What Growing Zone Is California?
Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given California a growing zone designation of 8a. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in California's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used California's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.
Latest MD growing zone mapIf you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the California area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in California, MD.
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Latest MD 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 California is in growing zone 8a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for California'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 California 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!
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 California, MD.
The USDA hardiness zone is 8a for California. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.
California's Growing Zone Details
USDA Growing Zone: 8a
Longitude: -76.4949
Latitude: 38.2969
Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): 10 to 15
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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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