Torenia (Wishbone Flower) in Zone 8a & 8b
Torenia fournieri
Yes, torenia (wishbone flower) grows in zones 8a and 8b. Start seeds indoors Jan 14–Jan 21 and plant out Apr 8–Apr 15.
When to plant torenia (wishbone flower) in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Jan 14–Jan 21 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 8–Apr 15 |
| Estimated bloom | Jun 27–Jul 4 (~80 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 8b
These go outside within two weeks of torenia (wishbone flower) in zone 8b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumApr 1–Apr 8
- MarigoldApr 1–Apr 8
- Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)Apr 8–Apr 15
- Bee BalmApr 8–Apr 15
- Black-Eyed Susan VineApr 8–Apr 15
- Chrysanthemum (Garden Mum)Apr 8–Apr 15
Torenia earns its square by doing something most annuals cannot: flowering in shade, in July, without stopping.
How torenia (wishbone flower) fits zone 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. Torenia (wishbone flower) needs about 80 days from transplant to first bloom.
Torenia (Wishbone Flower) 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 | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b | Mar 21–Mar 28 | Jun 13–Jun 20 | Sep 1–Sep 8 |
| 4a & 4b | Mar 6–Mar 13 | May 29–Jun 5 | Aug 17–Aug 24 |
| 5a & 5b | Mar 1–Mar 8 | May 24–May 31 | Aug 12–Aug 19 |
| 6a & 6b | Feb 14–Feb 21 | May 9–May 16 | Jul 28–Aug 4 |
| 7a & 7b | Jan 30–Feb 6 | Apr 24–May 1 | Jul 13–Jul 20 |
| 8a & 8b (your zone) | Jan 14–Jan 21 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | Jun 27–Jul 4 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 7–Dec 14 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | May 20–May 27 |
| 10a & 10b | Nov 21–Nov 28 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | May 4–May 11 |
| 11a & 11b | Oct 23–Oct 30 | Jan 15–Jan 22 | Apr 5–Apr 12 |
Bloom dates are about 80 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for torenia (wishbone flower).
Where to buy torenia seeds
True Leaf Market (each supplier's torenia seeds)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing torenia (wishbone flower)" 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 Torenia (Wishbone Flower) in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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