US Grow Zones

USDA hardiness zone 7a

In zone 7a, the average annual extreme minimum temperature is 0 to 5°F (-17.8 to -15.0°C), based on 1991–2020 data from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Temperature range0 to 5°F-17.8 to -15.0°C
ZIP codes4,877in this half-zone
Major cities42on this site
Typical last frostApr 2230% risk

What zone 7a means for your garden

A plant labeled "hardy to zone 7a" should survive a typical winter low of 0°F. Most perennials sold at garden centers are rated for this zone or colder; marginal plants rated one zone warmer can survive in sheltered spots. Zone 7b is the warmer half of zone 7.

ZIP codes in zone 7a: 4,856 in contiguous U.S., 21 in Alaska.

Frost dates in zone 7a

Across 42 major cities in zone 7a, the 30%-risk last spring frost ranges from Apr 2 to May 8 (median Apr 22), and the first fall frost has a median of Oct 21. Frost timing depends on elevation, latitude and distance from water — a zone does not set a frost date, so check your city page for local dates.

Typical planting calendar for zone 7a

Based on the median frost dates above. For your exact dates, use your city page.

CropStart indoorsTransplant / plant outDirect sowFall crop sow/plant
TomatoFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 29 – May 13——
PepperFeb 11 – Feb 25May 6 – May 20——
LettuceMar 11 – Mar 25Apr 8 – Apr 29Mar 25 – May 6Aug 12 – Sep 9
Green Beans——Apr 29 – Jun 3Jul 29 – Aug 12
Sweet Corn——Apr 29 – May 27—
Zucchini & Summer SquashMar 25 – Apr 1Apr 29 – May 13Apr 29 – May 20Jul 29 – Aug 12
CucumberMar 25 – Apr 1May 6 – May 13Apr 29 – May 20Jul 29 – Aug 12
Carrot——Apr 1 – May 6Jul 29 – Aug 12
OnionJan 28 – Feb 11Mar 25 – Apr 8——
Potato—Mar 25 – Apr 15——
BasilMar 11 – Mar 25May 6 – May 20May 6 – May 27—
Spinach——Mar 11 – Apr 8Aug 26 – Sep 23
KaleFeb 25 – Mar 11Mar 25 – Apr 15Mar 25 – Apr 15Aug 12 – Sep 9
BroccoliFeb 25 – Mar 11Apr 8 – Apr 29—Jul 29 – Aug 12
Peas——Mar 11 – Apr 1Aug 12 – Aug 26
EggplantFeb 11 – Feb 25May 6 – May 20——
CabbageFeb 25 – Mar 11Mar 25 – Apr 8—Jul 29 – Aug 12
Radish——Mar 18 – May 6Sep 9 – Oct 7
Strawberry—Mar 25 – Apr 15——
Beets——Apr 1 – May 13Aug 12 – Aug 26

Cities in zone 7a (42)

Major cities whose center falls in zone 7a:

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