What to grow in Athens

A local planting guide for Greece — hardiness zone 11a, average frost dates, and the vegetables, herbs and flowers that thrive here.

Athens climate at a glance

Decoded from long-run climate normals for Athens's location. Use it as a starting point — your own garden's aspect, walls and soil shift these by a week or two.

Hardiness zone
11a
Average winter low
6°C (42°F)
Average summer high
32°C (90°F)
Last spring frost
Essentially frost-free
First fall frost
Essentially frost-free
Frost-free growing season
Year-round
Annual rainfall
400 mm/yr (16 in)
Hot days (≥30°C) per year
~78 days

Best plants for Athens

132 plants in the library suit hardiness zone 11a. Tap any one for its sowing calendar, spacing and companions.

Cover Crops 2

Easy starter picks for Athens

New to growing? These are forgiving, fast, and can go straight into the ground — a good first season in hardiness zone 11a.

When to sow in Athens

Athens is frost-free with a mild, wetter winter. Grow cool-season crops through autumn and winter, and heat-lovers in spring and summer. Open the planner for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your exact spot.

Plan your Athens garden →