USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Kansas hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 5b-7a · most of Kansas is zone 6b · Midwest region
KansasUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Kansas spans zones 5b-7a. The map shades the state from the northwest High Plains (zone 5b) through to the south-central plains around Wichita (zone 7a). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 6b — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for Kansas. Kansas has a long, hot, often windy continental season. Heat and drought stress matter as much as the winter low across the state.
| USDA zone range | Zones 5b-7a |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 6b |
| Coldest area | the northwest High Plains (zone 5b) |
| Warmest area | the south-central plains around Wichita (zone 7a) |
| Average last spring frost | mid-April |
| Average first fall frost | late October |
Source: USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map (1991-2020 normals). Frost averages: NOAA/NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals. Local ZIP-level zones and frost dates can differ from these statewide figures.
Kansas hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Kansas with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Wichita | Zone 7a |
| Kansas City | Zone 6b |
| Topeka | Zone 6b |
| Overland Park | Zone 6b |
Need your exact zone? Run the ZIP-code zone finder for a precise half-zone and frost dates for your address.
ZIP-code zones in Kansas
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Lawrence 66049 — Zone 6a
- Olathe 66061 — Zone 6a
- Kansas City 66101 — Zone 6b
- Kansas City (Argentine) 66102 — Zone 6b
- Overland Park 66210 — Zone 6b
- Overland Park (West) 66212 — Zone 6b
- Manhattan 66502 — Zone 6a
- Topeka 66603 — Zone 6a
- Wichita 67202 — Zone 7a
- Wichita (Northwest) 67203 — Zone 7a
- Wichita (West) 67212 — Zone 7a
- Wichita (Northeast) 67214 — Zone 7a
- Salina 67401 — Zone 6b
- Dodge City 67801 — Zone 6b
What Kansas's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Kansas winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Kansas spans 5b-7a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Kansas that means at least zone 6b; gardeners in the northwest High Plains (zone 5b) should choose hardier plants.
- Anchor tender crops to your frost dates. With a last spring frost around mid-April and first fall frost around late October, set out tomatoes, peppers, and basil after the last frost and protect them before the first.
- Adjust for your microclimate. Urban heat, a south-facing slope, or a cold valley pocket can shift your effective zone and frost dates by a half-zone or more from the statewide figure.
Find your exact zone in Kansas
The 5b-7a range is statewide. Growli pins your hardiness zone and frost dates to your exact ZIP code and sends a push notification before any forecast frost night for your saved location.
Frequently asked questions
What hardiness zone is Kansas?
Kansas spans USDA hardiness zones 5b-7a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 6b. The coldest areas are the northwest High Plains (zone 5b) and the warmest are the south-central plains around Wichita (zone 7a).
When is the last frost in Kansas?
Across most of Kansas the average last spring frost falls around mid-April and the first fall frost around late October. These are statewide averages — colder, higher areas run later in spring and earlier in fall, so check a ZIP-level estimate for your exact spot.
What grows well in Kansas?
Kansas has a long, hot, often windy continental season. Heat and drought stress matter as much as the winter low across the state. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 5b-7a range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 6b for reliable overwintering, and time tender crops around your local frost dates. The zone 6 planting guide lists vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals suited to most of the state.
Why does Kansas have more than one hardiness zone?
Hardiness zones track the average annual coldest temperature, which changes with latitude, elevation, distance from water, and urban heat. That is why Kansas ranges from the northwest High Plains (zone 5b) to the south-central plains around Wichita (zone 7a) — a span of 5b-7a — even though it is a single state.
Did Kansas's hardiness zone change in 2023?
The USDA updated the Plant Hardiness Zone Map in November 2023 using 1991-2020 climate data. About half the country, including parts of Kansas, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 5b-7a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.