What Growing Zone Is El Capitan?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given El Capitan a growing zone designation of 9a. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in El Capitan's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used El Capitan's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

Latest AZ growing zone map

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the El Capitan area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in El Capitan, AZ.

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Latest AZ 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 El Capitan is in growing zone 9a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for El Capitan'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.

USDA growing zone map of the United States

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

map of usda hardiness zone changes from 2012 to 2023

Half zone changes from 2012 to 2023

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!

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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 in El Capitan, AZ.

The USDA hardiness zone is 9a for El Capitan. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

El Capitan's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 9a

Zip Codes: 85501

Longitude: -110.7833

Latitude: 33.2383

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): 20 to 25

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Map of the El Capitan Area

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Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.

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Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.

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Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.

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Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.

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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.

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.

Worm Composting Kit

Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.

Self Watering Plant Pots

Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.

Cluck Around Sign

Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.

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