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USDA hardiness zones — 2023 map

Texas hardiness zones — USDA planting zone map + what to grow

Zones 6a-10a · most of Texas is zone 8b · Southwest region

TexasUSDA zone range & map

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Texas spans zones 6a-10a. The map shades the state from the northern Panhandle near Dalhart (zone 6a) through to the lower Rio Grande Valley near Brownsville (zone 10a). The single most common half-zone across the populated state is zone 8b — that is the figure to use if you only remember one number for Texas. Texas is huge and spans cold Panhandle plains to a nearly frost-free Gulf and Rio Grande Valley. Most of the state has a long, hot season in zones 8-9.

USDA zone rangeZones 6a-10a
Most common zoneZone 8b
Coldest areathe northern Panhandle near Dalhart (zone 6a)
Warmest areathe lower Rio Grande Valley near Brownsville (zone 10a)
Average last spring frostmid-March (most of state)
Average first fall frostmid-November (most of state)

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.

Texas hardiness zones by major city

Zones shift across Texas with elevation and distance from the coast. Here is the 2023 USDA half-zone for the largest cities:

CityUSDA zone
HoustonZone 9b
San AntonioZone 9a
DallasZone 8b
AustinZone 9a
El PasoZone 8b

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 Texas

Statewide ranges hide a lot. Tap your area for its exact USDA half-zone, last and first frost dates, and what to plant now:

What Texas's zone range means for planting

Your hardiness zone tells you which perennials, shrubs, and trees will survive a typical Texas winter, and it anchors when tender crops can go outside. Because Texas spans 6a-10a, two gardeners in the same state can have very different planting calendars.

Find your exact zone in Texas

The 6a-10a 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.

ZIP-code zone finder →Zone 8 planting guide

Frequently asked questions

What hardiness zone is Texas?

Texas spans USDA hardiness zones 6a-10a on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The most common zone — covering the largest share of the populated state — is zone 8b. The coldest areas are the northern Panhandle near Dalhart (zone 6a) and the warmest are the lower Rio Grande Valley near Brownsville (zone 10a).

When is the last frost in Texas?

Across most of Texas the average last spring frost falls around mid-March (most of state) and the first fall frost around mid-November (most of state). 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 Texas?

Texas is huge and spans cold Panhandle plains to a nearly frost-free Gulf and Rio Grande Valley. Most of the state has a long, hot season in zones 8-9. Match plants to your local half-zone within the 6a-10a range: choose varieties hardy to at least zone 8b for reliable overwintering, and time tender crops around your local frost dates. The zone 8 planting guide lists vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals suited to most of the state.

Why does Texas 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 Texas ranges from the northern Panhandle near Dalhart (zone 6a) to the lower Rio Grande Valley near Brownsville (zone 10a) — a span of 6a-10a — even though it is a single state.

Did Texas'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 Texas, shifted to the next warmer half-zone versus the 2012 map. The 6a-10a range here reflects the current 2023 map. Always confirm your address against the official USDA map for plant-survival decisions.

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