What Growing Zone Is Wilmington?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Wilmington a growing zone designation of 7b. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Wilmington's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature. .Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Wilmington's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

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

Cluck Around Sign

Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.

Raised Garden Planter

Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.

Self Watering Plant Pots

Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.

Latest DE 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 Wilmington is in growing zone 7b this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Wilmington'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.

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

Half 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!

Wilmington's Growing Zone Details

Stainless Steel Garden Tool Set

Complete garden tool set with heavy-duty stainless steel tools for all your gardening needs.

Small Greenhouse Kit

Compact greenhouse perfect for small spaces.

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

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

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.

Map of the Wilmington Area

All Towns In DE

Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Sturdy basket for collecting and carrying your garden harvest.

Brass Watering Can

Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.

Worm Composting Kit

Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.

Hydroponic Garden Grow Kit

Grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round with this indoor hydroponic garden system.

Rustic Iron Garden Trellis

Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.

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.

Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket

Sturdy basket for collecting and carrying your garden harvest.

Small Greenhouse Kit

Compact greenhouse perfect for small spaces.

Shiitake Mushroom Kit

Grow your own delicious shiitake mushrooms at home.

Metal Arbor Trellis

Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.

Metal Seed Storage Box

Organized storage solution for your seed collection.