September–October for fall through spring harvest
- 2
Use heat-tolerant tomato varieties (e.g., Solar Fire, Heatmaster)
- 3
Install drip irrigation and mulch heavily to retain summer moisture
- 4
Grow figs, pomegranates, and cold-hardy citrus varieties
- 5
Take a brief summer break from cool-season crops; resume in September
Monthly planting calendar
What to sow, transplant, and harvest each month in Zone 8.
Browse by sun exposure
Find the best plants for your specific spot in Zone 8.
Browse by plant category
Targeted guides for vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers in Zone 8.