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MAY 1, 2026
Established 2011

The Plant Guide Online

Growing zones & plants for every town in America

What Growing Zone Is Fordyce?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Fordyce a growing zone designation of 5a. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Fordyce's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Fordyce's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

β€” Plate β€”NE Β· USDA hardiness
map of growing zone 5a
Latest NE growing zone map

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

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Show Fordyce's growing zone on my site

β€” Plate β€”NE Β· USDA hardiness
map of growing zone 5a
Latest NE 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 Fordyce is in growing zone 5a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -20 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Fordyce'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 Fordyce 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 Fordyce, NE 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 Fordyce, NE.

β„– 01What hardiness zone is Fordyce, NE?+

The USDA hardiness zone is 5a for Fordyce. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

β„– 02What does growing zone 5a mean for Fordyce, NE?+

Growing zone 5a means that plants in Fordyce, NE can survive temperatures as low as -20 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. This zone designation helps you choose plants that will thrive in your local climate conditions.

β„– 03How do I use the growing zone information for Fordyce?+

Keep your growing zone of 5a in mind when choosing plants for Fordyce. The growing zone tells you the average low temperatures that occur each year in Fordyce. If you select plants from zones other than 5a, then you may need to provide additional care during the coldest months of the year.

β„– 04Has Fordyce's growing zone changed?+

The USDA updated their hardiness zone maps in 2023. As a result, Fordyce 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.

β„– 05What plants grow best in zone 5a?+

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

β„– 06Can I grow plants from other zones in Fordyce?+

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

Fordyce's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 5a

Zip Codes:

Longitude: -97.3628

Latitude: 42.6983

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -20 to -15

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Map of the Fordyce Area

β€” Map β€”Lat 42.6983, Lon -97.3628
Tile data Β© Google Maps

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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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