Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness zones 7b to 9b, which means winter temperature can get as low as 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Here, you can plant cool-season grasses between late August and September and warm-season grasses from May to June.
Knowing your planting zone allows you to identify plants that thrive in your climate and how to care for them. Check out the links below to see planting zone guides for each region of Mississippi:
- North Mississippi Planting Zones
- Central Mississippi Planting Zones
- South Mississippi Planting Zones
Mississippi planting zone map
The USDA Hardiness zone map shows the average annual minimum temperature of each area of the United States recorded over a 30-year period. This information determines what plants can survive in those areas, as well as when farmers and gardeners can expect the first and last frosts of the year.
There’s a 10 degree Fahrenheit difference in the extreme minimum temperature between each zone. USDA further breaks down each zone into “a” and ”b” divisions indicating variations of 5 degrees.
Here’s a map of Mississippi with the planting zones clearly marked:
Zone 7b: Some parts of north Mississippi
Zone 7b features hot summers and mild winters, with extreme minimum temperatures ranging from 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The last frost in spring is generally between March 22 and April 3, and the first frost in fall is from Oct. 29 to Nov. 15.
The growing season in this zone is medium to long, and winters usually don’t reach the minimum temperatures.
Best grasses for zone 7b
Both cool-season and warm-season grasses perform well in this zone. Late August and September are the best times to plant cool-season grasses, while May and June are ideal for planting warm-season grasses.
Cool-season grasses:
Warm-season grasses:
Best plants for zone 7b
From annuals to perennials, you can grow a variety of plants in zone 7b. Some of the best options include:
Flowers:
- Calla lily
- Dahlia
- Iris
- Rose
- Peony
Trees and shrubs:
- American elm
- Azalea
- Hydrangea
- Japanese maple
- Eastern redbud
Zone 8a: Most of north Mississippi and the Golden Triangle region
Zone 8a experiences hot summers and mild winters, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The last frost in spring generally occurs between March 13 and March 28, and the first frost in fall is between Nov. 7 and Nov. 28.
This zone enjoys a long growing season and can host a variety of plants.
Best grasses for zone 8a
Zone 8a is a warm zone, which is ideal for warm-season grasses. May to June is ideal for planting these grasses.
- Bermudagrass
- Centipedegrass
- Zoysiagrass
Best plants for zone 8a
Zone 8a has a long growing season, and a variety of plants perform well here. 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: East central, Capital Region, southwest, and Pine Belt
Zone 8b is a warm zone with hot summers and mild winters. The minimum winter temperature ranges from 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Like zone 8a, this zone’s last frost in spring is generally between March 13 and March 28, and you can expect the first frost in fall between Nov. 7 and Nov. 28.
This zone has a long growing season, and winters usually don’t reach their minimum temperatures.
Best grasses for zone 8b
Warm-season grasses perform best in zone 8b:
- Bermudagrass
- Centipedegrass
- Zoysiagrass
Plant these grasses between May and June.
Best plants for zone 8b
From perennials to evergreens, zone 8b’s warm climate is ideal for a wide selection of plants. Some of the best options include:
Flowers:
- Phlox
- Iris
- Dahlia
- Begonia
- Gladiolus
Trees and shrubs:
- Live oak
- Southern red oak
- Monkey puzzle
- Queen palm
- Southern magnolia
Zone 9a: Gulf Coast
Zone 9a has warm summers and mild winters, with extreme minimum temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The average last frost in spring occurs between Feb. 6 and 28, and the first frost in fall is generally between Nov. 25 and Dec. 13.
If you live in this zone, you have a variety of plants to choose from because of the long growing season.
Best grasses for zone 9a
Zone 9a has a warm climate, which is ideal for warm-season grasses like:
- Bermudagrass
- Centipedegrass
- Zoysiagrass
- St. Augustinegrass
May and June are the best times to plant these grasses.
Best plants for zone 9a
Here are some plants that thrive in this zone:
Flowers:
- Begonia
- Hibiscus
- Peony
- Angelonia
- Iris
Trees and shrubs:
- Silver wattle
- Pineapple guava
- Bottlebrush
- Camellia
- Crape myrtle
FAQs
How reliable are plant hardiness zones for determining plant survival?
The USDA hardiness zones provide a basic idea of which plants can survive winter in different regions, but they don’t consider factors like soil type, rainfall, summer heat, and snow, all of which affect plant survival.
What is the difference between the 2012 and 2023 USDA Hardiness zone in Mississippi?
Most of Mississippi was in zone 8a on the USDA Hardiness zone map of 2012. This shifted to zone 8b (15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit) in 2023, which means the average minimum temperature has increased slightly.
When to hire a professional
Knowing your planting zone can help you create a beautiful backyard, but that’s just the beginning. If you need help choosing the right grass and plant or with anything related to lawn maintenance, get in touch with Lawn Love. Our local lawn care pros can transform your yard from boring to beautiful without you having to break a sweat.
Main Image Credit: Amiratp1 | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0
