USDA defines Hardiness Zone 7 by its average annual minimum winter temperature of 0°F to 10°F (-17.8°C to -12.2°C). This zone spans the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southwest, and Pacific Northwest, with subzone 7a at 0°F–5°F (-17.8°C to -15°C) and 7b at 5°F–10°F (-15°C to -12.2°C).
Zone 7 features a growing season of about 180 days in 7a and 199 days in 7b between the last spring and first fall frost, and moderate winters. Cities in Zone 7 include Richmond, VA (7b), Nashville, TN (7b), and Oklahoma City, OK (7b). Plants suited for Zone 7 are like Crape Myrtle, Eastern Redbud, and Black-Eyed Susan, thrive here.
Known as the “transition zone”, Zone 7 sustains heat-loving plants while providing the 500–1,000 chilling hours required for deciduous trees and shrubs, like oak and maple, to break dormancy.
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USDA Planting Zone 7 Map
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Planting Zones
Planting Zones
USDA Hardiness Zone 7 is further divided into two subzones:
Zone 7a
Zone 7a features a temperature range of 0°F to 5°F (-17.8°C to -15°C) and includes regions like northern Arkansas, southern Missouri, central Kentucky, and parts of New Mexico and Arizona.
Climate characteristics include cool to cold winters, warm summers, and 20–30 annual frost events, resulting in a shorter growing season than Zone 7b. The growing season lasts about 180 days (last spring frost on Apr 23, first fall frost on Oct 20), supporting crops like kale, spinach, and cold-hardy fruit trees.
Zone 7b
Zone 7b has a temperature range of 5°F to 10°F (-15°C to -12.2°C) and spans regions like northern Georgia, Middle Tennessee, portions of Virginia, and the Pacific Northwest.
Climate characteristics feature milder winters than Zone 7a, with 10–15 annual frost events and warmer temperatures that support plants like camellias, figs, and citrus hybrids. The growing season lasts about 199 days (last spring frost on Apr 11, first fall frost on Oct 27), ideal for heat-tolerant crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and okra.
Zone 7 Frost Dates
In Zone 7, the typical last spring frost comes on April 23 in 7a and April 11 in 7b, and the first fall frost on October 20 in 7a and October 27 in 7b. The table gives the median date for every ZIP code in each subzone and the range that covers 8 of 10 ZIP codes, from NOAA 1991–2020 weather-station records; in 7 of 10 years, the frost comes before the spring date and after the fall date. The growing season is the number of days between the two dates. Frost dates for one garden come from its ZIP code: frost dates by ZIP code.
| Subzone | Last spring frost | First fall frost | Growing season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 7a | Apr 23 (Apr 10–May 4) | Oct 20 (Oct 10–Oct 29) | 180 days |
| Zone 7b | Apr 11 (Apr 3–Apr 24) | Oct 27 (Oct 18–Nov 9) | 199 days |
When to Plant in Zone 7?
In Zone 7, plant garlic from October 15 to November 20 and tulip bulbs from October 20 to November 30, the typical windows for Zone 7 ZIP codes. Dates for one ZIP code: When to Plant Garlic and When to Plant Tulip Bulbs.
November is garlic and spring-bulb month in Zone 7: What to Plant in November lists vegetables, flowers, and cover crops by zone. Planting dates for more crops: When to Plant: Planting Dates by ZIP Code.
What are the States of Zone 7 USDA Planting Zones?
Following states contain Zone 7 areas:
1. Alabama
Zone 7 in Alabama is limited to the northern edge of the state, with only subzone 7b (5°F–10°F / -15°C to -12.2°C) present, covering areas like Hamilton and most of Fort Payne; Huntsville and Florence are zone 8a. Plants suited for Zone 7 include Alabama croton, mountain laurel, and native azaleas.
2. Arizona
Zone 7 in Arizona covers higher elevations in northern/eastern regions, with subzone 7a (0°F–5°F / -17.8°C to -15°C) including Snowflake and Show Low (the latter on the 6b/7a line) and 7b (5°F–10°F / -15°C to -12.2°C) covering most of Prescott, while Prescott Valley sits on the 7b/8a line. Plants thriving here include ponderosa pine, Arizona cypress, and Gambel oak.
3. Arkansas
In Arkansas zone 7 covers northern regions, with subzone 7a including higher elevations and northwestern areas like Fayetteville (7a), and 7b covering lower elevations and north-central and northeastern areas such as Batesville (7b) and Pocahontas (7b); Fort Smith is zone 8a. Plants example for this zone in Arkansas includes serviceberry, Arkansas blue star, and native ferns etc.
4. California
Zone 7 in California occurs in foothills and higher elevations, with subzone 7a (0°F–5°F / -17.8°C to -15°C) at upper elevations and 7b (5°F–10°F / -15°C to -12.2°C) in lower zones.
Some cities in this zone are parts of the Sierra Nevada foothills and certain mountain communities. This zone is good for drought-tolerant plants like manzanita, California lilac, and western redbud.
5. Colorado
Colorado’s zone 7 is limited to small areas in the western part of the state, mostly in protected valleys and lower elevations areas, with only subzone 7a present, shown as light blue color on our map above. Areas in this zone include parts of the Grand Valley near Grand Junction and suitable plants for this zone are Colorado blue spruce, Rocky Mountain juniper, and Gambel oak.
6. Connecticut
Connecticut’s zone 7 is found along the southern coast of the state, with only subzone 7a present, shown as light blue color on our map given above. This zone includes areas along Long Island Sound. Some cities in this zone are Norwalk, Bridgeport, and New Haven.
Some of the most suitable plants for this zone in Connecticut are mountain laurel, inkberry holly, and New England aster.
7. DC (District of Columbia)
About half of the District of Columbia falls within Zone 7, specifically subzone 7b in the northern and western neighborhoods, while downtown and most of the east and southeast are zone 8a. This urban area experiences a unique microclimate influenced by the surrounding built environment and supports plants like cherry trees, American elm, and native perennials like black-eyed susan.
8. Delaware
Zone 7 covers most of Delaware, subzone 7a covers only a small corner in the far north of the state (Hockessin), and 7b covers the rest of the state except the southern beaches, which are zone 8a. Some cities in this zone are Wilmington (7b) and Dover (7b) and some of the most suitable plants for this zone are American holly, swamp milkweed, and beach plum.
9. Georgia
Zone 7 in Georgia covers the northern mountainous regions, with only subzone 7b present, covering mountain towns like Blue Ridge (7b) and Blairsville (7b). This zone is well-suited for plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, and oakleaf hydrangeas.
10. Idaho
Idaho’s zone 7 is limited to a small area in the western part of the state, primarily in the lower elevations of the Snake River Valley, with subzone 7a covering the Boise area and 7b limited to the Lewiston area, shown on our map. Some cities in this zone include Boise, Meridian, and Nampa (7a) and Lewiston (7b) and supports plants like Idaho fescue, syringa (mock orange), and western serviceberry.
11. Illinois
Zone 7 in Illinois is primarily concentrated in the southern part of the state, with only subzone 7a present, shown on our USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7 Map given above. Subzone 7a covers the southern tip of Illinois and the Metro East suburbs of St. Louis; no part of Illinois is 7b.
Some cities in this zone are Carbondale (7a), Belleville (7a), and Cairo (7a) and is suitable for plants like dogwood trees, black-eyed susans, and butterfly weed.
12. Indiana
Indiana’s zone 7 covers a small area in the extreme southern part of the state, with only subzone 7a present, including cities like Evansville and New Albany along the Ohio River. Plants well-suited for this zone in Indiana include redbud trees, coneflowers, and black cohosh.
13. Kansas
Zone 7 of Kansas covers the southern part of the state, with only subzone 7a present, including cities like Wichita, Pittsburg, and Parsons. Plants example for this zone are bur oak, prairie blazing star, and little bluestem grass.
14. Kentucky
In Kentucky zone 7 covers most of the state, with subzone 7a having cities like Louisville, Bowling Green, and most of Lexington, and 7b found in the extreme western part, such as Murray and Fulton. Plants for this zone in Kentucky are Kentucky coffee tree, pawpaw, and American beautyberry etc.
15. Maine
Maine is primarily located in USDA Hardiness Zones 3b to 6b, with only exception of small area on Matinicus Island (zip code 04851) which is listed in Zone 7a, but this is an extremely limited and unique microclimate that isn’t representative of Maine’s overall growing conditions.
16. Maryland
Zone 7 of Maryland covers central and eastern parts of the state, with subzone 7a extending across the central region and 7b covering the eastern shore, the Washington suburbs, and southern areas. Subzone 7a here has cities like Hagerstown and Cumberland, and 7b has Frederick, Salisbury, and Rockville; Ocean City is zone 8a.
The Chesapeake Bay’s influence moderates temperatures in eastern 7b areas. Suitable plants for this zone includes American holly, southern magnolia, and various oak species.
17. Massachusetts
Massachusetts’s zone 7 covers the eastern coast and the southeastern part of the state, primarily subzone 7a, with 7b limited to the outer Cape Cod and the islands. Some cities and towns in this zone include Boston, New Bedford, and Hyannis (7a) and Nantucket and Edgartown (7b) and supports plants like – American Holly (Ilex opaca), Inkberry (Ilex glabra), Beach Plum (Prunus maritima), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) and New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae).
18. Michigan
Michigan’s climate is generally too cold for Zone 7 as well with single location, Macatawa (zip code 49434), listed in Zone 7a, but this is very small microclimate exception rather than a significant growing area.
19. Mississippi
Mississippi’s Zone 7 is limited to the northernmost counties, with only subzone 7b present. Subzone 7b includes cities like Holly Springs and Corinth, while Tupelo and Oxford, a little farther south, are zone 8a.
The Mississippi Delta’s rich soil in Zone 7 supports diverse agriculture and ornamentals. Suitable plants include crepe myrtles, southern magnolias, and native wildflowers like purple coneflower.
20. Missouri
Missouri’s Zone 7 covers the southern part of the state and the St. Louis area, with subzone 7a covering the south-central region and St. Louis and 7b extending across the Bootheel in the southeast. Subzone 7a includes St. Louis, Joplin, Branson, and parts of Springfield, while 7b encompasses Sikeston and Kennett.
The Ozark Plateau’s karst topography shapes soil conditions and creates microclimates in this zone. Suitable plants include redbud trees, black-eyed Susans, and cold-hardy fruit tree varieties like peach.
21. Nevada
Nevada’s Zone 7 occurs in limited western areas at higher elevations or sheltered valleys. Subzone 7a covers Sierra Nevada foothills sections, while 7b occupies protected valleys near Reno.
Suitable plants include drought-tolerant junipers, pines like Ponderosa, and native sagebrush species.
22. New Jersey
New Jersey’s Zone 7 spans most of the state, divided into subzone 7a (central and northern regions) and 7b (the Newark–Jersey City area and the southwest). Subzone 7a includes Trenton and New Brunswick, while 7b covers Newark, Jersey City, and Cherry Hill; Cape May is zone 8a, and Atlantic City sits on the 7b/8a line.
Suitable plants include eastern redbud, flowering dogwood, and hydrangea species like oakleaf. The Pine Barrens in southern Zone 7 host unique plant communities adapted to acidic sandy soils, including pitcher plants.
23. New Mexico
New Mexico’s Zone 7 corresponds to mid-elevation areas with moderate climate influences. Partial Zone 7 coverage occurs in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Suitable plants include piñon pines, chamisa, and yucca species like soapweed. Harsh conditions from altitude, aridity, and temperature swings necessitate native plant selection.
24. New York
Zone 7 covers southeastern New York, with subzone 7a covering the lower Hudson Valley and the East End of Long Island, while 7b includes New York City and most of Long Island. Cities in this zone include New York City (7b), White Plains (mostly 7a), and Peekskill (7a). Three suitable plants are Japanese maple, crape myrtle, and select magnolia varieties. Urban heat islands in New York City create microclimates supporting plants from warmer zones.
25. North Carolina
Zone 7 spans North Carolina’s mountains and foothills, with subzone 7a in the higher mountain valleys and 7b covering the lower mountain valleys, the foothills, and the northern edge of the piedmont. Subzone 7a includes cities like Boone and Waynesville, while 7b contains Asheville and Hendersonville; Greensboro, Charlotte, and Fayetteville are zone 8. The zone supports azaleas, camellias, and numerous native perennials.
26. Ohio
Zone 7 covers small parts of Ohio, with only subzone 7a present, along the Ohio River, including Chesapeake, Ironton, and Portsmouth, and along the Lake Erie shore near Cleveland (Lakewood, Mentor). Suitable plants for this zone are Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), and Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia).
27. Oklahoma
Zone 7 spans most of Oklahoma, with subzone 7a across the north and 7b extending south. Cities include Bartlesville (7a), Tulsa (7b), and Muskogee (7b). Suitable plants feature Oklahoma redbud, Indian blanket, and prairie zinnia.
28. Oregon
Zone 7 occupies northeastern Oregon, with subzone 7a in the Blue Mountains and Columbia Plateau, and 7b in lower elevations. Cities include Pendleton (7a) and Hermiston (mostly 7b). Suitable plants include Oregon sunshine, Pacific ninebark, and blue elderberry.
29. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Zone 7 spans the southeastern corner, divided into subzone 7a (lower Susquehanna and Lehigh valleys, Piedmont) and 7b (Philadelphia, Delaware River Valley). Example of cities in this zone are Lancaster (7a), Allentown (7a), and Philadelphia (7b). The zone supports plants like Pennsylvania sedge, New England aster, and Eastern white pine.
30. Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s Zone 7 occupies the coast, the Providence area, and Block Island, moderated by the Atlantic Ocean. Key regions include Providence, Newport, and Block Island. The zone hosts coastal-adapted plants like beach plum, New England aster, and seaside goldenrod.
31. Tennessee
Zone 7 of Tennessee covers central and eastern regions, with subzone 7a covering areas in the Cumberland Plateau and parts of East Tennessee, and 7b covering regions in Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley. Some cities in this zone include Cookeville (mostly 7a), Knoxville (7b), and Nashville (7b) that supports plants like Tennessee coneflower, oakleaf hydrangea, and Southern magnolia.
32. Texas
Zone 7 of Texas (Temperature Zones) covers a narrow band in the northern part of the state, with subzone 7a shown as light blue color and 7b as slightly darker blue color on our USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map given above. Subzone 7a covers areas around Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle, and 7b includes regions slightly south and east of 7a. Some cities in this zone include Amarillo (7a) and Lubbock (7b). Some of the most suitable drought-tolerant plants for this zone are Texas sage, Black-eyed Susan, and Turk’s cap.
33. Utah
Utah’s zone 7 is found along the Wasatch Front, subzone 7a covers the cooler benches and valleys from Utah County north to Davis County, and 7b covers regions in lower elevations and warmer microclimates of the Salt Lake Valley. Cities in this zone include Orem (7a) and Salt Lake City (mostly 7b) with plants like Utah serviceberry, desert marigold, and firecracker penstemon. Cedar City is zone 6b and St. George is zone 8b.
34. Virginia
Virginia’s zone 7 covers a large part of the state, stretching from the central regions to the western mountains. Subzone 7a covers areas in the Shenandoah Valley and parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and 7b includes regions in central Virginia, the Roanoke Valley, and the eastern foothills. Some cities in this zone are Winchester (7a), Roanoke (7b), and Charlottesville (7b) and supports plants like Virginia bluebells, Eastern redbud, and American beautyberry.
35. Washington
Washington zone 7 is concentrated in the southeastern part of the state, with subzone 7a covering areas in the Columbia Basin, and 7b covering regions along the Snake River and the Tri-Cities. It includes cities like Yakima (7a), Walla Walla (mostly 7b), and Kennewick (7b) and supports plants like Pacific dogwood, Oregon grape, and vine maple.
36. West Virginia
Zone 7 in West Virginia covers the western river valleys, the Morgantown area, and the Eastern Panhandle, with only subzone 7a present, covering areas in the Ohio and Kanawha River valleys and around Martinsburg. Some cities in this zone include Huntington (7a), Charleston (7a), and Martinsburg (7a). Most suitable plants for this zone in West Virginia are mountain laurel, rhododendron, and flowering dogwood.