USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Ohio hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 5b-6b · most of Ohio is zone 6a · Midwest region
OhioUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Ohio spans zones 5b-6b. The map shades the state from the northeast snowbelt and Allegheny foothills (zone 5b) through to the Ohio River valley near Cincinnati (zone 6b). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 6a — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for Ohio. Ohio has a temperate, fairly uniform Midwest climate. Most of the state sits in zone 6 with a dependable warm summer.
| USDA zone range | Zones 5b-6b |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 6a |
| Coldest area | the northeast snowbelt and Allegheny foothills (zone 5b) |
| Warmest area | the Ohio River valley near Cincinnati (zone 6b) |
| Average last spring frost | late April |
| Average first fall frost | mid-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.
Ohio hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Ohio with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Columbus | Zone 6b |
| Cleveland | Zone 6b |
| Cincinnati | Zone 6b |
| Toledo | Zone 6a |
| Akron | Zone 6a |
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 Ohio
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Dublin 43017 — Zone 6a
- Westerville 43081 — Zone 6a
- Columbus (Hilltop) 43204 — Zone 6b
- Columbus 43215 — Zone 6b
- Columbus (Northland) 43229 — Zone 6b
- Toledo 43604 — Zone 6a
- Toledo (West) 43623 — Zone 6a
- Mentor 44060 — Zone 6a
- Cleveland (Old Brooklyn) 44109 — Zone 6a
- Cleveland 44113 — Zone 6a
- Cleveland (Shaker) 44120 — Zone 6a
- Cleveland (Brooklyn) 44144 — Zone 6a
- Medina 44256 — Zone 6a
- Akron 44302 — Zone 6a
- Youngstown 44503 — Zone 6a
- Canton 44702 — Zone 6a
- Cincinnati 45202 — Zone 6b
- Cincinnati (West Price Hill) 45205 — Zone 6b
- Cincinnati (Westwood) 45211 — Zone 6b
- Troy 45373 — Zone 6a
- Dayton 45402 — Zone 6b
What Ohio's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Ohio winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Ohio spans 5b-6b, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Ohio that means at least zone 6a; gardeners in the northeast snowbelt and Allegheny foothills (zone 5b) should choose hardier plants.
- Anchor tender crops to your frost dates. With a last spring frost around late April and first fall frost around mid-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 Ohio
The 5b-6b 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 Ohio?
Ohio spans USDA hardiness zones 5b-6b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 6a. The coldest areas are the northeast snowbelt and Allegheny foothills (zone 5b) and the warmest are the Ohio River valley near Cincinnati (zone 6b).
When is the last frost in Ohio?
Across most of Ohio the average last spring frost falls around late April and the first fall frost around mid-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 Ohio?
Ohio has a temperate, fairly uniform Midwest climate. Most of the state sits in zone 6 with a dependable warm summer. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 5b-6b range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 6a 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 Ohio 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 Ohio ranges from the northeast snowbelt and Allegheny foothills (zone 5b) to the Ohio River valley near Cincinnati (zone 6b) — a span of 5b-6b — even though it is a single state.
Did Ohio'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 Ohio, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 5b-6b range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.