What Growing Zone Is Morro Bay?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Morro Bay a growing zone designation of 9b. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Morro Bay's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Morro Bay's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

map of growing zone 9b (Northern California)map of growing zone 9bLatest CA growing zone map

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the Morro Bay area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in Morro Bay, CA.

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.
Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

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Seed Starting Trays

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Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

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Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.
map of growing zone 9b (Northern California)map of growing zone 9bLatest CA growing zone map

The growing zone is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive based on average lowest year temperatures, helping you to decide what plants would grow best in your particular climate. Since Morro Bay is in growing zone 9b this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Morro Bay's climate should be chosen with this in mind, or plants should be moved inside to keep their core temperature in the right range if necessary.

USDA growing zone map of the United States

Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if the Morro Bay area has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.

map of usda hardiness zone changes from 2012 to 2023Half zone changes from 2012 to 2023

The updated map shows that over half of the Southeast has warmed by about half a zone. For gardeners, that means you can now grow plants that tolerate a bit more heat and less frost than before. The tan areas reflect this shift. Meanwhile, the white areas had slight temperature changes, but not enough to move them into a new zone. In the Western U.S., a few spots shifted cooler. That’s not due to a colder climate, but because the new map uses a larger dataset, giving a more accurate picture of local conditions. It's important to keep track of these changes when planning your garden!

Hardiness Zone FAQ

Have questions about hardiness zones and what they mean for your garden? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about USDA hardiness zones and how they affect plant selection in Morro Bay, CA.

The USDA hardiness zone is 9b for Morro Bay. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

Morro Bay's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 9b

Zip Codes: 93442, 93443

Longitude: -120.8482

Latitude: 35.3682

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): 25 to 30

Brass Watering Can

Brass Watering Can

Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.
Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

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Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.
Seed Starting Trays

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Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.
Cluck Around Sign

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Map of the Morro Bay Area

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Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

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Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.
Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

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Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
Seed Starting Trays

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Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.
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Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

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Plants For Other States

Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.

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Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

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High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.
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Metal Seed Storage Box

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Organized storage solution for your seed collection.
Self Watering Plant Pots

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Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.
Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.

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