Kentucky Planting Zones

Kentucky enjoys relatively moderate and mild weather year-round due to its centralized location making Kentucky planting zones fall in the 6 to 7 range. The state has all 4 very defined and distinct seasons and sees winters that are moderately cold and summers that are generally warm. Most of the state’s climate is categorized as humid subtropical. But the highest areas in the southeast parts of the state have an oceanic climate that is mostly influenced by the Appalachians. The state rarely sees extended periods of extreme cold during winter months. The summer temperatures don’t often go above triple digits and winters seldom drop below 0 for any length of time. 

Kentucky planting zones don’t have much of a range. Most of the state is in 6a to 6b, with just the furthest southwestern region falling into zone 7a. Knowing which Kentucky planting zone you are in will help ensure the right plants, flowers and vegetables are chosen when planting. Determining your growing zone is easy with Gilmour’s Interactive Planting Zone Map. Growing zones are based on average weather patterns and first and last frost dates in a region. They help gardeners know which varieties and plants will do well and which will struggle to survive. Choosing the right plants for Kentucky growing zones is the first step in planting a thriving garden. Keep in mind, it is OK to use plants in lower zones, but not higher. Planting anything that is rated for a higher zone will increase the likelihood that a plant will not be able to survive the winter months.

Gardens in Kentucky are full of many flowers and plants. From begonias to salvia, you can find any number of lush plants to grow well. Other plants that will thrive in the area include euphorbia diamond frost, impatiens, marigolds, zinnas, angelonia (also called summer snapdragon) and cosmos. These are just a few of the flowers that love this area. If planting a vegetable garden, consider beans, carrots, roccoli, radish, peas, sweet corn, squash or tomatoes for a bountiful garden that will produce an abundance to harvest.