Growing Zones
What is a growing zone?
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map divides the US into zones based on average annual extreme minimum temperatures. Each zone represents a 10°F range — the higher the number, the warmer the climate.
Every plant we sell lists its hardiness zone range. Match your zone to the plant's range and you can shop with confidence knowing it will survive your winters.
Find your zone by ZIP code
How to use this page
Enter your ZIP above or locate yourself on the map below.
For example, Zone 6 or Zone 7.
Use the zone links below to browse only plants that will thrive in your area.
Every product page shows its hardiness zone range — confirm it includes your zone before adding to cart.
USDA hardiness zone map
Reading the legend
Each color represents a 10°F band of average minimum winter temperatures. Sub-zones (a/b) split each zone into 5°F halves. When a plant is rated "Zone 5–9" it will survive anywhere in that range.Where most of our customers fall
The Northeast (including CT, MA, NY) is mostly Zones 5–7. The Mid-Atlantic sits in Zones 6–7. The Southeast ranges Zones 7–9. The Pacific Coast spans Zones 8–10.Data source
Based on USDA average annual extreme minimum temperature data, 1976–2005. View the official USDA map →Shop plants by zone
Click your zone to browse only plants rated for your climate.
Spring orders ship by growing zone
Pre-orders ship in the spring based on your USDA Growing Zone. This helps us time delivery closer to safe planting weather in your area and reduces the risk of cold damage while your plants are in transit.
Why zone-timed shipping matters
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✓Better planting success — plants arrive closer to safe outdoor conditions for your area.
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✓Less transit stress — warmer-zone customers ship earlier; colder zones ship later when risk of frost drops.
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✓No guesswork for you — we determine your zone from your shipping address automatically.
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✓Need a different window? Email us and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Estimated spring ship schedule
| Growing zone | Est. ship week |
|---|---|
| Zone 10 | March 30 |
| Zone 9 | March 30 |
| Zone 8 | April 6 |
| Zone 7 | April 13 |
| Zone 6b | April 20 |
| Zone 6a | April 27 |
| Zone 5b | May 4 |
| Zone 5a | May 11 |
| Zone 4 | May 18 |
| Zone 3 | May 25 |
Estimated windows — can shift based on weather and plant readiness.
FAQs
What if I'm on the border between two zones?
Choose the colder zone (lower number) to be safe. Sub-zones (a/b) can help narrow it down — your ZIP lookup result above will show the sub-zone when available. If you're right on a border, selecting cold-hardy plants rated for both zones is the safest bet.
Does zone apply to all plants equally?
Zone hardiness reflects cold survival. Other factors — soil drainage, humidity, sun exposure, microclimates — also affect how a plant does in your garden. Read the full plant description for any additional care notes beyond zone.
How does my zone affect when my order ships?
For spring pre-orders, we use your shipping address to determine your zone and schedule delivery close to safe planting time in your region. See the ship schedule table above for estimated windows by zone.
Can I grow a plant outside its rated zone?
Planting outside a rated zone is possible in some cases — protected microclimates, containers brought indoors for winter, or heavy mulching can help push limits. However, we cannot guarantee survival for plants grown outside their rated zones, and our warranty applies to zone-appropriate plantings only.
My ZIP lookup result doesn't match what I expected — why?
Our ZIP-to-zone lookup uses 3-digit prefix mapping which covers the vast majority of US ZIPs. Local microclimates, elevation, and proximity to bodies of water can shift a specific address half a zone. For the most precise result, use the official USDA interactive map.