What Growing Zone Is Emerald Isle?
Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given Emerald Isle a growing zone designation of 8b. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in Emerald Isle's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used Emerald Isle's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

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

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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 Emerald Isle is in growing zone 8b this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for Emerald Isle'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 Emerald Isle area has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.

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 Emerald Isle, NC.
The USDA hardiness zone is 8b for Emerald Isle. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.
Emerald Isle's Growing Zone Details
USDA Growing Zone: 8b
Zip Codes: 28594
Longitude: -77.0292
Latitude: 34.6648
Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): 15 to 20

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Map of the Emerald Isle Area
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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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