USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Maryland hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 6a-8a · most of Maryland is zone 7b · Northeast region
MarylandUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Maryland spans zones 6a-8a. The map shades the state from the western Appalachian panhandle near Oakland (zone 6a) through to the Chesapeake and Atlantic shoreline (zone 8a). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 7b — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for Maryland. Maryland spans cool western mountains to a mild Chesapeake tidewater, giving a long, varied mid-Atlantic season.
| USDA zone range | Zones 6a-8a |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 7b |
| Coldest area | the western Appalachian panhandle near Oakland (zone 6a) |
| Warmest area | the Chesapeake and Atlantic shoreline (zone 8a) |
| 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.
Maryland hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Maryland with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Baltimore | Zone 8a |
| Annapolis | Zone 7b |
| Rockville | Zone 7b |
| Frederick | Zone 7a |
| Ocean City | Zone 8a |
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 Maryland
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Greenbelt 20770 — Zone 7b
- Upper Marlboro 20772 — Zone 7b
- Rockville 20850 — Zone 7a
- Germantown 20874 — Zone 7a
- Gaithersburg 20878 — Zone 7a
- Silver Spring 20906 — Zone 7a
- Baltimore 21201 — Zone 7b
- Baltimore (Northwest) 21215 — Zone 7b
- Baltimore (Highlandtown) 21224 — Zone 7b
- Annapolis 21401 — Zone 7b
- Frederick 21703 — Zone 7a
- Hagerstown 21740 — Zone 7a
- Salisbury 21801 — Zone 7b
What Maryland's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Maryland winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Maryland spans 6a-8a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Maryland that means at least zone 7b; gardeners in the western Appalachian panhandle near Oakland (zone 6a) 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 Maryland
The 6a-8a 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 Maryland?
Maryland spans USDA hardiness zones 6a-8a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 7b. The coldest areas are the western Appalachian panhandle near Oakland (zone 6a) and the warmest are the Chesapeake and Atlantic shoreline (zone 8a).
When is the last frost in Maryland?
Across most of Maryland 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 Maryland?
Maryland spans cool western mountains to a mild Chesapeake tidewater, giving a long, varied mid-Atlantic season. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 6a-8a range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 7b for reliable overwintering, and time tender crops around your local frost dates. The zone 7 planting guide lists vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals suited to most of the state.
Why does Maryland 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 Maryland ranges from the western Appalachian panhandle near Oakland (zone 6a) to the Chesapeake and Atlantic shoreline (zone 8a) — a span of 6a-8a — even though it is a single state.
Did Maryland'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 Maryland, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 6a-8a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.