What Growing Zone Is 12603?
Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given zip code 12603 a growing zone designation of 6b. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in zip code 12603's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.
Latest New York growing zone mapIf you are looking for plants suitable for growing in zip code 12603, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in Poughkeepsie, New York.

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Latest New York growing zone mapThe growing zone is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive based on average lowest year temperatures, helping you to decide what plants would grow best in your particular climate. Since zip code 12603 is in growing zone 6b this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for zip code 12603's climate should be chosen with this in mind, or plants should be moved inside to keep their core temperature in the right range if necessary.
Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if zip code 12603 has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.
The updated map shows that over half of the Southeast has warmed by about half a zone. For gardeners, that means you can now grow plants that tolerate a bit more heat and less frost than before. The tan areas reflect this shift. Meanwhile, the white areas had slight temperature changes, but not enough to move them into a new zone. In the Western U.S., a few spots shifted cooler. That's not due to a colder climate, but because the new map uses a larger dataset, giving a more accurate picture of local conditions. It's important to keep track of these changes when planning your garden!
Hardiness Zone FAQ
Have questions about hardiness zones and what they mean for your garden? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about USDA hardiness zones and how they affect plant selection for zip code 12603.
The USDA hardiness zone is 6b for zip code 12603. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.
12603's Growing Zone Details
USDA Growing Zone: 6b
Longitude: -73.86744
Latitude: 41.67816
Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -5 to 0

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Plants For Other States
Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.

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