What to Plant in North Carolina
Your complete gardening guide for North Carolina (USDA Zones 5–8, typically Zone 7). Browse 1855 varieties across 28 categories — covering every zone in the state.
Last Frost
March 15 – April 30
By zone (8 → 5)
First Frost
October 5 – November 15
By zone (5 → 8)
Growing Season
155–240 days
Shortest → longest
Varieties
1855
across 28 categories
Growing Season
Plant after April 1 · Harvest before October 30
North Carolina · Zones 5–8
All Zone 7 plants →North Carolina spans Zones 5–8. The timeline above shows typical Zone 7 dates — your specific zone may vary by elevation and microclimate.
Best Crops for North Carolina
1,855 varieties across 28 categories
Alliums
44 varieties for North Carolina
Onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, and chives.
Beans & Legumes
84 varieties for North Carolina
Bush beans, pole beans, lentils, and more. Easy-to-grow protein for every garden.
Berries & Fruits
37 varieties for North Carolina
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and small fruits for the home garden.
Brassicas
79 varieties for North Carolina
Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi.
Corn
32 varieties for North Carolina
Sweet corn, popcorn, flour corn, and ornamental varieties.
Cucumbers
31 varieties for North Carolina
Slicing, pickling, and specialty cucumbers for every garden size.
Eggplants
29 varieties for North Carolina
Globe, Japanese, Thai, and specialty eggplant varieties.
Flowers
523 varieties for North Carolina
Annual, perennial, and cut flowers to beautify your garden year-round.
Fruit Trees
31 varieties for North Carolina
Apple, pear, cherry, peach, and citrus trees for the home orchard.
Grasses & Bamboo
37 varieties for North Carolina
Ornamental grasses, lawn grasses, and bamboo varieties for structure and movement.
Ground Covers
24 varieties for North Carolina
Low-growing plants that spread to cover soil, reduce weeds, and prevent erosion.
Herbs
89 varieties for North Carolina
Culinary and medicinal herbs. Growing guides from basil to thyme.
Lettuce & Salad Greens
110 varieties for North Carolina
Romaine, butterhead, looseleaf, and specialty salad greens for every season.
Melons
38 varieties for North Carolina
Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and specialty melons.
Microgreens
57 varieties for North Carolina
Nutrient-dense seedlings harvested in 7-14 days. The fastest crop you can grow.
Native Wildflowers
88 varieties for North Carolina
Region-native wildflowers that support pollinators and require minimal maintenance.
Nut Trees
23 varieties for North Carolina
Pecan, walnut, almond, hazelnut, and chestnut trees for home orchards.
Ornamental Trees
34 varieties for North Carolina
Flowering and decorative trees for landscaping. Dogwoods, magnolias, Japanese maples, and more.
Peas
35 varieties for North Carolina
Snap peas, snow peas, shelling peas, and pea shoots.
Peppers
73 varieties for North Carolina
Hot peppers, sweet peppers, and everything in between. Find your perfect heat level.
Root Vegetables
56 varieties for North Carolina
Carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, and other underground crops.
Roses
55 varieties for North Carolina
Hybrid teas, floribundas, climbers, shrub roses, and old garden varieties.
Shade Trees
35 varieties for North Carolina
Large canopy trees for shade, privacy, and property value. Oaks, maples, elms, and more.
Shrubs & Hedges
47 varieties for North Carolina
Flowering and evergreen shrubs for borders, hedges, and foundation plantings.
Squash & Cucumbers
60 varieties for North Carolina
Summer squash, winter squash, zucchini, and cucumbers.
Tomatoes
90 varieties for North Carolina
From heirloom beefsteaks to cherry varieties. Growing guides for every tomato type.
Tropical Plants
6 varieties for North Carolina
Exotic tropical plants including palms, gingers, hibiscus, and bird of paradise.
Vines & Climbers
8 varieties for North Carolina
Climbing plants for trellises, arbors, and walls. Clematis, wisteria, jasmine, and more.