What Growing Zone Is South Lake Tahoe?

Our records indicate the United States Department of Agriculture has given South Lake Tahoe a growing zone designation of 6b. Sometimes also called the planting or hardiness zone, this zone number gives you an idea of what plants can and cannot grow in South Lake Tahoe's climate based on the average extreme annual temperature.Our data is based on the latest 2023 USDA maps, which used South Lake Tahoe's weather data from 1991 - 2020 in their analysis.

map of growing zone 6b (Northern California)map of growing zone 6bLatest CA growing zone map

If you are looking for plants suitable for growing in the South Lake Tahoe area, head on over to our page on plants that grow well in South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.
Raised Garden Bed Kit

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.
Seed Starting Trays

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.
Small Greenhouse Kit

Small Greenhouse Kit

Compact greenhouse perfect for small spaces.
Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Hoeing Ain't Easy Garden Sign

Fun and decorative garden sign to add personality to your space.
map of growing zone 6b (Northern California)map of growing zone 6bLatest CA growing zone map

The growing zone is a measure of the lowest temperature that a plant can survive based on average lowest year temperatures, helping you to decide what plants would grow best in your particular climate. Since South Lake Tahoe is in growing zone 6b this means that plants there can survive temperatures as low as -5 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants for South Lake Tahoe's climate should be chosen with this in mind, or plants should be moved inside to keep their core temperature in the right range if necessary.

Some zones may have been changed by the USDA as of 2023. To see if the South Lake Tahoe area has been affected, refer to this map of half zone changes from the 2012 version of the USDA zones to the 2023 version.

The updated map shows that over half of the Southeast has warmed by about half a zone. For gardeners, that means you can now grow plants that tolerate a bit more heat and less frost than before. The tan areas reflect this shift. Meanwhile, the white areas had slight temperature changes, but not enough to move them into a new zone. In the Western U.S., a few spots shifted cooler. That’s not due to a colder climate, but because the new map uses a larger dataset, giving a more accurate picture of local conditions. It's important to keep track of these changes when planning your garden!

Hardiness Zone FAQ

Have questions about hardiness zones and what they mean for your garden? Check out our FAQ below for quick answers to common questions about USDA hardiness zones and how they affect plant selection in South Lake Tahoe, CA.

The USDA hardiness zone is 6b for South Lake Tahoe. This is sometimes also referred to as the growing or planting zone. These terms are used interchangeably.

South Lake Tahoe's Growing Zone Details

USDA Growing Zone: 6b

Zip Codes: 96150, 96151, 96152, 96154, 96157, 96158

Longitude: -119.9828

Latitude: 38.9393

Lowest Avg Temperatures (F): -5 to 0

Large Greenhouse Kit

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.
Metal Seed Storage Box

Metal Seed Storage Box

Organized storage solution for your seed collection.
Seed Starting Trays

Seed Starting Trays

Perfect for starting seeds indoors before transplanting to your garden.
Raised Garden Bed Kit

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.
Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

Deluxe Plastic Watering Can

High-capacity watering can with comfortable grip and precise spout.

Map of the South Lake Tahoe Area

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Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.
Raised Garden Planter

Raised Garden Planter

Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.
Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Brass Decorative Faucet Handle

Elegant brass handle to enhance your garden faucet.
Reusable Grow Bags

Reusable Grow Bags

Breathable fabric grow bags that promote healthy root growth for your vegetables and fruits.
Raised Garden Bed Kit

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.

Plants For Other States

Looking for the best plants in a different area of the United States? Click on a button below to find plants that are ideal for that state's temperatures.

Alaska Alabama Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Iowa Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Massachusetts Maryland Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri Mississippi Montana North Carolina North Dakota Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico Nevada New York Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Vermont Washington Wisconsin West Virginia Wyoming
Raised Garden Bed Kit

Raised Garden Bed Kit

Easy-to-assemble raised garden bed for better soil control and drainage.
Raised Garden Planter

Raised Garden Planter

Elevated planter for easy access and better drainage.
Large Greenhouse Kit

Large Greenhouse Kit

Spacious greenhouse for extending your growing season.
Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Steel Hori Hori Weeding Knife

Versatile Japanese-style gardening knife for weeding and planting.
Brass Watering Can

Brass Watering Can

Elegant brass watering can with classic design and durability.

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