Achira in Zone 8a & 8b
Canna edulis
Yes, achira grows in zones 8a and 8b. Start seeds indoors Jan 28–Feb 4 and plant out Apr 8–Apr 15.
When to plant achira in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Either works.
| Start indoors | Jan 28–Feb 4 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 8–Apr 15 |
| Estimated harvest | Oct 5–Oct 12 (~180 days after planting) |
Spacing: about 4 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 4-8 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 8b
These go outside within two weeks of achira in zone 8b, so one planting day can cover them.
- TomatoApr 8–Apr 15
- Bush BeansApr 1–Apr 8
- Sweet CornApr 1–Apr 8
- CucumberApr 1–Apr 8
- ZucchiniApr 1–Apr 8
- Winter SquashApr 1–Apr 8
Achira is a rhizome crop related to the ornamental canna lily, with similar-looking foliage but grown for its large, starchy rhizomes rather than its flowers.
How achira fits zone 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. Achira needs about 180 days from sowing to first harvest.
Achira planting windows in every zone
Zone 8b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6a & 6b | Feb 28–Mar 7 | May 9–May 16 | Nov 5–Nov 12 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 13–Feb 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | Oct 21–Oct 28 |
| 8a & 8b (your zone) | Jan 28–Feb 4 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | Oct 5–Oct 12 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 21–Dec 28 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | Aug 28–Sep 4 |
| 10a & 10b | Dec 5–Dec 12 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | Aug 12–Aug 19 |
| 11a & 11b | Nov 6–Nov 13 | Jan 15–Jan 22 | Jul 14–Jul 21 |
Harvest dates are about 180 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for achira.
Where to buy achira seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries achira seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing achira" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 8b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Achira in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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