USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map
Tennessee hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow
Zones 6a-8a · most of Tennessee is zone 7a · Southeast region
TennesseeUSDA zone range & map
On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Tennessee spans zones 6a-8a. The map shades the state from the eastern Appalachian highlands (zone 6a) through to the western Mississippi lowlands near Memphis (zone 8a). 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 Tennessee. Tennessee has a long, humid, warm season with mild winters. The eastern mountains run a zone cooler than the western lowlands.
| USDA zone range | Zones 6a-8a |
|---|---|
| Most common zone | Zone 7a |
| Coldest area | the eastern Appalachian highlands (zone 6a) |
| Warmest area | the western Mississippi lowlands near Memphis (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.
Tennessee hardiness zones by major city
Zones shift across Tennessee with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:
| City | USDA zone |
|---|---|
| Nashville | Zone 7b |
| Memphis | Zone 8a |
| Knoxville | Zone 7b |
| Chattanooga | 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 Tennessee
Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:
- Antioch (Nashville metro) 37013 — Zone 7b
- Hendersonville 37075 — Zone 7a
- La Vergne 37086 — Zone 7a
- Murfreesboro 37130 — Zone 7a
- Nashville 37201 — Zone 7b
- Nashville (South) 37211 — Zone 7b
- Hixson 37343 — Zone 7b
- Chattanooga 37402 — Zone 7b
- Chattanooga (East) 37421 — Zone 7b
- Johnson City 37604 — Zone 7a
- Kingsport 37660 — Zone 7a
- Knoxville 37902 — Zone 7a
- Knoxville (Fountain City) 37918 — Zone 7a
- Memphis 38103 — Zone 8a
- Memphis (Whitehaven) 38109 — Zone 8a
- Memphis (Bartlett) 38134 — Zone 7b
What Tennessee's zone range means for planting
Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Tennessee winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Tennessee 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 Tennessee that means at least zone 7a; gardeners in the eastern Appalachian highlands (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 Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee 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 7a. The coldest areas are the eastern Appalachian highlands (zone 6a) and the warmest are the western Mississippi lowlands near Memphis (zone 8a).
When is the last frost in Tennessee?
Across most of Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee has a long, humid, warm season with mild winters. The eastern mountains run a zone cooler than the western lowlands. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 6a-8a 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee ranges from the eastern Appalachian highlands (zone 6a) to the western Mississippi lowlands near Memphis (zone 8a) — a span of 6a-8a — even though it is a single state.
Did Tennessee'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 Tennessee, 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.