3 planting zones in Delaware and Map

There are 3 planting zones in Delaware: 7a, 7b, and 8a, according to the latest USDA’s plant hardiness zone map.

Zone 7a, the coolest, occupies a small area in the north. Zone 7b covers the majority of the state, including central and western Delaware regions. Zone 8a, the warmest, forms a narrow strip along the southeastern coast.

You can find your specific USDA planting zone in Delaware using either our ZIP code-based search tool or our city-based interactive Delaware planting zone map, both provided below.

Search Delaware Planting Zones by ZipCode

Planting Zones Delaware Map

Select your Delaware city from selection box below. You can change map layers from top right corner button in mapview.

3 planting zones in Delaware

1. Zone 7a

Zone 7a, shown by the small purple colored area in the northernmost part of Delaware on the map above, covers a limited region of the state. With average annual minimum temperatures ranging from 0°F to 5°F (-17.8°C to -15°C), it represents the coldest planting zone in Delaware. This zone is primarily concentrated in the Hockessin area.

2. Zone 7b

Zone 7b, the teal colored areas on our map, dominates the majority of Delaware’s landscape. This zone experiences average annual minimum temperatures between 5°F to 10°F (-15°C to -12.2°C). It covers a vast area of the state, stretching from the northern regions near Wilmington down through central Delaware and into much of the southern part of the state. Some Key cities in this zone are Dover (the state capital), Newark, Middletown, and Seaford. The zone also includes coastal areas like Lewes as well as inland towns such as Georgetown and Harrington.

3. Zone 8a

Zone 8a, shown in yellow color on our map above, is the warmest planting zone in Delaware. It features average annual minimum temperatures from 10°F to 15°F (-12.2°C to -9.4°C). This zone is primarily located along the southeastern coast of the state, forming a narrow strip that runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. Areas in this zone include popular beach destinations such as Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, and Ocean View. The warmer temperatures in this coastal region are influenced by the moderating effect of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique microclimate for plant growth.

Planting Zones in Delaware with Cities

USDA hardiness zones for Delaware cities, towns and counties (Data: Latest USDA release -2023)

Planting Zones in Delaware	Temp Range (°F)	Cities
7b	5 to 10	Bear, Bethel, Bridgeville, Camden Wyoming, Cheswold, Claymont, Clayton, Dagsboro, Delaware City, Delmar, Dover, Dover Afb, Ellendale, Felton, Frankford, Frederica, Georgetown, Greenwood, Harbeson, Harrington, Hartly, Houston, Kenton, Kirkwood, Laurel, Lewes, Lincoln, Little Creek, Magnolia, Marydel, Middletown, Milford, Millsboro, Millville, Milton, Montchanin, Nassau, New Castle, Newark, Odessa, Port Penn, Rockland, Seaford, Selbyville, Smyrna, Townsend, Viola, Wilmington, Winterthur
7a	0 to 5	Hockessin
8a	10 to 15	Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Ocean View, Rehoboth Beach

Best plants for Delaware?

According to the USDA planting map, Delaware is well suited for these plants for each zone:

1. Zone 7a: Hosta – These shade-loving perennials good for cooler northern parts of Delaware.
2. Zone 7b: Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – This native wildflower is well-adapted to the climate across most of Delaware.
3. Zone 8a: Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) – This flowering shrub or small tree performs well in the warmer coastal areas of southern Delaware.