Planting Zones of Southeastern Pennsylvania

lawn in front of a house in southeastern pennsylvania

Southeastern Pennsylvania is in USDA planting zones 6b through 8a, where the average low temperatures are between -5 and 0 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Jump into this article to learn about each zone and its location, so you can choose the right plants for your property. 

Southeastern Pennsylvania planting zone map

usda plant hardiness map for pennsylvania
USDA

The southeast is the warmest region in Pennsylvania. Although winters are typically cold, they are relatively mild when compared with the rest of the state. This corner of Pennsylvania is mostly in zone 7a. 

On average, southeastern Pennsylvania has the longest growing season in the state, between 173 to 220 days. The last frost dates are typically between April 4 and April 26. The last frost usually occurs between October 17 and November 11. These are averages, and actual frost dates vary by location. 

If you’d like to learn more about zones and how to use them to create the best landscape, read our article, How to Use the Plant Hardiness Zone Map in Your Yard.

Here’s a map of southeastern Pennsylvania’s hardiness zones:

Zone 6b: Parts of Berks and Buck counties

Zone 6b is the coldest zone in this area, with the lowest winter temperatures averaging between -5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Parts of Berks and Buck counties are covered by this zone.  

Zone 7a: Allentown and Reading

The largest zone in southern Pennsylvania is Zone 7, with zone 7a having minimum temperatures ranging between 0 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Allentown and Reading are examples of cities in this zone.  

Zone 7b: Delaware County

Zone 7b is one of the warmest areas, and experiences average lows between 5 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Parts of Delaware County, like the town of Broomall, are in this zone.  

Zone 8a: Parts of Delaware County

Homeowners in this zone enjoy the warmest weather, with the lowest temperatures averaging between 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Sections of Delaware County sit in this zone. Chester is an example of a zone 8 city. 

For more on lawn care and landscaping for Pennsylvania, check out these guides:  

  • When to Plant Grass Seed in Pennsylvania 
  • Year-Round Pennsylvania Lawn Care Schedule
  • When to Aerate Your Lawn in Pennsylvania
  • When to Dethatch Your Lawn in Pennsylvania
  • When to Stop Mowing Your Lawn in Pennsylvania
  • The Most Common Weeds in Pennsylvania

Call a professional

Want to spend your free time doing something besides gardening and lawn care? Pennsylvania landscaping and lawn care pros can do it for you. Lawn Love has experts throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Allentown, Abington, and Upper Darby. Connect with a pro today.

Main Image Credit: Smallbones | Wikimedia Commons | CC0 1.0

LaShonda Tucker

LaShonda Tucker’s passion for maintaining a healthy lifestyle through organic herbs, fruits, and veggies leads her to research and learn about plants and insects. She loves sharing her knowledge to help others achieve their lawn care and landscaping goals.