Oklahoma's planting zones, according to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, range primarily from Zone 6a to Zone 8a. More specifically:
- Northern and central parts of Oklahoma generally fall into Zones 6b, 7a, and 7b.
- The southern edge of Oklahoma, including some southeastern areas, has shifted recently from Zone 7b to Zone 8a due to warming trends
For example, Oklahoma City is in Zone 7a, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 0°F to 5°F, while Tulsa is now classified as Zone 7b, with average minimums from 5°F to 10°F
. These zones help gardeners determine which plants are most suitable for their area based on winter hardiness. It is recommended to plant species rated for your zone or lower to ensure survival through winter conditions
. In summary, Oklahoma's planting zones are:
- Zone 6a to 6b in the northern areas
- Zone 7a to 7b in central regions including Oklahoma City and Tulsa
- Zone 8a in the southernmost parts of the state
Gardeners should use these zones as a guide for selecting plants and timing planting to match local frost dates and climate conditions
