What Growing Zone Is Rockdale?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Rockdale 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 Rockdale's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Rockdale's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

map of growing zone 6aLatest IL growing zone map

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

Heron with Prey Bronze Statue

Heron with Prey Bronze Statue

Make a memorable impression with this striking bronze heron statue.
Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.
Heavy Duty Garden Utility Wagon

Heavy Duty Garden Utility Wagon

Let gardeners haul it all with this rugged utility wagon from Gorilla Carts.
Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Complete garden tool set with heavy-duty stainless steel tools for all your gardening needs.
Cute Foldable Straw Bow Hat

Cute Foldable Straw Bow Hat

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

Show Rockdale's growing zone on my site

map of growing zone 6aLatest 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 Rockdale is in growing zone 6a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Rockdale'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 Rockdale 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!

Ready to start planning your garden? Browse our curated list of plants recommended for Rockdale, IL that are matched to this hardiness zone.

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 Rockdale, IL.

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

Rockdale's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 6a

Zip Codes:
60436

Longitude: -88.1248

Latitude: 41.5048

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

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.
Bronze Girl on Tree Statue

Bronze Girl on Tree Statue

A graceful bronze art piece that brings a regal presence to your garden.
Naughty Garden Gnome Statue

Naughty Garden Gnome Statue

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

Small Greenhouse Kit

Compact greenhouse perfect for small spaces.
Women's Panama Summer Hat

Women's Panama Summer Hat

This women's Panama hat was a hit at my family Christmas last year.

Map of the Rockdale Area

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Metal Seed Storage Box

Organized storage solution for your seed collection.
Japanese Pagoda Garden Statue

Japanese Pagoda Garden Statue

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Worm Composting Kit

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Reusable Grow Bags

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Are You Pooping? Sign

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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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Life Is Better w/ Chickens Sign

Life Is Better w/ Chickens Sign

A heart warming sign for the chicken lover in your life.
Fluffy Butt Hut Sign

Fluffy Butt Hut Sign

For the chicken owner with a sense of humor.
Cluck Around Sign

Cluck Around Sign

Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.
Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Complete garden tool set with heavy-duty stainless steel tools for all your gardening needs.
Women's Panama Summer Hat

Women's Panama Summer Hat

This women's Panama hat was a hit at my family Christmas last year.

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