Find Your USDA Hardiness Zone

How to know what plants can grow in your area

It can be difficult to understand which plants will grow in your climate. There are some key phrases you'll see on product descriptions, like "hardiness zone" and "chill hours" that tell you if that plant will thrive where you are.

Here's what those words mean, and how to use that information to find plants perfect for your climate.

FIND YOUR USDA HARDINESS ZONE

The first, and easiest to find, piece of information you're going to need is what zone you live in. The USDA Zone is an area designation that reflects the average minimum lowest temperature your property will experience through the winter months. This data is critical in making sure the varieties you choose are able to survive the coldest parts of the year. The USDA map is updated every few years to reflect the most current temperatures of an area.

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What are chill hours?

Simply put chill hours are the number of hours the temperature remains approximately 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Without sufficient chill hours many plants cannot regulate the hormones necessary to properly flower, and sometimes even grow, the following spring. Depending on your area you will be aiming to select plants with compatible chill hour requirements.

Heat Tolerance

This is a tricky part to balance, because not only are temperatures rising around the globe, but information is harder to get your hands on. A big factor to consider is that many plants that require chill hours will slow their growth over 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a good idea to look up average high temperatures during your summer season to understand whether a plant will be able to endure the heat in your area.