What's My Growing Zone?

Check the Zone Chart below for a quick and easy way to find your hardiness zone with confidence.

PLANT HARDINESS ZONES

Plant hardiness zones help gardeners and growers understand which plants can reliably withstand the coldest temperatures in their region. In Canada, these zones range from 1 through 9, with Zone 1 representing the most extreme winter conditions and Zone 9 the mildest.

Hardiness zone classifications are based on the average coldest temperature recorded over a 30-year span. This long-term data makes it possible to predict whether a plant can make it through winter in a given area. For instance, a species rated for Zone 3 can tolerate lows near –40°C, while a plant suited to Zone 8 requires minimum temperatures warmer than –6°C. The range across Canada is quite broad—northern regions sit firmly in Zone 1, while parts of Vancouver Island can reach Zone 9. As a result, someone gardening in Calgary, AB must look for plants that can cope with severe cold, whereas gardeners in Victoria, BC can grow a far wider selection of species.

Choosing plants that match your local hardiness zone is one of the simplest ways to avoid winter losses. By referring to the zone guide above, you can identify which plants are likely to thrive where you live. Doing so helps prevent frustration and unnecessary replacement costs since plants outside your zone’s tolerance typically will not survive the winter months.

British Columbia Hardiness Zones