Planting Zones In N.C. – USDA Zone Map For North Carolina

If you live in North Carolina, you enjoy a relatively temperate climate, which makes it possible to grow a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and perennial flowers.

The 2023 North Carolina USDA planting map, as seen above, indicates which growing zones cover certain areas of the state. While the northwestern part of the state has the coolest average extreme winter lows, down to a possible -10 degrees F. (-23 C.), the southeastern part of the state rarely experiences winter lows to 20 degrees F. (-6.7 C.). North Carolina zones range from a 6a to 9a.

It is important to know your growing zone so you can choose and care for plants properly. You can also visit the United States Department of Agriculture website and put in your zip code if you are uncertain of where you fall within the zones.

Research done by the USDA during the years 1991-2020 has changed the growing zones in North Carolina. Most counties have been upped by a half zone. For example, Cabarrus County was previously designated a USDA zone of 7b on the 2012 map. The new map indicates Cabarrus County is now in zone 8. This isn’t the only North Carolina planting zone that’s changed. Keep reading to learn about updates to planting zones in N.C.

What Zone Is North Carolina?

So what zone is North Carolina? As with every state it depends on where you live. Planting zones for NC range from 6a to 9a.

Global annual temperatures have risen steadily since the 1960s and these climate changes lead to the need for a new hardiness zone map in 2023.

The 2023 map takes into account 30 years of weather data collected from thousands of weather stations throughout the United States. Each zone is in 10-degree increments and further divided into 5-degree subzones.

Factors such as elevation and proximity to a large body of water have also been used to calculate the zones.

Although many plants survive the North Carolina winter, there are some tropical species that will not, and gardeners living in the mountain regions have to be careful of their plant selection as well.

Overall, using the North Carolina USDA zone hardiness map provides good foundational knowledge for any gardener.

Different Planting Zones in N.C.

There are 26 hardiness zones based on the average annual extreme minimum temperature on record for a period of 30 years. The new map is color coded to help you determine exactly what your zone is. All you have to do to zero in on your USDA zone is enter your zip code.

There are 7 planting zones in NC, from 6a to 9a. The map is meant to be a guide however. Your particular microclimate may raise or lower your zone from an a to b. Even in a single city like the one I live in, the climate zone varies from a 7a to a 6b by just crossing town north to south. Plus, the map is created with past temperature data; it can’t forecast future temperatures.

Updates to the North Carolina Growing Zone Map

Parts of North Carolina have a humid, subtropical climate. The mountain ranges keep low temperatures heading in from Midwest storms at bay. The climate is also affected by the Atlantic Ocean, keeping the coastal areas warmer during winter. Overall, the climate in North Carolina is temperate allowing gardeners to grow an abundance of crops, perennials and annuals.

The increase in North Carolina growing zones doesn’t mean you have to rip out your existing landscape. What it does mean is that there may be slight changes to planting times for crops or the need for sun and heat protection for delicate plants that could previously withstand the sun.

What is for certain, is that if you have been a gardener for any length of time you’ve likely noticed a shift. More days over 90 F (32 C) in the summer, warmer nights, generally reliable plants that now droop or even die.

Plant Outside Your Zone with Season Extenders