Pennsylvania Planting Calendar
Frost dates, growing zones, and planting dates for Pennsylvania gardeners.
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
The Short Answer
Pennsylvania spans USDA zones 5a through 7b, which means planting dates vary significantly across the state. Northern Pennsylvania has an average last frost around May 5 - May 20, while Philadelphia Region sees its last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20. Use our homepage tool with your zip code for dates specific to your exact location.
Pennsylvania Frost Dates by Region
Four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Cold winters in north. Good growing season, especially in southeastern region.
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Pennsylvania | 5a, 5b, 6a | May 5 - May 20 | Sep 20 - Oct 5 |
| Central Pennsylvania | 5b, 6a, 6b | Apr 25 - May 10 | Oct 1 - Oct 15 |
| Philadelphia Region | 7a, 7b | Apr 5 - Apr 20 | Oct 15 - Nov 5 |
Soil & Growing Conditions
Shale and limestone soils common. Clay in valleys. Rocky in mountains. Generally slightly acidic to neutral.
What to Plant in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's four-season climate supports nearly everything in the garden. Your balanced growing conditions are the envy of both hotter and colder states. Here are the best performers:
Warm-Season Stars
Cool-Season & Year-Round
Flowers, Herbs & More
Browse all 100 plants — or enter your zip code for personalized planting dates.
Neighboring States
Gardeners near state borders may find useful information in neighboring state guides:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026