Growing Zone - Orchid Board

Tindomul · #1 01-11-2007, 10:46 PM

I've seen it on other plant forums. I've seen it mentioned in books, and I've heard people talking about it. But I don't know what it is!
Can someone please explain to me what growing zones are, how they are assigned, and what they mean. Thanks

Ray · #2 01-12-2007, 07:02 AM

Unless you grow your plants outdoors, it has little meaning, but the USDA has put together geographic plant hardiness zones of typical temperature ranges.

National Arboretum - USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Marty · #3 01-12-2007, 09:37 AM

Ya, especially if you're into Orchids and you're from Zone 1

... nonetheless if you're from 6a and you read a post from someone from zone 3 you'll get the idea what climate they're from - relative to your own. Zone lower then yours means that they're from a colder climate, if the number is higher they're from a warmer climate.

basically the zone refers to the average coldest temp that you could expect in your area.... Since the lowest temp is what will kill your plant. If you have a tropical plant, but you live in say Zone 6b, the plant will most likely die at that temp. All depending on the plant of course. The zones apply to the plants also. If a plant is native to zone 9b, you will have trouble growing it in a lower zone. Like Ray said, if you grow it outdoors. At home we're all Zone 11

unless you don't pay your gas bill.

Tindomul · #4 01-13-2007, 12:40 AM

Cool!!! Now that explains it! Finallly! So uhm..., what zone is NYC in? Not that it matters.

Marty · #5 01-13-2007, 01:17 AM

you got to look it up

Go to profile and click on the USA link, then look for NYC

Oscarman · #6 01-13-2007, 01:23 AM

Tindo, I believe you and NYC are in zone 7.

Tindomul · #7 01-13-2007, 01:25 AM

Thanks Dave, and I will look it up Marty, just to see for myself.

Ray · #8 01-13-2007, 10:30 AM

Probably 6b, Tindo. It's a "plant hardiness" guide, but in reality, it's an average annual temperature minimum.

Being near the ocean helps. Long Island, for example, is generally a level higher than the city.

Tindomul · #9 01-13-2007, 09:34 PM

Well the website Ray was so good as to show me, shows NYC and most of LI as a 7a. Hmmm. Cool!!!

Ray · #10 01-14-2007, 10:38 AM

Well...that website is the official USDA posting of the chart.

Wait a minute! Does that mean our tax dollars did some good?!?!?!?!