What Planting Zone Am I In? Everything You Have Ever Wanted To Know About Planting Hardiness Zones
Everything you need to know about planting in different USDA Zones, what they are, and what plants you should consider! What plants grow well in your neck of the woods? You are about to find out.
Everything You Need to Know About Planting Zones
It can be really hard to know what plants are most likely to live outside in your region. Google doesn't always give reliable advice, and you don't want to spend a ton of money on a new plant if it is just going to die during its first winter! To help arm you with the knowledge you need, you have to first learn about planting Zones, also known as "plant hardiness Zones." These Zones, mapped by the USDA, are used to describe the yearly minimum winter temperature. By knowing this, you will be able to see if the plants you want to purchase will survive the winter season in your area!
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Plant Hardiness
You will often hear these Zones described as plant hardiness Zones, but what is plant hardiness exactly? It is just a description of the ability for a plant to survive bad weather, like droughts, frosts, and flooding. Different plants have evolved over time to handle different environments, so everywhere from the chilly northern lakes to the dry Arizona deserts has greenery. As you start researching plants that thrive in your Zone, you will start to notice that how plants are "hardy" can vary. They may be evergreen even within the coldest Zones, or they may be perennials or annuals that have developed a cycle of dying and being reborn!
Planting Zone Temperatures
Every Zone has a minimum average annual extreme temperature. Here are the Zones by their temperatures:
|
Zone |
Temperature |
Zone |
Temperature |
||
|
|
1a |
-60 °F to -55 °F |
|
7a |
0 °F to 5 °F |
|
1b |
-55 °F to -50 °F |
7b |
5 °F to 10 °F |
||
|
|
2a |
-50 °F to -45 °F |
|
8a |
10 °F to 15 °F |
|
2b |
-45 °F to -40 °F |
8b |
15 °F to 20 °F |
||
|
|
3a |
-40 °F 50 -35 °F |
|
9a |
20 °F to 25 °F |
|
3b |
-35 °F to -30 °F |
9b |
25 °F to 30 °F |
||
|
|
4a |
-30 °F 50 -25 °F |
|
10a |
30 °F to 35 °F |
|
4b |
-25 °F to -20 °F |
10b |
35 °F to 40 °F |
||
|
|
5a |
-20 °F to -15 °F |
|
11a |
40 °F to 45 °F |
|
5b |
-15 °F to -10 °F |
11b |
45 °F to 50 °F |
||
|
|
6a |
-10 °F to -5 °F |
|
12a |
50 °F to 55 °F |
|
6b |
-5 °F to 0 °F |
12b |
55 °F to 60 °F |
||
What Zone do I Live in?
So, what Zone do you live in? Take a look at our map below, or look at the USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Zone Map here!
Once you have identified your Zone, take a look below for some basic guidelines on plants that love your area! As a general rule of thumb, any plants in Zones below yours can often thrive in your area as well.
Planting in Zone 1
If you are braving the elements to plant in Zone 1, you are truly sacrificing for your plants! It can be hard to find greenery hardy enough to survive this Zone, which is mostly found in the coldest reaches of Alaska. Your best bet in this harsh Zone is to look for plants that are native in the area. If they already survive in the wild, then they are a safe bet for your garden!
|
Zone |
Temperature |
|
|
|
1a |
-60 °F to -55 °F |
|
1b |
-55 °F to -50 °F |
|
What Grows Best in Zone 1?
Perennials
Hardy perennials are a great choice for Zone 1. Finding options that don’t die over the winter can be difficult, but luckily many of these bulbs can make it through the season. Some good options to consider are:
Yarrow
Daylilies
Creeping or Wooly Thyme
Lily of the Valley
False Spirea
Columbine
Siverian Iris
Herbs and Vegetables:
Remember that you can always grow annual plants during the warmer months in these climates or opt to move plants inside before the frost. Many plants do well starting off inside and then moving outside as the months get warmer. Some great options are:
Oregano
Tomatoes
Beans
Potatoes
Greens like Lettuce or Spinach
Trees/Bushes:
Native plants to these areas are tough and can handle the harsh winters. Some common plants for these zones include:
Crowberries
Netleaf Willows
Dwarf Birch
Labrador Tea
Quaking Aspen
Artemisia
Goldenrod
Arrowhead
Oxeye Daisies
Planting in Zone 2
Zone 2 faces many of the same challenges as Zone 1, however, is much more common across the states. Plants in these Zones need to withstand both the harsh winters and the long droughts that often accommodate the tundras in these regions.
|
Zone |
Temperature |
|
|
|
2a |
-50 °F to -45 °F |
|
2b |
-45 °F to -40 °F |
|
What Grows Best in Zone 2?
Flowers/Perennials:
Though still quite cold, Zone 2 provides a few more options than Zone 1. At this temperature, asparagus can actually be grown as a perennial if protected.
Pansies
Lilacs
Phlox
Sunflowers
Violets
Poppies
Bleeding Heart Flowers
Herbs/Vegetables:
Similar to Zone 1, there are plants that can be grown just over the warmer season or by bringing them indoors before the frost. Some good options are:
Carrots
Onions
Greens like Swiss chard
Beets
Parsnips
Radishes
Trees/Bushes:
In Zone 2, there are many beautiful native bushes and trees that you can consider planting in your garden or yard, such as:
Paper and Silver Birch
Boxelder Maple
Chokecherry
Lowbush Blueberries
Blackberry Bushes
Common Juniper
Smooth Sumac
Some Apple Trees such as Minnesota 1734 and Parkland Apples
Some Plum Trees such as the Pembina or Fofonoff Plum
Planting in Zone 3
Zone 3 has a very short growing window, with its first frost being September 15th and its final frost being around May 15th. Row covers can protect plants from potential frosts. This Zone is mainly found around the northern US and Alaska. These areas can have severe weather, so consider this when picking plants for the outdoors.
|
Zone |
Temperature |
|
|
|
3a |
-40 °F 50 -35 °F |
|
3b |
-35 °F to -30 °F |
|
What Grows Best in Zone 3?
Flowers/Perennials:
Mukgenia Nova
Bergenia
Siberian Bugloss
Alcea Rosea
Amaranthus Caudatus
Aster
Herbs/Vegetables:
As previously stated, the short growing season can make vegetable gardens tough. Consider starting them inside to give them the head start they need, and make sure they will be harvestable before the frost.
Chard
Radicchio
Collards
Kale
Bok Choy
Edible Chrysanthemum
Cilantro
Trees/Bushes:
Dolgo Crabapple
Chinese Red Birch
Eastern Red Cedar
Semi-Dwarf Apple
Toka Plum
Westcot Apricot
Japanese Tree Lilac
Other:
Hosta
Lady Fern
Planting in Zone 4
The cool climates of Zone 4 make it hard to grow non-hardy plants, but there are many options to help plants survive the winters. Through mulching for warmth or starting seeds inside, you can help your plants get a start before the first frost. Cool weather crops can do well in this zone, and the general rule is to not plant things outdoors here until Mother’s Day.
|
Zone |
Temperature |
|
|
|
4a |
-30 °F 50 -25 °F |
|
4b |
-25 °F to -20 °F |
|
What Grows Best in Zone 4?
Flowers/Perennials:
Rhubarb can live as a perennial in this zone, along with many hardy bulbs.
Anise Hyssop
Goat’s beard
Gayfeather
Lamb’s ears
Hardy Geraniums
Bellflower
Rockcress
Carnations
Herbs/Vegetables:
Eggplant
Mountain Mint
Garden Sage
Sweet Basil
Purple Basil
Trees/Bushes:
Summer Crisp Pear
Kiwi Vine
Weeping cherry
Newport plum
Little leaf linden
Flowering crabapple
Planting in Zone 5
|
Zone |
Temperature |
|
|
|
5a |
-20 °F to -15 °F |
|
5b |
-15 °F to -10 °F |
|
What Grows Best in Zone 5?
Zone 5 can be found in New England and in the Northern Central US. These zones cover a large number of biomes, so what plants will work in these zones is very dependent on your location. For example, plants that will work well in the Midwest woodlands probably won’t do as well in the wetlands. Raised beds and cold frames can help keep the soil warm, and can be a good solution for more sensitive Zone 5 plants.
Flowers/Perennials:
Baptisia
Russian sage
Campanula
Bee balm
Cailardia
Rudbeckia
Salvia
Hollyhock
Herbs/Vegetables:
Some herbs and vegetables can be grown in Zone 5 later in the summer or fall, such as Kale and Spinach, giving you a second harvest!
Lavender
Winter greens
Spinach
Fava Beans
Kohlrabi
Trees/Bushes:
Harrow delight pear
Honeycrisp apple
Pink lady apple
Warren pear
Other:
Clover Leaf Ivy
Planting in Zone 6
This zone spans the middle of the US, running from Massachusets down to Delaware, then south and west through to parts of Arizona. The band then runs up into Washington. The last frost is usually during March, and then the first frost is in late November. Many plants do well here, and this is an area where more common vegetables can thrive.
|
Zone |
Temperature |
|
|
|
6a |
-10 °F to -5 °F |
|
6b |
-5 °F to 0 °F |
|
What Grows Best in Zone 6?
Flowers/Perennials:
Flowering fern
Japanese bottlebrush
Lady’s Mantle
Sedum
Old-fashioned bleeding heart
Fire and ice Hosta
Graceful allium
Peacock orchid
Herbs/Vegetables:
Zone 6 hits a perfect medium where it is still cool enough for many cool weather vegetables but is still warm enough for things like melons.
Bush beans
Butter lettuce
Winter squash
Dill
False chamomile
Borage
Trees/Bushes:
Many of the most popular blooming trees exist in Zone 6, as well as many fruiting ones! Peach trees do great here as well.
Acoma Crape Myrtle
Ginkgo Biloba
Jefferson Tree
Late Crawford
Dawn Redwood
Peach Trees
Other:
Planting in Zone 7
28 states include Zone 7 areas, making it a common Zone within the US. Many plants can overwinter here, and fruit trees do great at this temperature. There are even several varieties of citrus trees that grow in Zone 7!
|
Zone |
Temperature |
|
|
|
7a |
0 °F to 5 °F |
|
7b |
5 °F to 10 °F |
|
What Grows Best in Zone 7?
Flowers/Perennials:
Peony
Painted Daisy
Chrysanthemum
Forget-me-not
Herbs/Vegetables:
Zone 7 has a long growing season, meaning many different herbs and vegetables grow great here! Some even tolerate the winter months, just be careful of younger, more delicate vegetables.
Rue
Tarragon
Feverfew
Arugula
Sweet peppers
Turnips
Celery
Trees/Bushes:
Bing Cherry
Fuji apple
Granny Smith apple
Ozark plum
Stella sherry
Scout apricot
Red gold nectarine
Other:
Planting in Zone 8
Zone 8 is the most common warm zone in the US. This Zone is great for growing almost any vegetable, mediterranean herbs, berries, and fruit trees! Mulch will help extend the long growing season even further. Check your climate to see what plants may do well there, as humidity and other factors may make some plants less ideal for your exact area.
|
Zone |
Temperature |
|
|
|
8a |
10 °F to 15 °F |
|
8b |
15 °F to 20 °F |
|
What Grows Best in Zone 8?
Flowers/Perennials:
In Zone 8, ensure that the flowers you grow won’t be scorched by the sun or heat. If they are sensitive to these elements, take the time to give them extra water or plant them in partial shade.
Creeping thyme
Phlox paniculata
Agastache blue fortune
Lemon Queen Sunflower
Dahlia Frost Nip
Ox-eye Daisy
Henry's Lily
Herbs/Vegetables:
Due to the long season, you have many different chances to start plants and do multiple harvests. Mediterranean herbs do well here!
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Okra
Field Peas
Bay Laurel
Marjoram
Trees/Bushes:
Gala Apple
Ruby grapefruit
Washington orange
Darjeeling Banana
Alma Fig
Other:
Planting in Zone 9
Zone 9 has a very long growing season, considered a “year-round” season. While some plants will still be susceptible to the last frost around December 15th, most vegetables will be harvested long before then. Zone 8 and 9 are the turning point where too much heat is your new concern - make sure plants are protected from the rays if they are sensitive to the warm sun.
|
Zone |
Temperature |
|
|
|
9a |
20 °F to 25 °F |
|
9b |
25 °F to 30 °F |
|
What Grows Best in Zone 9?
Flowers/Perennials:
Hydrangea
Zinnia
Wisteria
Black-eyed Susan
Butterfly pea
Blue Porterweed
Marigolds
Herbs/Vegetables:
While most vegetables and herbs can grow in this Zone, it is important to consider that the heat of the summer means that many can’t be planted during that time. This means that you will have a few different planting times outside of summer in most cases.
Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Cauliflower
Lemon Thyme
Chives
May laurel
Trees/Bushes:
Hardy kiwi
Mandarin orange
Passionfruit
Olives
Starfruit
Other:
Planting in Zone 10
Zone 10 areas often never dip into freezing temperatures, making winter gardening much easier. As a trade off, the summers can get very hot, meaning not all plants can survive the heat. Zone 10 is known for having one of the longest growing seasons!
|
Zone |
Temperature |
|
|
|
10a |
30 °F to 35 °F |
|
10b |
35 °F to 40 °F |
|
What Grows Best in Zone 10?
Flowers/Perennials:
Tropical flowers do well in Zone 10, as they are usually more tough against the sun and heat.
African lily
Hummingbird Mint
Agave
Floss Flower
Cosmos
Lantana
Pavonia
Verbena
Rex Begonia
Herbs/Vegetables:
Almost all vegetables can be grown in Zone 10 as long as they are protected with shade during the hot summer months.
Tomatillo
Ginger
Bitter Melon
Miracle fruit
Curry Leaf
Trees/Bushes:
Ficus Benjamina Midnight Braid
Apple Guava
Jackfruit tree
June Plum
Soursop Tree
Others:
Aralia Ming Stump / Aralia Fabian Stump
Planting in Zone 11
Zone 11 is one of the warmest zones and is found in Hawaii and Southern Florida. Tropical plants do best in the high heats of these areas, but the humidity should be taken into account when picking proper plants. Cold season plants will have a very small window in this Zone, and plants will need to be heat tolerant.
|
Zone |
Temperature |
|
|
|
11a |
40 °F to 45 °F |
|
11b |
45 °F to 50 °F |
|
What Grows Best in Zone 11?
Flowers/Perennials:
Kangaroo Paw
Drumstick allium
Ponytail palm
Abelmoschus Esculentus (Okra)
Bush Lily
Mother Fern
Herbs/Vegetables:
Herbs in Zone 11 can be hard, and they may not even produce seeds. Sometimes this means they may need to be annuals.
Lemongrass
Cabbage
Sweet Peas
Mexian Oregano
Mint
Trees/Bushes:
Mango
Macadamia
Natal Plum
Sea grape
Eucalyptus
Ruby Red Grapefruit
Other:
Schefflera Gold Capella Umbrella Tree
Planting in Zone 12
Zone 12 is located in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Plants here often need to be tropical and able to withstand the constant high heats of these areas. Exotic fruit trees and flowers grow here, but delicate plants may struggle. The monsoon season can lessen the heat temporarily, making it a chance to try and plant before the heat comes back.
|
Zone |
Temperature |
|
|
|
12a |
50 °F to 55 °F |
|
12b |
55 °F to 60 °F |
|
What Grows Best in Zone 12?
Flowers/Perennials:
Birds of Paradise
Desert Willow
Moth Orchid
Cannacease
Heliconia
Herbs/Vegetables:
Shade and proper irrigation are essential to keep your veggies and herbs healthy. Try to pick heat-hardy options that are also strong against drought.
Hot Pepper
Egg Plant
Summer Squashes
Sweet Potato
Yam
Basil
Sage
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Trees/Bushes:
Fruit Trees
Avocado
Buddha’s Hand
Macadamia Nut
Java Olive
Other:
