Torenia (Wishbone Flower) in Zone 9a & 9b
Torenia fournieri
Yes, torenia (wishbone flower) grows in zones 9a and 9b. Start seeds indoors Dec 7–Dec 14 and plant out Mar 1–Mar 8.
When to plant torenia (wishbone flower) in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Dec 7–Dec 14 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Mar 1–Mar 8 |
| Estimated bloom | May 20–May 27 (~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 9b
These go outside within two weeks of torenia (wishbone flower) in zone 9b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumFeb 22–Mar 1
- MarigoldFeb 22–Mar 1
- Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)Mar 1–Mar 8
- Bee BalmMar 1–Mar 8
- Black-Eyed Susan VineMar 1–Mar 8
- Chrysanthemum (Garden Mum)Mar 1–Mar 8
Torenia earns its square by doing something most annuals cannot: flowering in shade, in July, without stopping.
How torenia (wishbone flower) fits zone 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Torenia (wishbone flower) needs about 80 days from transplant to first bloom.
Torenia (Wishbone Flower) planting windows in every zone
Zone 9b 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 | Jan 14–Jan 21 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | Jun 27–Jul 4 |
| 9a & 9b (your zone) | 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)
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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 9b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Torenia (Wishbone Flower) in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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