What's Growing in My Zone 8b Spring/Summer Garden for 2025: Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs & Flowers

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Written By Marta Gallagher

This spring, I’m excited to share my most condensed garden yet! Coming into my second year of gardening, I’ve learned a lot, though I still have plenty to discover. However, I’ve figured out what works and what doesn’t in the small space I’m working with, so I’m ready to dive into my plans for the 2025 season. Let’s take a look at everything I’m growing in my Zone 8b garden!

Fruits, Bushes, & Trees

  1. Perpetua Blueberry

    • Growing Zone: 4-7

    • Time to Harvest: 2-3 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: A compact variety that’s perfect for smaller spaces and offers sweet berries.

  2. Star Blueberry (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 5-8

    • Time to Harvest: 2-3 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: Another blueberry variety that thrives in acidic soils and offers delicious fruit.

  3. Desert King Fig

    • Growing Zone: 7-10

    • Time to Harvest: 2-3 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: A hardy fig with large, sweet fruit that is perfect for my climate.

  4. Celeste Fig

    • Growing Zone: 7-10

    • Time to Harvest: 2-3 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: Known for its sweet and small fruit, Celeste figs are perfect for the hot summer months.

  5. Clementine (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 8-11

    • Time to Harvest: 4-5 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: A variety of mandarin orange that produces juicy, easy-to-peel fruit.

  6. Buddha’s Hand Citron (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 9-11

    • Time to Harvest: 3-4 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: A unique, fragrant fruit often used for zesting, perfumes, and cooking.

  7. Tangelo (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 8-11

    • Time to Harvest: 2-3 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: A cross between a tangerine and a pomelo, tangelos are known for their juicy, sweet-tart flavor.

  8. Arbequina Olive

    • Growing Zone: 8-10

    • Time to Harvest: 2-3 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: A hardy, small tree that produces delicious olives for oil or fresh eating.

  9. Eureka Lemon

    • Growing Zone: 9-11

    • Time to Harvest: 1-2 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: A classic lemon variety perfect for both culinary use and refreshing drinks.

  10. Meyer Lemon

    • Growing Zone: 9-11

    • Time to Harvest: 1-2 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: Smaller and sweeter than regular lemons, Meyer lemons are perfect for baking and beverages.

  11. Bearss Lime

    • Growing Zone: 9-11

    • Time to Harvest: 2-3 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: A high-yielding lime variety that’s great for cooking and cocktails.

  12. Key Lime (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 9-11

    • Time to Harvest: 1-2 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: The classic variety used in Key Lime pie, this tree will add a special touch to my garden.

  13. Camellia Sinensis

    • Growing Zone: 7-9

    • Time to Harvest: 2-3 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: The plant used to produce tea, perfect for harvesting leaves to make my own fresh brew.

Herbs

  1. Rosemary

    • Growing Zone: 7-10

    • Time to Harvest: 1 year

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: This fragrant herb thrives in well-drained soil and sunny spots, perfect for cooking.

  2. Thyme

    • Growing Zone: 4-8

    • Time to Harvest: 1 year

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: A versatile herb that’s great for both culinary use and as a low-maintenance ground cover.

  3. Sage

    • Growing Zone: 4-8

    • Time to Harvest: 1 year

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: Known for its aromatic leaves, sage is perfect for adding flavor to savory dishes.

  4. Sweet Basil

    • Growing Zone: 10-11

    • Time to Harvest: 60-90 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: This fragrant herb is essential for Italian dishes and pesto.

  5. Bay Leaf

    • Growing Zone: 8-11

    • Time to Harvest: 2 years

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Transplant

    • Notes: A hardy, evergreen plant that’s perfect for savory dishes and soups.

  6. Chives

    • Growing Zone: 3-9

    • Time to Harvest: 60 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: A great addition to salads and garnishes, chives are easy to grow and maintain.

  7. Scallions

    • Growing Zone: 3-9

    • Time to Harvest: 50-60 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: A mild onion flavor perfect for salads and cooking.

  8. Dill (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 3-7

    • Time to Harvest: 40-60 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: Ideal for pickling and adding to summer dishes.

  9. Parsley (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 4-9

    • Time to Harvest: 70-90 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: A versatile herb that’s perfect for garnishing and adding fresh flavor to many dishes.

  10. Cilantro

    • Growing Zone: 3-9

    • Time to Harvest: 50-70 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: Ideal for summer dishes, especially in Mexican and Indian cuisine.

Vegetables

  1. Beets

    • Growing Zone: 3-9

    • Time to Harvest: 50-70 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: A root vegetable that thrives in cool weather and is great for roasting or salads.

  2. Onions

    • Growing Zone: 3-9

    • Time to Harvest: 100-175 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed or transplant bulbs

    • Notes: A kitchen staple that requires patience but rewards with flavorful bulbs.

  3. Round Zucchini (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 3-10

    • Time to Harvest: 50-60 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: A unique, compact version of zucchini that’s great for stuffing and grilling.

  4. Jalapeño

    • Growing Zone: 9-11

    • Time to Harvest: 70-80 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: Perfect for spicy dishes, jalapeños are easy to grow and thrive in warm climates.

  5. Sweet Banana Pepper (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 8-11

    • Time to Harvest: 60-80 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: A mild pepper variety ideal for pickling or adding to salads.

  6. Poblano Pepper (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 5-10

    • Time to Harvest: 70-90 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: A rich, smoky pepper perfect for roasting and stuffing.

  7. Tabasco Pepper (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 9-11

    • Time to Harvest: 90-120 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: Known for making the famous hot sauce, Tabasco peppers pack a fiery punch.

  8. Pickling Cucumber (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 4-12

    • Time to Harvest: 50-70 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: Perfect for pickling, cucumbers are easy to grow and yield abundant crops.

  9. Beefsteak Tomato (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 4-9

    • Time to Harvest: 70-90 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: Large, juicy tomatoes perfect for sandwiches and salads.

  10. Brandywine Pink Tomato (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 4-9

    • Time to Harvest: 80-100 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: Known for its sweet, rich flavor, Brandywine tomatoes are perfect for slicing.

  11. Sugar Snap Peas (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 3-9

    • Time to Harvest: 60-70 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: A crunchy, sweet pea that grows well in cooler weather.

  12. Parisian Carrots

    • Growing Zone: 3-10

    • Time to Harvest: 50-70 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: A small, round carrot variety perfect for container gardens.

  13. Regular Carrots

    • Growing Zone: 3-10

    • Time to Harvest: 70-80 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: A classic garden staple, carrots grow well in loose, sandy soil.

  14. Radicchio (New to my garden!)

    • Growing Zone: 4-9

    • Time to Harvest: 80-90 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: A slightly bitter, crunchy vegetable often used in salads.

  15. Bloomsdale Spinach

    • Growing Zone: 3-9

    • Time to Harvest: 40-50 days

    • Start from Seed or Transplant: Start from seed

    • Notes: A hardy spinach variety perfect for early spring or fall gardening.

Flowers

  • Painted Daisy

    • Ideal Growing Zones: 4-9

    • Time to Harvest: 2-3 months

    • Best Started From: Seeds

  • Marigold

    • Ideal Growing Zones: 2-11

    • Time to Harvest: 2-3 months

    • Best Started From: Seeds

  • Iceland Poppy

    • Ideal Growing Zones: 4-8

    • Time to Harvest: 2-3 months

    • Best Started From: Seeds

  • Strawflower

    • Ideal Growing Zones: 9-11

    • Time to Harvest: 60-90 days

    • Best Started From: Seeds

I am SO excited to start the 2025 growing season and hope you follow along with my garden journey! With so many new varieties, it’s bound to be a season full of learning and growth. What are you growing this year? Let me know in the comments! Happy gardening! 🌱

Marta Gallagher
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