USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
New Jersey hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 6a-7b · most of New Jersey is zone 7a · Northeast region
New JerseyUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, New Jersey spans zones 6a-7b. The map shades the state from the northwest Highlands near High Point (zone 6a) through to the Atlantic shore and inner harbor (zone 7b). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 7a — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for New Jersey. New Jersey has a mild mid-Atlantic climate with a long season, moderated by the ocean and Delaware Bay along the coast.
| USDA zone range | Zones 6a-7b |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 7a |
| Coldest area | the northwest Highlands near High Point (zone 6a) |
| Warmest area | the Atlantic shore and inner harbor (zone 7b) |
| 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.
New Jersey hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across New Jersey with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Newark | Zone 7b |
| Jersey City | Zone 7b |
| Trenton | Zone 7a |
| Atlantic City | Zone 7b |
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 New Jersey
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Montclair 07042 — Zone 6b
- Union City 07087 — Zone 7b
- Newark 07102 — Zone 7a
- Newark (Central Ward) 07103 — Zone 7a
- Irvington 07111 — Zone 7a
- Jersey City 07302 — Zone 7b
- Hackensack 07601 — Zone 7a
- Bradley Beach 07720 — Zone 7b
- Cherry Hill 08002 — Zone 7a
- Camden 08103 — Zone 7b
- Atlantic City 08401 — Zone 7b
- Trenton 08608 — Zone 7a
- Trenton (South) 08611 — Zone 7a
- Lakewood 08701 — Zone 7a
- Toms River 08753 — Zone 7a
- Piscataway 08854 — Zone 7a
- North Brunswick 08902 — Zone 7a
What New Jersey's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical New Jersey winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because New Jersey spans 6a-7b, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of New Jersey that means at least zone 7a; gardeners in the northwest Highlands near High Point (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 New Jersey
The 6a-7b 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 New Jersey?
New Jersey spans USDA hardiness zones 6a-7b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 7a. The coldest areas are the northwest Highlands near High Point (zone 6a) and the warmest are the Atlantic shore and inner harbor (zone 7b).
When is the last frost in New Jersey?
Across most of New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
New Jersey has a mild mid-Atlantic climate with a long season, moderated by the ocean and Delaware Bay along the coast. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 6a-7b range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 7a 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey ranges from the northwest Highlands near High Point (zone 6a) to the Atlantic shore and inner harbor (zone 7b) — a span of 6a-7b — even though it is a single state.
Did New Jersey'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 New Jersey, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 6a-7b range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.