USDA Hardiness Zone 6 Planting Guide

Zone 6 Overview

Zone 6 covers much of the mid-Atlantic, Ohio Valley, lower Midwest, Pacific Northwest interior, and parts of the mountain West. Minimum winter temperatures range from negative 10 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and growing seasons run 170 to 215 days depending on location. Zone 6 is a versatile gardening zone where temperate and warm-climate plants overlap significantly. Gardeners enjoy long, productive seasons with enough cold winter to satisfy chill-hour requirements for fruit trees while maintaining mild enough conditions for many plants traditionally considered southern. This is the zone where the widest diversity of plants can be grown successfully, making it a favorite of plant collectors and adventurous gardeners.

Zone 6 Temperature Ranges

Plants for Zone 6

Zone 6 supports essentially all temperate trees and shrubs. Peaches, nectarines, and apricots are reliable. Japanese maples in their full diversity thrive here. Crape myrtles (many varieties), Southern magnolias (Little Gem and other compact varieties), and hollies expand the ornamental palette. All standard roses grow without winter protection in most zone 6 locations. Perennial options are nearly unlimited. Figs with winter protection produce well, and some pawpaw varieties reach their northern limit. Blueberries, grapes, blackberries, and all berry crops excel.

Vegetable Gardening in Zone 6

Zone 6's 170 to 215 day season is long enough for virtually any vegetable crop, including long-season warm-climate varieties. Full-season heirloom tomatoes, large melons, sweet potatoes, and even okra produce well. Multiple successions of quick crops like lettuce, radishes, and bush beans are practical. Fall gardening is excellent, with September-planted cool-season crops producing into December with row cover protection. Overwintering garlic, planted in October, yields large bulbs in July. Asparagus, rhubarb, and perennial herbs provide early-season harvests before the main garden gets going.

Frost Protection & Season Tips for Zone 6

Zone 6 gardens need less winterizing than colder zones but benefit from basic protection for marginally hardy plants. Mulch crape myrtles and butterfly bushes after the first hard freeze. Protect newly planted trees and shrubs their first winter. Japanese maples in zone 6a benefit from wind protection. Container-grown plants need insulation or shelter since containerized roots experience colder temperatures than in-ground plantings. Drain and store garden hoses before hard freezes to prevent damage.

Cities in Zone 6

The following cities in our database fall within zone 6. Click any city for detailed frost dates and planting calendars.

Other Zones

View all USDA hardiness zones