What does hardiness zone 8a mean?

Category: home and garden landscaping
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When you purchase a plant that is described as “hardy to zone 8”, it means that the plant can withstand a range of minimum temperatures (zone 8a and 8b) from 10 °F to 20 °F . A more resilient plant that is “hardy to zone 7” can tolerate a minimum temperature of 0 °F. See the Hardiness Zone Chart below.



Also, what plants grow well in zone 8a?

When you are growing plants in Zone 8, think fruit trees and brambles. So many types of fruit trees and shrubs make good choices.

You can grow herbaceous perennial edibles that come back year after year like:

  • Artichokes.
  • Asparagus.
  • Cardoon.
  • Prickly pear cactus.
  • Rhubarb.
  • Strawberries.

Beside above, what does hardiness zone mean? A hardiness zone is a geographic area defined to encompass a certain range of climatic conditions relevant to plant growth and survival. For example, a plant may be described as "hardy to zone 10": this means that the plant can withstand a minimum temperature of −1 °C (30.2 °F) to 3.9 °C (39.0 °F).

Besides, what can I plant now in Zone 8?

Plant beets, cauliflower, carrots, kale and lettuce in mid-August, and peas and spinach in early September. For zone 8 vegetable gardening, all of these should go into outdoor beds by the end of September. Broccoli and cabbage can go out early in the month, the rest a little later.

When can I plant in Zone 8?

Generally, for zone 8 seed starting you can start the seeds indoors six weeks before the last spring frost date.

38 Related Question Answers Found

What grows best in zone 8b?

Hardiness Zone: 8
  • Apples.
  • Arugula.
  • Asparagus.
  • Asters.
  • Astilbe.
  • Basil.
  • Beans.
  • Bee Balm.

What is Zone 8b?

The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at their location. Zone 8b means that the average minimum winter temperature is 15 to 20 °F. Zone 8a has an average minimum winter temperature of 10-15 °F.

What zone is Zone 5?

Zone 5 is one of 13 USDA Hardiness Zones (United States Department of Agriculture). Each zone is divided into two subsets. Zone 5 subsets are 5a and 5b. The zone designations can aid you in selecting plants that will survive each zone's cold temperatures.

What is my growing zone?

If you see a hardiness zone in a gardening catalog or plant description, chances are it refers to this USDA map. To find your USDA Hardiness Zone, enter your zip code or use the map below. Click here for more information about hardiness maps. Find your zone using the map below or enter your zip code.

What fruit trees can grow in Zone 8b?


Apples, pears, plums and tangerines require pollinators, so you will need the space to grow two trees.

However, because of the mild winters, zone 8 fruit trees also include some warmer climate and tropical fruits like:
  • Oranges.
  • Grapefruit.
  • Bananas.
  • Figs.
  • Lemons.
  • Limequat.
  • Tangerines.
  • Kumquats.

Where is the best place to plant strawberries?

Planting Strawberries and Keeping them Happy. Strawberries can be placed in the ground in early spring as soon as the soil is workable. Choose a site with loamy, well draining soil. A pH between 6 and 7 is ideal.

What zone is Oregon?

Oregon zones are expansive and include zones 4b through 9b. The southern coastal region is the warmest and winter extreme lows are 30 degrees F., while the coolest regions in the state may dip to -20 degrees F.

What trees grow in Zone 8b?

Common Zone 8 Trees
  • Beech.
  • Birch.
  • Flowering Cherry.
  • Maple.
  • Oak.
  • Redbud.
  • Crape Myrtle.
  • Sassafras.

How cold does Zone 8 get?

Zone 8: The zone minimum average temperature is 10° to 20°F. Zone 8a: The zone minimum average temperature is 10° to 15°F.

Can lemon trees grow in Zone 8?


In areas that expect freezes, semi hardy citrus are the way to go. These might be satsuma, mandarin, kumquat or Meyer lemon. Containers are also excellent options for growing citrus in zone 8. So whether you want sweet fruits or acid-type fruits, there are selections available that can thrive in zone 8.

Do hydrangeas grow in Zone 8?

Bigleafs thrive in USDA zones 5 through 9, which means they will likely cause you no problems as hydrangeas in zone 8. Both smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) and oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) are native to this country. These varieties thrive in USDA zones 3 through 9 and 5 through 9, respectively.

Will Cherry trees grow in Zone 8?

Most breeds of cherry trees thrive in zones 4 through 8. However, sweet cherries are not reliable beyond zone 5. Sour cherry varieties are capable of prospering in zone 8, according the the Mother Earth News website.

Are heirloom seeds?

An heirloom seed, therefore, is seed from a plant that has been passed from one generation to another, carefully grown and saved because it is considered valuable. The value could lie in its flavor, productivity, hardiness or adaptability. Many heirlooms have been grown, saved and passed down for more than 100 years.

What can I plant in January in Zone 8?

USDA Hardiness Zone 8
Zone 8 gardeners have some great options, too. Indoor Vegetables and Herbs: If you haven't started your celery, parsley, leeks, and onions, get them seeded early in the month. Peppers can also be sown indoors since they will need extra time to grow to transplant size.

What vegetables grow well in zone 8a?


The mild temperatures of zone 8 allow seeds to be planted early in the season and cool weather crops can tolerate light frosts, especially if you use a cold frame or other protective covering.

All the cool season veggies are good choices, such as:
  • Broccoli.
  • Beets.
  • Carrots.
  • Cabbage.
  • Cauliflower.
  • Celery.
  • Onions.
  • Radishes.

How do you grow garlic from a clove?

Plant cloves in mid-autumn in a sunny location with rich, well-drained soil. Set cloves root side down 4-6" apart in rows 1-1/2 to 2' apart, and cover with 1-2" of fine soil. In the North, put down 6" of mulch for winter protection. Garlic may begin growth late in fall or early in spring.

What time of day should you plant vegetables?

The Best Time of Day to Plant a Vegetable Garden. The neat rows, prepared for seeds or transplants, await the vegetables. While you can plant seeds anytime during the day, avoid working in the garden between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when you're most likely to develop a neon red sunburn.