Columbus, Ohio falls entirely within USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, featuring average annual minimum temperatures of -5°F to 0°F (-20.6°C to -17.8°C), according to the 2023 USDA update. This classification covers all local zip codes, including urban areas like 43215 and suburban regions such as Worthington (43085) or Gahanna (43230).
You can find your Columbus USDA zone using our three tools given below, Zipcode to planting zone tool, easy to use location based interactive map or by searching planting zone table.
Columbus Zones by ZipCode
Columbus Planting Zones Map
Select or type your Columbus location in the selection box below, to find its USDA Planting Zone.
City Name
Columbus Area Planting Zone
Planting Zones
Planting Zones
Columbus Planting Zones Table
| Columbus Location | Planting Zone |
|---|---|
| Loading Columbus zones data… | |
No items found matching your search
Try a different search term or clear the search field.
Planting zone in Columbus, Ohio
Zone 6b
The green colored areas on our map above is the zone 6b and Columbus, Ohio, is entirely within Zone 6b. All Columbus zip codes fall within this zone, including major areas such as downtown Columbus (43215), and the Ohio State University campus (43210).
Columbus terrain flattens out, which creates a uniform climate and consistent planting conditions across the area. Please note, the Scioto and Olentangy rivers meet here, and along with Alum Creek and Big Walnut Creek, they form microclimates in nearby areas.
Also, the urban heat island effect warms Columbus slightly compared to its rural surroundings. As for the general climate, Columbus experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa), characterized by hot summers and cold winters, which determines the city’s planting zone.
Change in Columbus Planting zone?
Between 2012 and 2023, the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map for Ohio, Columbus, shifted from Zone 6a to Zone 6b. Zone 6a has an average annual minimum winter temperature range of -10°F to -5°F, Zone 6b ranges from -5°F to 0°F. This change represents a warming trend of 5°F in average annual minimum winter temperatures for the Columbus area.
Geographical factors influencing Columbus Planting zone
Sunshine
Columbus receives 2,190 annual sunshine hours, with July (260 hours) sunniest and December (84 hours) least sunny. The city averages 178 sunny days yearly, below the US average of 205, supporting Zone 6 plants alongside its April 28–October 9 growing season.
Terrain
Scioto and Olentangy rivers intersect downtown, while northern reservoirs fed by agricultural/suburban drainage create cooler microclimates. Flat topography ensures uniform planting conditions, but waterways introduce localized temperature variations.
Soil
Dominant Miamian series soils, Alfisols, and Mollisols offer high fertility and drainage from glacial deposits and limestone bedrock. Common compositions include clay-rich soils, silt loam, and loam, ideal for crops like corn and soybeans.
Best plants for Columbus, Ohio?
Columbus, being in Zone 6b, is suitable for a wide variety of plants like:
Perennials: Black-Eyed Susan, Coneflower, Daylily, and Hosta.
Shrubs: Hydrangea, Forsythia, and Viburnum.
Trees: Maple, Oak, and Dogwood.
Vegetables: Tomatoes, Peppers, Squash, and Beans.
Herbs: Thyme, Rosemary, and Sage.