US Grow Zones

USDA hardiness zone 7b

In zone 7b, the average annual extreme minimum temperature is 5 to 10°F (-15.0 to -12.2°C), based on 1991–2020 data from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Temperature range5 to 10°F-15.0 to -12.2°C
ZIP codes3,855in this half-zone
Major cities35on this site
Typical last frostApr 1030% risk

What zone 7b means for your garden

A plant labeled "hardy to zone 7b" should survive a typical winter low of 5°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 7a is the colder half of zone 7.

ZIP codes in zone 7b: 3,840 in contiguous U.S., 15 in Alaska.

Frost dates in zone 7b

Across 35 major cities in zone 7b, the 30%-risk last spring frost ranges from Mar 29 to May 8 (median Apr 10), and the first fall frost has a median of Oct 27. 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 7b

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

CropStart indoorsTransplant / plant outDirect sowFall crop sow/plant
TomatoFeb 13 – Feb 27Apr 17 – May 1——
PepperJan 30 – Feb 13Apr 24 – May 8——
LettuceFeb 27 – Mar 13Mar 27 – Apr 17Mar 13 – Apr 24Aug 18 – Sep 15
Green Beans——Apr 17 – May 22Aug 4 – Aug 18
Sweet Corn——Apr 17 – May 15—
Zucchini & Summer SquashMar 13 – Mar 20Apr 17 – May 1Apr 17 – May 8Aug 4 – Aug 18
CucumberMar 13 – Mar 20Apr 24 – May 1Apr 17 – May 8Aug 4 – Aug 18
Carrot——Mar 20 – Apr 24Aug 4 – Aug 18
OnionJan 16 – Jan 30Mar 13 – Mar 27——
Potato—Mar 13 – Apr 3——
BasilFeb 27 – Mar 13Apr 24 – May 8Apr 24 – May 15—
Spinach——Feb 27 – Mar 27Sep 1 – Sep 29
KaleFeb 13 – Feb 27Mar 13 – Apr 3Mar 13 – Apr 3Aug 18 – Sep 15
BroccoliFeb 13 – Feb 27Mar 27 – Apr 17—Aug 4 – Aug 18
Peas——Feb 27 – Mar 20Aug 18 – Sep 1
EggplantJan 30 – Feb 13Apr 24 – May 8——
CabbageFeb 13 – Feb 27Mar 13 – Mar 27—Aug 4 – Aug 18
Radish——Mar 6 – Apr 24Sep 15 – Oct 13
Strawberry—Mar 13 – Apr 3——
Beets——Mar 20 – May 1Aug 18 – Sep 1

Cities in zone 7b (35)

Major cities whose center falls in zone 7b:

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