Nevada Planting Zones

Nevada has a desert and semi-arid climate that results in the state seeing abundant sunshine, and for the most part minimal precipitation, throughout the year. It is the driest state in the country and despite the cold, long winters in the north, the southern region has mild and shorter winters. The majority of the state’s planting zones get little precipitation throughout the year, averaging just 7 inches annually. The wettest parts of the state, the eastern and northeastern slopes of the Sierra Nevadas, can see up to 40 inches. Very hot summers into the triple digits are typical in many parts of the state, while some areas in the northeast and northwest are significantly cooler. 

First and last frost dates affect U.S. hardiness zones and are used to determine which plants and flowers will grow in different regions. Finding your growing zone is easy with Gilmour’s Interactive Planting Zone Map. Understanding the Nevada planting zones will allow you to better choose what to grow in your area. Nevada growing zones range 13 different zones from 4a to 10a. Since there is such a huge variety across the state, it is crucial to know which Nevada planting zone you are in when planning a garden. This is the only way to know what and when to plant. It is generally fine to plant anything rated for a specific zone or lower. Plants that are rated for higher zones will typically not be able to survive the winters in a lower zone. 

Despite the desert and arid conditions in the hotter parts of the state, there are still many plants, flowers and vegetables to choose from that will all grow well across the Nevada planting zones. Vegetables that grow in Nevada include carrots, potatoes, beets, celery, broccoli, lettuce, radishes and onions. Plants and flowers that will survive and thrive could include dwarf oleander, deer grass, nandina, lily turf, honeysuckle, yucca and cacti.