What Growing Zone Is Chicago?
Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Chicago a growing zone designation of 6a. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Chicago's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature. .Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Chicago's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.
If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the Chicago area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in Chicago, IL.
Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign
Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.
Metal Arbor Trellis
Decorative arbor trellis for climbing plants and garden entrance.
Small Greenhouse Kit
Compact greenhouse perfect for small spaces.
Metal Seed Storage Box
Organized storage solution for your seed collection.
Worm Composting Kit
Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
Latest IL growing zone mapThe 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 Chicago is in growing zone 6a this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -10 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Chicago'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 Chicago 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 2023The 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!
Chicago's Growing Zone Details
USDA Growing Zone: 6a
Zip Codes: 60018, 60649, 60641, 60640, 60643, 60642, 60645, 60644, 60647, 60646, 60616, 60617, 60614, 60615, 60612, 60613, 60610, 60611, 60618, 60619, 60631, 60827, 60661, 60660, 60638, 60639, 60634, 60636, 60637, 60630, 60632, 60633, 60605, 60604, 60607, 60606, 60601, 60603, 60602, 60609, 60608, 60106, 60659, 60652, 60653, 60656, 60657, 60654, 60655, 60651, 60623, 60622, 60621, 60620, 60626, 60625, 60624, 60629, 60628, 60707, 60499, 60664, 60666, 60668, 60669, 60670, 60673, 60674, 60675, 60677, 60678, 60680, 60681, 60684, 60685, 60686, 60687, 60688, 60689, 60690, 60694, 60695, 60696, 60699
Longitude: -87.6866
Latitude: 41.8375
Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -10 to -5
Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign
Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.
Brass Watering Can
Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.
Seed Starting Trays
Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.
Worm Composting Kit
Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
Metal Seed Storage Box
Organized storage solution for your seed collection.
Map of the Chicago Area
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Raised Garden Planter
Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.
Brass Watering Can
Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.
Deluxe Plastic Watering Can
High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.
Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign
Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.
Worm Composting Kit
Complete kit for starting your own worm composting system.
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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Cluck Around Sign
Whimsical sign for your chicken coop area.
Fiskars Garden Harvest Basket
Sturdy basket for collecting and carrying your garden harvest.
Self Watering Plant Pots
Innovative pots that maintain optimal moisture levels.
Rustic Iron Garden Trellis
Sturdy trellis for supporting climbing plants and vines.
Brass Decorative Faucet Handle
Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
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