Most of central Mississippi is in planting zone 8b, with a few exceptions in the Delta and the Golden Triangle region that fall in zone 8a. The temperatures can drop as low as 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. Warm-season grasses perform best here, but you should wait until the last freeze in March to plant them.
Knowing your hardiness zone helps you choose the right grass and plants for your yard. This article will go deeper into each planting zone in central Mississippi and explain what that means for you.
Check out the links below for additional guides to lawn care and landscaping in Mississippi:
Overview of central Mississippi planting zones
Central Mississippi falls in planting zone 8b, with the exception of small parts of Holmes, Leake, and Noxubee counties in the Delta and the Golden Triangle region that fall in zone 8a. Here’s a county map of central Mississippi:
Zone 8a: The Delta and the Golden Triangle Region
This zone experiences hot summers and mild winters, with minimum temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The last frost in spring generally occurs from March 13 to March 28, and the first frost in fall occurs between Nov. 7 to Nov. 28.
Zone 8a has a long growing season, and winters usually don’t reach the minimum temperature, which means plants stay green longer.
Best grasses for zone 8a
Zone 8a is ideal for warm-season grasses, and May to June is the best time to plant them.
Best plants for zone 8a
From annuals to perennials, you can grow a variety of plants in zone 8a. Some of the best options include:
Flowers:
- Abelia
- Mexican petunia
- Nerium oleander
- Salvia
- Yarrow
Trees and shrubs:
- Crepe myrtle
- Queen palm
- Green ash
- Southern magnolia
- Juniper
Zone 8b: Capital Region, southwest, and east central
Zone 8b is a warm zone with hot summers and mild winters. The extreme minimum temperatures range from 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The last frost in spring generally occurs between March 13 and March 28, and you can expect the first frost of fall between Nov. 7 and Nov. 28.
Regions in this zone enjoy a long growing season and can host a variety of plants.
Best grasses for zone 8b
Warm-season grasses perform best in this zone, and May to June is the best time to plant them.
- Bermudagrass
- Centipedegrass
- Zoysiagrass
Best plants for zone 8b
Zone 8b has a long growing season, and a variety of plants thrive here. Here are some of the best options:
Flowers:
- Phlox
- Iris
- Dahlia
- Begonia
- Gladiolus
Trees and shrubs:
- Live oak
- Southern red oak
- Monkey puzzle
- Queen palm
- Southern magnolia
Planting zones of central Mississippi by city
Here are the planting zones of major cities of central Mississippi:
Belzoni – Zone 8b
Brandon – Zone 8b
Cleveland – Zone 8b
Crystal Springs – Zone 8b
Dossville – Zone 8a
Fayette – Zone 8b
Greenville – Zone 8b
Indianola – Zone 8b
Lexington – Zone 8a
Macon – Zone 8b
Madison – Zone 8b
Mayersville – Zone 8b
Meridian – Zone 8b
Morton – Zone 8b
Newton – Zone 8b
Philadelphia – Zone 8b
Port Gibson – Zone 8b
Raymond – Zone 8b
Rolling Fork – Zone 8b
Vicksburg – Zone 8b
Yazoo City – Zone 8b
FAQs
When is the best time to plant in central Mississippi?
Late March to early November is the best time to plant in central Mississippi because plants get enough time to develop roots before the winter chill.
Can I extend the growing season in central Mississippi?
Central Mississippi already has a long growing season. However, using techniques like row covers, cold frames, and seeding indoors before the last frost can help extend the growing season further.
When to hire a professional
Most of central Mississippi is in zone 8b. Knowing your planting zone helps you create the perfect garden, but that’s just the start. If you need help choosing the right plants or with regular lawn maintenance, get in touch with Lawn Love. Our local lawn care pros use state-of-the-art techniques to transform your yard from ordinary to extraordinary.
Main Image Credit: Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0
