The Plant Guide Online  ·  Celebrating 15 years online
MAY 1, 2026
Established 2011

The Plant Guide Online

Growing zones & plants for every town in America
Hardiness Reading · 19973

Zip 19973 · Delaware Seaford, DE

Hardiness Zone 7b

What Growing Zone Is 19973?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given zip code 19973 a growing zone designation of 7b.

Hardiness Zone

7b

State

Delaware DE

Latitude

38.63404°

Longitude

-75.62454°

Winter Low (°F)

5 to 10

Best plants for Seaford Plants for 19973 See all of Delaware

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 19973'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.

I.

Delaware Hardiness Map

USDA 2023 plate
— Plate —DE · USDA hardiness
map of growing zone 7b
Latest Delaware growing zone map

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in zip code 19973, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in Seaford, Delaware.

You can also browse our list of recommended plants for zip code 19973 to find specific varieties suited to this hardiness zone.

Recommended Garden Provisions

Sponsored · Amazon Associate

Show Seaford's growing zone on my site

II.

What zone 7b means

In plain English
— Plate —DE · USDA hardiness
map of growing zone 7b
Latest Delaware growing zone map

The 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 19973 is in growing zone 7b this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

— Plate I —USDA Hardiness Zones · 2023
USDA growing zone map of the United States
After the United States Department of Agriculture, revised November 2023

Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if zip code 19973 has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.

— Plate II —Half-zone changes · 2012 → 2023
map of usda hardiness zone changes from 2012 to 2023
Half-zone changes between the 2012 and 2023 USDA hardiness maps.

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!

III.

Hardiness Zone FAQ

For the curious gardener

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 19973.

№ 01What hardiness zone is 19973?+

The USDA hardiness zone is 7b for zip code 19973. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

№ 02What does growing zone 7b mean for 19973?+

Growing zone 7b means that plants in zip code 19973 can survive temperatures as low as 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone designation helps you choose plants that will thrive in your local climate conditions.

№ 03How do I use the growing zone information for 19973?+

Keep your growing zone of 7b in mind when choosing plants for 19973. The growing zone tells you the average low temperatures that occur each year in the area. If you select plants from zones other than 7b, then you may need to provide additional care during the coldest months of the year.

№ 04Has 19973's growing zone changed?+

The USDA updated their hardiness zone maps in 2023. As a result, 19973 may have experienced zone changes. Some areas of the Southeast warmed by half a zone, while areas of the Western United States had their zones lowered as a result of additional data becoming available.

№ 05What plants grow best in zone 7b?+

Visit our page on the best plants for Seaford to see a full list of recommendations for the area.

№ 06Can I grow plants from other zones in 19973?+

While you can try plants from other zones, they may need winter protection or indoor shelter during cold spells. Focus on plants recommended for Seaford's climate for the best results.

IV.

19973's Growing Zone Details

For the record

USDA Growing Zone: 7b

Zip Codes:
19973

Longitude: -75.62454

Latitude: 38.63404

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): 5 to 10

Recommended Garden Provisions

Sponsored · Amazon Associate
V.

Map of the 19973 Area

Live tile
— Map —Lat 38.63404, Lon -75.62454
Tile data © Google Maps
VI.

All Towns In Delaware

Browse the ledger

Recommended Garden Provisions

Sponsored · Amazon Associate
VII.

Plants For Other States

Browse the rest

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

Recommended Garden Provisions

Sponsored · Amazon Associate

To see our latest gardening and homesteading projects, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.