What zone 9a means
In zone 9a, the average of the coldest night of each winter (1991 to 2020) is 20 to 25°F (-7 to -4°C). Some winters will be colder than that and some milder: the zone is an average, not the coldest temperature ever recorded. When a plant tag lists a zone range that includes 9a, the plant should survive a typical winter here. If you are in the "a" half, you are in the colder part of the zone.
Frost dates in zone 9a
Median 32°F freeze dates across 2,199 ZIP codes with a NOAA weather station within 60 km, from the 1991 to 2020 climate normals. Frost dates vary a lot inside a zone, because zones measure winter cold, not season length, so look up your ZIP code for your own dates.
Vegetable planting calendar for zone 9a
Purdue Extension groups vegetables by how much frost they can take and times planting from the average last spring frost. Applied to this zone's typical last frost of March 2:
| Group | Plant outdoors | Crops |
|---|---|---|
| Hardy crops (tolerate a hard frost) 4 to 6 weeks before the average last spring frost | January 19 to February 2 | Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, horseradish, kale, kohlrabi, leek, mustard, onion, peas, potato, radish, rhubarb, spinach, turnip |
| Semi-hardy crops (tolerate a light frost) 2 to 4 weeks before the average last spring frost | February 2 to February 16 | Beet, carrot, cauliflower, celery, chard, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, mustard, parsnip |
| Tender crops (damaged by frost) after the average last spring frost, once nights stay above 50°F | From March 2 | Bean, sweet corn, tomato |
| Very tender crops (warm season) at least 2 weeks after the average last spring frost, once nights stay above 60 to 65°F | From March 16 | Cucumber, eggplant, melons, okra, pepper, pumpkin, squash, sweet potato |
Spring planting for direct seeding or transplants. A late cold snap can still happen, so watch the forecast and protect tender plants. Want today's answer for your ZIP code? Use what to plant now.
Sources: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020; Purdue Extension, Indiana Vegetable Planting Calendar (HO-186-W).
Zone 9a next to its neighbors
Zone 8b, one half zone colder, averages 15 to 20°F (-9 to -7°C). Zone 9b, one half zone warmer, averages 25 to 30°F (-4 to -1°C). On the 2023 map, about half the country moved to the next warmer half zone compared with 2012, so some gardens that were in 8b are now in 9a.
Using zone 9a when you shop
Look for the hardiness range on plant tags and in catalogs. A plant listed for "zones 7 to 11" includes zone 9a. If the range stops just above you, choose a sheltered spot, mulch roots before winter or grow it in a pot. Remember that zones describe winter cold only; heat, rainfall and soil decide the rest. How to read a plant tag.
States with the most zone 9a ZIP codes
Cities in zone 9a
Frequently asked questions
What does zone 9a mean?
Zone 9a covers places where the average coldest winter night is 20 to 25°F (-7 to -4°C). On the 2023 USDA map, 2,199 ZIP codes are in zone 9a.
What is the difference between zone 9a and 9b?
Each 10°F zone is split into two 5°F half zones. "a" is the colder half and "b" the warmer half. Zone 9a averages 20 to 25°F (-7 to -4°C); zone 9b averages 25 to 30°F (-4 to -1°C).
Source: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code listings, PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University; USDA ARS. Not the official USDA map.