What Growing Zone Is Portland?

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

Latest OR growing zone map

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

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

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

Portland's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 9a

Zip Codes: 97227, 97221, 97220, 97229, 97203, 97202, 97201, 97206, 97205, 97204, 97209, 97208, 97258, 97266, 97219, 97213, 97236, 97232, 97233, 97230, 97239, 97218, 97214, 97215, 97216, 97217, 97210, 97211, 97212, 97207, 97228, 97238, 97240, 97242, 97250, 97251, 97252, 97253, 97254, 97256, 97280, 97282, 97283, 97286, 97290, 97291, 97292, 97293, 97294

Longitude: -122.65

Latitude: 45.5371

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): 20 to 25

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Map of the Portland Area

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Raised Garden Bed Kit

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

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.

Reusable Grow Bags

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

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.

Brass Watering Can

Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.

Wooden Chicken Coop

Spacious and secure home for your backyard chickens.

Raised Garden Bed Kit

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

Reusable Grow Bags

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

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