State reference · South
North Carolina
North Carolina (NC) covers 5 primary USDA hardiness zones across 1,072 zip codes. Capital: Raleigh.
USDA hardiness zones in North Carolina
Zone share is computed from the 1,072 zip codes within North Carolina. The most common zone is the best starting point for state-wide guidance; check your local zip for microclimate accuracy.
State-wide baseline
Zone 8a covers the largest share of North Carolina, with winter lows around 10°F to 15°F and a typical growing season of 240 days. Zone 8a guide →
Crops suited to North Carolina
Crops whose recommended USDA zone range overlaps North Carolina's dominant zones. 94 crops match.
Tree fruit
18 crops
American Persimmon
Diospyros virginiana
zones 4b–9a
Apple
Malus domestica
zones 3a–9a
Apricot
Prunus armeniaca
zones 5a–8a
Asian Persimmon
Diospyros kaki
zones 7a–10a
European Plum
Prunus domestica
zones 4a–8a
Fig
Ficus carica
zones 7a–10b
Grapefruit
Citrus paradisi
zones 9a–11b
Japanese Plum
Prunus salicina
zones 5b–9a
Berries
20 crops
Aronia (Black Chokeberry)
Aronia melanocarpa
zones 3a–8a
Black Currant
Ribes nigrum
zones 3a–7a
Black Raspberry
Rubus occidentalis
zones 4a–8a
Blackberry
Rubus subgenus Rubus
zones 5a–9a
Cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon
zones 3a–7a
Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
zones 3b–9a
Everbearing Strawberry
Fragaria x ananassa
zones 3b–9a
Goji Berry
Lycium barbarum
zones 3b–10a
Nuts
6 cropsVegetables
40 crops
Arugula
Eruca vesicaria
zones 3b–9a
Asparagus
Asparagus officinalis
zones 3b–8b
Beet
Beta vulgaris
zones 3a–9a
Broccoli
Brassica oleracea var. italica
zones 3a–9a
Brussels Sprouts
Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
zones 3b–8a
Bush Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
zones 3b–9a
Cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. capitata
zones 3a–9b
Carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
zones 3a–9a
Herbs
10 crops
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
zones 4a–10b
Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
zones 3a–8b
Cilantro / Coriander
Coriandrum sativum
zones 3b–9b
Dill
Anethum graveolens
zones 3b–9a
Mint
Mentha species
zones 3b–9b
Oregano
Origanum vulgare
zones 4a–9b
Parsley
Petroselinum crispum
zones 3b–9b
Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
zones 7a–10b
Largest cities in North Carolina
Cities ranked by population (GeoNames public-domain data). Each city has a curated planting reference with its USDA zone, frost dates, and recommended crops.
- CharlotteZone 8a · 911,311
- RaleighZone 8a · 482,295
- GreensboroZone 8a · 285,342
- DurhamZone 8a · 257,636
- Winston-SalemZone 8a · 241,218
- FayettevilleZone 8a · 201,963
- CaryZone 8a · 159,769
- WilmingtonZone 8b · 115,933
- High PointZone 8a · 110,268
- AshevilleZone 7b · 95,056
- GreenvilleZone 8a · 90,597
- ConcordZone 8a · 87,696
Curated zip pages in North Carolina
- Winston-Salem 27111
- High Point 27260
- Hillsborough 27278
- Greensboro 27402
- Carrboro 27510
- Cary 27513
- Chapel Hill 27514
- Chapel Hill 27516
- Chapel Hill 27517
- Raleigh 27601
- Raleigh 27697
- Durham 27713
- Durham 27722
- Greenville 27834
- Concord 28027
- Charlotte 28233
- Pope Army Airfield 28308
- Wilmington 28401
- Asheville 28801
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