Which Herbs Grow Best in Your State (U.S. Planting Zone Map)

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What Are Planting Zones?
Temperature Range for Planting Zones
First and last days you can expect frost in your zone
Which Plants Are Best for Growing in My Zone?
Breakdown of Plant Hardiness Zones

What Are Planting Zones?

Planting zones are areas you can find on a growing zone map that show exactly which plants are best suited to thrive in your given area, or zone. When shopping for new plants for your garden landscape, the terms “plant hardiness zones,” “growing zones” and “planting zones” may at first seem a bit confusing. In essence, plant hardiness zones have been used by growers for years to simply identify the plants that are most likely to survive the winter in their area. Being able to understand a hardiness zone map means you’ll have a starting point for making wise planting decisions.

Temperature Range for Planting Zones

Planting zones are broken down into thirteen areas, also known as USDA zones, which cover the entire United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. Each agricultural zone covers a 10-degree range. Zone 1 is the coldest, with an average minimum winter temperature of -60 to -50 degrees F, while the minimum winter average temperature in Zone 13 is 60 to 70 degrees F.

First and last days you can expect frost in your zone

Planting times depend upon which growing zone you’re gardening in, and which types of plants you’re placing in the ground or containers. It’s all about the temperature needs of your plants. So, how do you know when to plant? You’ll need to know your last frost date and first frost date!

The final frost date is the last day you can expect frost.

Many potted plants and tender rhizomes must be kept indoors until after all threat of frost has passed, and some bareroots need to be kept out of frosty conditions in their first year.
Some cold-hardy plants, such as leafy vegetables grown from seed, can go into the ground before the last frost date.
Knowing your final frost date can also help you plan for starting flowers indoors. For example, if you plan to put dahlias outdoors after the last frost, but want an early start on them, you can count backward from that last date.

The first frost date is the first day of fall that you must watch out for frost.

Some summer bulbs need to come out of the ground before the first frost. These varieties include caladiums and others that don’t naturally encounter frost at all.
If you plan to lift and bring hardier bulbs inside, you’ll need to wait for that final frost, and for the foliage to die back. For most summer bulbs, that occurs six weeks after flowering.
If you’re planting hardy bulbs, such as tulips or daffodils, do that after the first frost.
While each type of plant is different, knowing your frost dates can help you plan around their needs.

So, what are the first and last frost dates for each hardiness zone?

Zone 3: Plant flowers in late May. In Zone 3, the last frost of spring may occur as late as May 16. The first frost date for Zone 3 falls around mid-September.
Zone 4: Plant after Mother’s Day. In Zone 4, the last frost of spring may occur as late as May 12. The first frost date for Zone 4 falls in late September.
Zone 5: Plant after April. In Zone 5, the last frost of spring may occur as late as April 30. The first frost date for Zone 5 falls in mid-October.
Zone 6: Plant after Easter. In Zone 6, the last frost of spring may occur as late as April 21. The first frost date for Zone 6 falls in mid to late October.
Zone 7: Plant after March. In Zone 7, the last frost of spring may occur as late as April 3. The first frost date for Zone 7 falls in late October.
Zone 8: Plant after St. Patrick’s Day. In Zone 8, the last frost of spring may occur as late as March 28.. The first frost date for Zone 8 falls in November.
Zone 9: Plant in early spring. The last frost date for Zone 9 is around February 28. The first frost won’t occur until December.
Zone 10 doesn’t freeze.

By keeping in mind your first and last frost date, and following instructions associated with your individual cultivars, you can set your plants up for success by planting at just the right time.

Which Plants Are Best for Growing in My Zone?

It’s a sad truth that we, as gardeners, often need to garden within the constraints of our zones. But, with modern cultivars, many formerly picky genuses are accessible to gardeners across the United States!

Cold climates require winter-hardy perennials, or plants that don’t mind being lifted and stored over winter. Look for reliable plants, and try native species that are naturally built for the weather. You’ll also appreciate deep-rooted plants, trees and shrubs that aren’t damaged by wind and dryness.

Temperate climates are the lucky ones of the United States: warm enough for lots of winter-hardy options, and cool enough to make your bulbs bloom in spring. Check the lifting requirements for your tender bulbs, and keep an eye toward native cultivars.

Warm climates are often damp, so look for plants that can handle a lot of moisture. And, don’t sleep on those tropical favorites, like caladiums and calla lilies, that don’t perform well in colder temps! Classic hardy bulbs can be successful in warm climates, they simply need to be cooled for a few months during winter.

Breakdown of Plant Hardiness Zones

In the simplest terms, USDA hardiness zones keep a grower in Alaska from making the mistake of planting peach trees. Understanding the different plant hardiness zones gives you the ability to narrow down your gardening choices. Keep in mind, when a plant is hardy to a specific zone, it will usually perform well at any zone number that’s higher as well. For example, most plants hardy to Zone 3 will perform well in Zone 7, as long as other plant requirements are met. Use the information about individual growing zones as a starting point for planning what to plant in your garden.

Planting Zone 1

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 1 is the coldest zone designation for the United States. With minimum average temperatures between -60 to -50 degrees F, it can be a difficult zone for gardening. The majority of Zone 1 is located in Alaska. This tundra environment is extremely harsh and plants must have extreme cold hardiness and drought tolerance.

Planting Zone 1 Temperature

Zone 1 can expect minimum average temperatures of -60 to -50 degrees F
Zone 1a has a minimum average temperature of -60 to -55 degrees F
Zone 1b has a minimum average temperature of -55 to -50 degrees F
Each of the two subzones can experience harsher temperatures depending on weather conditions.

Herbs to Grow in Zone 1

Almost any herb can be grown as an annual in Zone 1. Consider planting these as annual herbs:

Basil
Chives
Mint
Oregano
Rosemary
Thyme

Planting Zone 2

Located in both Alaska and the continental United States, planting Zone 2 features extremely cold average minimum temperatures of between -50 to -40 degrees F. These temperatures can present a growing challenge to many gardeners. High winds and drought conditions are found in both the tundra and plains of Zone 2. Planting native plants, growing annuals and using creative planting techniques give gardeners a growing advantage.

Planting Zone 2 Temperature

Zone 2 can expect minimum average temperatures of -50 to -40 degrees F
Zone 2a has a minimum average temperature of -50 to -45 degrees F
Zone 2b has a minimum average temperature of -45 to -40 degrees F
Each of the two subzones can experience harsher temperatures depending on weather conditions.

Herbs to Grow in Zone 2

Zone 2 is ideal for growing annual herbs, either replanted or from self-sowing plants. The following herbs are considered cold hardy for Zone 2:

Hyssop
Juniper
Turkestan Rose

Planting Zone 3

Plant hardiness Zone 3 is found throughout Alaska, the northern portions of the United States and in high altitude areas. This zone features minimum average temperatures of -40 to -30 degrees F. Depending on the geographical location of your growing space, high winds, extreme cold and low moisture may affect growing conditions.

Planting Zone 3 Temperature

Zone 3 can expect minimum average temperatures of -40 to -30 degrees F
Zone 3a has a minimum average temperature of -40 to -35 degrees F
Zone 3b has a minimum average temperature of -35 to -30 degrees F
Each of the two subzones can experience harsher temperatures depending on weather conditions.

Herbs to Grow in Zone 3

In addition to annual herbs, herbs hardy enough for Zone 3 include:

Caraway
Catnip
English chamomile
French sorrel
Garlic
Horseradish
Parsley
Peppermint

Planting Zone 4

Planting Zone 4 covers the southern coastal areas of Alaska, northern areas of the United States and high elevations found in the western mountains. These unique climates share minimum average temperatures of between -30 to -20 degrees F. Planting in this zone is less challenging than in colder zones, but the short growing season impacts both vegetables and flower bloom times.

Planting Zone 4 Temperature

Zone 4 can expect minimum average temperatures of -30 to -20 degrees F
Zone 4a has a minimum average temperature of -30 to -25 degrees F
Zone 4b has a minimum average temperature of -25 to -20 degrees F
Each of the two subzones can experience harsher temperatures depending on weather conditions.

What Plants Can I Grow in Zone 4?

Zone 4 is considered a cool climate suitable for growing plants hardy enough to withstand temperatures well below freezing. To combat the typically short growing season, gardeners can get a head start by starting plants indoors or purchasing starts from a greenhouse. Adding a good layer of mulch and taking preventative winter measures can help some plants survive the cold winters.

Herbs to Grow in Zone 4

Many herbs become hardy to Zone 4 with nothing more than an application of mulch during the winter months, including:

Angelica
Bee balm
Garden sage
Lemon balm
Mountain mint
Thyme
Winter savory

Planting Zone 5

Plant hardiness Zone 5 includes the southern coastal region of Alaska, the North Central United States and portions of New England. With minimum average temperatures between -20 and -10 degrees F, this zone experiences a moderately cold winter. While the growing season is short, you can extend it by using cold frames or using started plants in your annual garden.

Planting Zone 5 Temperature

Zone 5 can expect minimum average temperatures of -20 to -10 degrees F
Zone 5a has a minimum average temperature of -20 to -15 degrees F
Zone 5b has a minimum average temperature of -15 to -10 degrees F
Each of the two subzones can experience harsher temperatures depending on weather conditions.

What Plants Can I Grow in Zone 5?

Zone 5 gardens feature a wide range of environments. From coastal waters and woodlands to the wide plains of the Midwest, plants should not only be cold hardy, but they also need to match the growing environment. Gardens feature longer growing seasons that result in an increased vegetable harvest and extended blooms in landscaping.

Herbs to Grow in Zone 5

Perennial herbs hardy for Zone 5 gardens include:

Hybrid mints
Large-flowered calamint
Lavender

Planting Zone 6

USDA Hardiness Zone 6 covers a large portion of the United States. Known as a generally mild climate, the average minimum winter temperature is between -10 to 0 degrees F. With cold winter and mild-to-hot summers, you have many growing options in Zone 6.

Planting Zone 6 Temperature

Zone 6 can expect minimum average temperatures of -10 to -0 degrees F
Zone 6a has a minimum average temperature of -10 to -5 degrees F
Zone 6b has a minimum average temperature of -5 to -0 degrees F
Each of the two subzones can experience harsher temperatures depending on weather conditions.

Herbs to Grow in Zone 6

Due to warm springs, herbs that reseed themselves are often popular Zone 6 choices. These include:

Borage
Coriander
Dill
False chamomile
Oregano

Planting Zone 7

Planting Zone 7 reaches across approximately 15 U.S. states. This zone features cool winters with average minimum temperatures falling between 0 to 10 degrees F. Gardens in this zone have multiple plant options from seed catalogues, local home stores, nurseries and greenhouses.

Planting Zone 7 Temperature

Zone 7 can expect minimum average temperatures of 0 to 10 degrees F
Zone 7a has a minimum average temperature of 0 to 5 degrees F
Zone 7b has a minimum average temperature of 5 to 10 degrees F
Each of the two subzones can experience harsher temperatures depending on weather conditions.

Herbs to Grow in Zone 7

In addition to most annual herbs, a wide variety of perennial herbs survive well in Zone 7. Although some varieties of rosemary are Zone 7 hardy, they don’t perform as well as in warmer climates. Herbs to consider adding to your Zone 7 garden include:

Feverfew
Marjoram
Rue
Sage
Tarragon

Planting Zone 8

Zone 8 is considered one of the warmest plant hardiness zones for a large portion of the southern United States. Extending up the western coast, Zone 8 features average minimum winter temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees F. With hot summers and mild winters, growers typically enjoy a long planting season.

Planting Zone 8 Temperature

Zone 8 can expect minimum average temperatures of 10 to 20 degrees
Zone 8a has a minimum average temperature of 10 to 15 degrees F
Zone 8b has a minimum average temperature of 15 to 20 degrees F
Each of the two subzones can experience harsher temperatures depending on weather conditions.

What Plants Can I Grow in Zone 8?

Plants hardy for Zone 8 love mild winters and long, hot summers. With a wide range of moisture and sunlight requirements, growers should narrow down a potential plant list first by zone, and then by specific growing climates.

Herbs to Grow in Zone 8

Many of the herbs hardy to Zone 8 are native to Mediterranean areas. They thrive in long, hot summers and are often drought resistant. Consider adding these herbs to your Zone 8 herb garden:

Bay laurel
Marjoram
Mexican oregano
Rosemary
Sage

Planting Zone 9

Planting Zone 9 is considered a year-round planting zone. Located in California, Arizona, Texas, Florida and along the Gulf of Mexico coast, this zone features warm winters and hot summers. With an average minimum winter temperature of 20 to 30 degrees F, Zone 9 features active gardens throughout the entire year.

Planting Zone 9 Temperature

Zone 9 can expect minimum average temperatures of 20 to 30 degrees F
Zone 9a has a minimum average temperature of 20 to 25 degrees F
Zone 9b has a minimum average temperature of 25 to 30 degrees F
Each of the two subzones can experience harsher temperatures depending on weather conditions.

Herbs to Grow in Zone 9

Certain cool season herbs, such as cilantro and parsley, may be grown throughout the winter in Zone 9. Other herbs that tolerate the heat well include:

Basil
Bay laurel
Chives
Coriander
Lemon thyme
Marjoram
Mint

Planting Zone 10

Southern inland California, southern Florida and Hawaii are the three small areas where the average minimum winter temperature only falls between 30 to 40 degrees F. The ability of Zone 10 gardeners to avoid freezing temperatures is a huge bonus for winter gardening, but the extreme heat of the summer months limits planting possibilities.

Planting Zone 10 Temperature

Zone 10 can expect minimum average temperatures of 30 to 40 degrees F
Zone 10a has a minimum average temperature of 30 to 35 degrees F
Zone 10b has a minimum average temperature of 35 to 40 degrees F
Each of the two subzones can experience harsher temperatures depending on weather conditions.

Herbs to Grow in Zone 10

The heat of summer in Zone 10 is ideal for growing a few unique herbs, such as:

Curry leaf
Galangal
Ginger
Mexican tarragon
Miracle fruit

Planting Zone 11

Planting Zone 11 is found in Hawaii, the Florida Keys, Puerto Rico and a few small areas of the Continental United States. This extremely warm zone features mellow winters with an average minimum winter temperature of between 40 to 50 degrees F. Cold hardiness is not a factor in this zone, since it has zero frost days. Instead, growers here must consider the impact heat has on their planting choices.

Planting Zone 11 Temperature

Zone 11 can expect minimum average temperatures of 40 to 50 degrees F
Zone 11a has a minimum average temperature of 40 to 45 degrees F
Zone 11b has a minimum average temperature of 45 to 50 degrees F
Each of the two subzones can experience harsher temperatures depending on weather conditions.

Herbs to Grow in Zone 11

Growing herbs in Zone 11 can be difficult because of the extreme heat of summer. Many will not produce seeds due to the heat, so they must be planted as annuals during the cooler months. Some herbs you can begin planting in early spring include:

Basil
Chives
Lemongrass
Mexican oregano
Mint
Thyme

Planting Zones 12 and 13

Planting Zones 12 and 13 are not found in the continental United States, but are located in both Hawaii and Puerto Rico. These two plant hardiness zones are extremely warm, tropical environments that are best suited for plants tolerant of intense heat. With the average minimum winter temperature between 50 and 70 degrees F, Zones 12 and 13, the warmest of all the USDA hardiness zones, feature tropical plants and exotic fruits.

Planting Zones 12 and 13 Temperature

Zone 12 can expect minimum average temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees F
Zone 12a has a minimum average temperature of 50 to 55 degrees F
Zone 12b has a minimum average temperature of 55 to 60 degrees F
Zone 13 can expect minimum average temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees F
Zone 13a has a minimum average temperature of 60 to 65 degrees F
Zone 13b has a minimum average temperature of 65 to 70 degrees F
The subzones in both Zones 12 and 13 can experience harsher temperatures depending on weather conditions.

Herbs to Grow in Zones 12 and 13

Just like vegetables, growing herbs in Zones 12 and 13 requires planning and plenty of moisture. Look for heat-tolerant options, such as:

Borage
Cilantro
Culantro
Rosemary
Sage
Savory