Zucchini in Zone 8a & 8b
Cucurbita pepo
When to plant zucchini in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Zucchini tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Mar 4–Mar 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 1–Apr 8 |
| Estimated harvest | May 21–May 28 (~50 days after planting) |
Spacing: about 4 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-3 ft.
Zucchini's reputation for overwhelming a garden is well-earned: a single healthy plant can produce more squash than most households can eat, which is exactly why our planting calendar puts just one plant per square foot rather than clustering several together.
How zucchini fits zone 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. Zucchini needs about 50 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
- Marigold: Marigolds deter squash bugs and beetles.
- Nasturtium: Nasturtium is a trap crop that draws aphids away from squash.
Where to buy zucchini seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing zucchini" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 8b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Zucchini in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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