Canada Plant Hardiness Zones

Canada Plant Hardiness Zones — What Growing Zone Am I In?

Understanding your Plant Hardiness Zone is the most important step in choosing plants that will thrive where you live. Canada’s climate varies widely, and each region falls into a specific growing zone from Zone 0 to Zone 9.
Most gardeners in the Maritimes, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI grow in Zones 3 to 6.

If you’re wondering “What growing zone am I in?”, this guide makes it simple. Just check the map below or scroll through the zone descriptions to find the right plants for your climate.

What Is a Plant Hardiness Zone?

Plant Hardiness Zones are used across Canada to show which plants can survive winter temperatures and thrive in local conditions. These zones are determined by:

  • Average minimum winter temperatures

  • Length of growing season

  • Snow cover

  • Wind exposure

  • Rainfall patterns

Choosing plants that match your zone ensures better survival, healthier growth, and stronger long-term results.

Canadian Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Canada Hardiness Zone map

This map shows the official Canadian Plant Hardiness Zones created by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Use it to quickly find your zone—then browse plants that are perfectly suited for your climate.

Find Your Growing Zone in Canada

If you’re unsure what zone you’re in, look at your province and match the colour or number to the map.

Most homeowners in the Maritimes fall into:

  • Zone 3

  • Zone 4

  • Zone 5

  • Zone 6

But colder inland regions may fall into Zone 2, and warmer coastal regions may reach Zone 7.

Zone-by-Zone Guide (Zones 2 to 7)

Below is a simple, friendly guide to help you understand what each zone means—and which plants grow best there.

Zone 2 – Extremely Cold Growing Zone

Best for: Northern regions, colder inland climates
Winter lows: –46°C and colder

What grows well in Zone 2:

  • Hardy evergreens

  • Cold-tolerant berry bushes

  • Native shrubs

  • Very hardy fruit trees (select varieties)

Great for gardeners looking for plants that can handle extreme winters.

Zone 3 – Cold Climate Growing Zone

Best for: Parts of central and northern Canada
Winter lows: –40°C

Plants suited for Zone 3:

  • Cold-hardy apples

  • Currants

  • Gooseberries

  • Spruce & pine

  • Hardy perennial flowers

Zone 3 gardeners benefit from choosing tough, resilient plants bred for cold climates.

Zone 4 – Popular Zone in Atlantic Canada

Best for: Much of Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick
Winter lows: –34°C

Perfect plants for Zone 4:

  • Apples, pears, plums

  • Hazelnuts & hardy nuts

  • Elderberry, serviceberry, aronia

  • Most perennial flowers

  • Many food forest plants

This is one of the most versatile zones for growing food forests and fruiting plants.

Zone 5 – Mild Canadian Climate

Best for: Coastal regions, southern Nova Scotia
Winter lows: –29°C

Great plants for Zone 5:

  • Most fruit trees

  • Berry bushes

  • Herbs

  • Shrubs & ornamental plants

  • Hardy Mediterranean varieties

Zone 5 allows for a wide range of edible landscaping and permaculture species.

Zone 6 – Warm Growing Zone in Canada

Best for: Coastal & urban microclimates
Winter lows: –23°C

Plants that thrive in Zone 6:

  • Almost all fruiting plants

  • Many nut trees

  • Grapes

  • Hardy figs

  • Specialty shrubs and herbs

Zone 6 is ideal for gardeners who want more diverse and exotic edible plants.

Zone 7 – Mild Coastal Microclimates

Best for: Small warm pockets in coastal Maritime regions
Winter lows: –17°C

Perfect for Zone 7:

  • A wide range of fruit trees

  • Hardy figs

  • Grapevines

  • Herbs

  • Heat-tolerant ornamentals

Zone 7 allows the biggest variety and longest growing season.

How to Choose Plants for Your Growing Zone

To choose the best plants for your climate:

✔ Look up your zone on the map
✔ Pick plants labeled for your zone or colder
✔ If you’re on the border, choose slightly hardier plants
✔ Consider wind, exposure, snow cover & elevation

Plants suited to your zone will survive winter better and grow stronger each year.

Browse Plants By Growing Zone

Make plant shopping easier! Browse plants that are perfectly suited for your exact climate:

Frequently Asked Questions About Canada’s Plant Hardiness Zones

What growing zone is Nova Scotia in?

Most of Nova Scotia falls between Zone 4 and Zone 6, depending on exact location and microclimate.

Can I grow plants from a warmer zone?

You can, but they may not survive winter. Always choose plants labeled for your zone or colder.

How accurate are growing zones in Canada?

Very accurate—zones are calculated using detailed climate data from Agriculture Canada.

Final Thoughts: Choose Plants That Thrive in Your Zone

Understanding your Plant Hardiness Zone is the key to successful gardening in Canada.
By choosing plants that match your climate, you’ll enjoy:

✔ Better survival
✔ Faster growth
✔ Stronger yields
✔ Healthier landscapes

Use the map above, find your zone, and explore the plants that will thrive on your property for years to come.

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