Dusty Miller in Zone 9a & 9b
Senecio cineraria
When to plant dusty miller in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Dusty Miller needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Dec 14–Dec 21 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 22–Mar 1 |
| Estimated bloom | May 23–May 30 (~90 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.

Dusty miller is grown for its silvery, felted foliage rather than for any flower, a classic bedding and container plant that also earns a spot as a fresh-cut filler that softens bolder bouquet colors.
How dusty miller fits zone 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Dusty Miller needs about 90 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Dusty Miller.
Where to buy dusty miller seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing dusty miller" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 9b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Dusty Miller in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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