When to Plant Sweet Cherry Tree in Georgia
Direct Sow Outdoors
Friday, February 6, 2026
State
Georgia
USDA Zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Avg Last Frost
Friday, March 20, 2026
Cities Covered
621
Georgia Planting Schedule by Zone
Georgia spans 5 zones — find yours below for the most accurate dates.
| Zone | Last Frost | Direct Sow |
|---|---|---|
| 7a | Friday, April 10, 2026 | Friday, February 27, 2026 |
| 7b | Sunday, April 5, 2026 | Sunday, February 22, 2026 |
| 8a | Friday, March 20, 2026 | Friday, February 6, 2026 |
| 8b | Sunday, March 15, 2026 | Sunday, February 1, 2026 |
| 9a | Friday, February 20, 2026 | Friday, January 9, 2026 |
Dates based on average last frost. Check your local forecast before planting.
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Growing Sweet Cherry Tree in Georgia: Complete Guide
Sweet Cherry Tree (Prunus avium) is a crop that grows best when sown directly in the garden. In Georgia, the right time to direct sow is around Friday, February 6, 2026, once soil temperatures are consistently warm enough for germination.
Because Georgia stretches across 5 USDA hardiness zones (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a), planting windows can shift by as much as six to eight weeks from one end of the state to the other. Gardeners in the warmer southern zones can start earlier, while those in cooler northern zones should wait until the zone table above shows their last frost has passed.
With 2190 days to maturity, Sweet Cherry Tree fits comfortably within Georgia's growing season in most zones. In the warmest parts of the state, a second planting later in the season may be possible.
Sweet Cherry Tree requires full sun (6-8 hours) and moderate (1 inch/week) moisture. Most of Georgia receives adequate sunlight during the growing season, though gardeners in humid eastern regions should watch for fungal issues and ensure good air circulation.
For the most precise planting dates tailored to your exact location, enter your ZIP code on our planting calendar or use the zone table above to find the schedule for your area of Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Sweet Cherry Tree in Georgia?
In Georgia, direct sow Sweet Cherry Tree outdoors around Friday, February 6, 2026. Georgia spans zones 7a–9a, so gardeners in warmer zones can plant earlier.
What is the last frost date in Georgia?
Georgia spans 5 USDA zones (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a), so last frost dates vary by region. Blairsville (7a) sees frost until around Friday, April 10, 2026, while Ailey, Alston, Bellville (9a) is frost-free much earlier.
How long does Sweet Cherry Tree take to grow in Georgia?
Sweet Cherry Tree takes about 2190 days from transplant (or direct sow) to harvest. In Georgia's longer-season zones, a second planting in late summer may be possible.
What USDA zones does Georgia cover for Sweet Cherry Tree?
Georgia includes zones 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a. Sweet Cherry Tree grows well across all of these zones with adjusted timing — use the zone table above to find the right dates for your part of the state.
Find Precise Dates for Your City
Select a city for exact planting dates based on local frost records.