What Growing Zone Is Normal?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Normal a growing zone designation of 6a. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Normal's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Normal's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

Latest IL growing zone map

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

Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.

Naughty Garden Gnome Statue

Know someone with a naughty sense of humor? This gnome statue is sure to get some laughs.

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.

Cute Foldable Straw Bow Hat

A foldable hat for ladies that does not sacrifice style, perfect for the fashionable gardener in your life.

Premium Garden Tool Gift Set

Deluxe tools for the gardener in your life to work the earth.

Latest IL 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 Normal is in growing zone 6a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Normal'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 the Normal area 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!

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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 Normal, IL.

The USDA hardiness zone is 6a for Normal. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

Normal's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 6a

Zip Codes:

61761, 61790

Longitude: -88.9884

Latitude: 40.5217

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -10 to -5

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.

Heavy Duty Garden Utility Wagon

Let gardeners haul it all with this rugged utility wagon from Gorilla Carts.

Cute Foldable Straw Bow Hat

A foldable hat for ladies that does not sacrifice style, perfect for the fashionable gardener in your life.

Life Is Better w/ Chickens Sign

A heart warming sign for the chicken lover in your life.

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.

Map of the Normal Area

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Naughty Garden Gnome Statue

Know someone with a naughty sense of humor? This gnome statue is sure to get some laughs.

Raised Garden Planter

Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.

Heron with Prey Bronze Statue

Make a memorable impression with this striking bronze heron statue.

Cute Foldable Straw Bow Hat

A foldable hat for ladies that does not sacrifice style, perfect for the fashionable gardener in your life.

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.

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.