USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Oklahoma hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 6b-8a · most of Oklahoma is zone 7b · Southwest region
OklahomaUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Oklahoma spans zones 6b-8a. The map shades the state from the Panhandle High Plains (zone 6b) through to the south-central and southeast lowlands (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 Oklahoma. Oklahoma has a long, hot, often windy season. Summer heat and drought stress are as limiting as the winter low across most of the state.
| USDA zone range | Zones 6b-8a |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 7b |
| Coldest area | the Panhandle High Plains (zone 6b) |
| Warmest area | the south-central and southeast lowlands (zone 8a) |
| Average last spring frost | early 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.
Oklahoma hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Oklahoma with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | Zone 7b |
| Tulsa | Zone 7b |
| Norman | Zone 7b |
| Lawton | 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 Oklahoma
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Edmond 73013 — Zone 7a
- Norman 73069 — Zone 7a
- Oklahoma City 73102 — Zone 7a
- Oklahoma City (Southwest) 73108 — Zone 7a
- Oklahoma City (Northwest) 73112 — Zone 7a
- Moore 73160 — Zone 7a
- Lawton 73505 — Zone 7b
- Broken Arrow 74012 — Zone 7a
- Tulsa 74103 — Zone 7a
- Tulsa (Midtown) 74135 — Zone 7a
- Tulsa (East) 74145 — Zone 7a
- Ponca City 74604 — Zone 7a
- Durant 74701 — Zone 8a
What Oklahoma's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Oklahoma winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Oklahoma spans 6b-8a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.
- Pick perennials hardy to your local zone. Across most of Oklahoma that means at least zone 7b; gardeners in the Panhandle High Plains (zone 6b) should choose hardier plants.
- Anchor tender crops to your frost dates. With a last spring frost around early 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 Oklahoma
The 6b-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 Oklahoma?
Oklahoma spans USDA hardiness zones 6b-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 Panhandle High Plains (zone 6b) and the warmest are the south-central and southeast lowlands (zone 8a).
When is the last frost in Oklahoma?
Across most of Oklahoma the average last spring frost falls around early 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 Oklahoma?
Oklahoma has a long, hot, often windy season. Summer heat and drought stress are as limiting as the winter low across most of the state. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 6b-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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma ranges from the Panhandle High Plains (zone 6b) to the south-central and southeast lowlands (zone 8a) — a span of 6b-8a — even though it is a single state.
Did Oklahoma'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 Oklahoma, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 6b-8a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.