Plant Hardiness Zones in Canada: What is your rusticity zone?
Rusticity zones, also known as plant hardiness zones, are geographical regions that provide guidance on the suitability of plants based on their ability to withstand the average minimum winter temperatures in a specific area. These zones help gardeners and horticulturists select plants that are likely to survive and thrive in their particular climate.
In Canada, rusticity zones are created by analyzing historical weather data, particularly the lowest winter temperatures recorded over a period of time. The zones are divided based on temperature ranges, with each zone representing a 10-degree Fahrenheit (or 5-degree Celsius) difference in average annual minimum temperatures. The data is compiled and mapped to determine the specific zones across the country.
The rusticity zones in Canada are based on the Plant Hardiness Zone System developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This system is widely used to classify plants and determine their adaptability to different regions.
It’s important to note that rusticity zones can change over time due to climate variations and long-term weather patterns. As climate conditions shift, the boundaries of the zones may shift as well. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the most up-to-date rusticity zone map to ensure accurate information.
In Canada, there are nine rusticity zones, ranging from Zone 0a in the coldest areas of the country to Zone 8b in the mildest regions. Zone 0a represents the harshest conditions with extremely low winter temperatures, while Zone 8b indicates relatively milder winters.
Rusticity zones have a significant influence on determining what vegetables can be grown in a particular region. Different vegetables have different temperature requirements for optimal growth. By referring to the rusticity zone map, gardeners can identify which vegetables are best suited for their specific climate. For example, cold-tolerant crops like kale, cabbage, and carrots thrive in colder zones, while heat-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers are better suited for warmer zones.
Understanding rusticity zones allows gardeners to make informed decisions when selecting and planting vegetables, increasing the chances of successful growth and harvest. It is advisable to consult local agricultural extension services, gardening resources, or experienced gardeners in your specific zone for more detailed and region-specific information on vegetable selection and cultivation practices.
City | Hardiness Zone | Province |
Abbotsford | Zone 8a | British Columbia |
Barrie | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Bathurst | Zone 4b | New Brunswick |
Belleville | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Bradford West Gwillimbury | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Brampton | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Brantford | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Brossard | Zone 5b | Quebec |
Burlington | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Burnaby | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Calgary | Zone 4a | Alberta |
Campbell River | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Campbellton | Zone 4b | New Brunswick |
Châteauguay | Zone 5b | Quebec |
Chilliwack | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Collingwood | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Cornwall | Zone 5a | Ontario |
Courtenay | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Cranbrook | Zone 5b | British Columbia |
Dauphin | Zone 2b | Manitoba |
Delta | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Drummondville | Zone 4b | Quebec |
Dryden | Zone 3b | Ontario |
Duncan | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
East Gwillimbury | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Edmonton | Zone 3a | Alberta |
Edmundston | Zone 4b | New Brunswick |
Estevan | Zone 3a | Saskatchewan |
Flin Flon | Zone 2b | Manitoba |
Fort St. John | Zone 6a | British Columbia |
Fredericton | Zone 5a | New Brunswick |
Gatineau | Zone 5b | Quebec |
Georgina | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Granby | Zone 4b | Quebec |
Greater Sudbury | Zone 4a | Ontario |
Grimsby | Zone 6a | Ontario |
Guelph | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Guelph | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Halifax | Zone 6a | Nova Scotia |
Halton Hills | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Hamilton | Zone 6a | Ontario |
Humboldt | Zone 3a | Saskatchewan |
Joliette | Zone 4b | Quebec |
Jonquière | Zone 4b | Quebec |
Kamloops | Zone 7b | British Columbia |
Kawartha Lakes | Zone 5a | Ontario |
Kelowna | Zone 7b | British Columbia |
Kenora | Zone 3b | Ontario |
Kingston | Zone 5a | Ontario |
Kitchener | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Langley | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Laval | Zone 5b | Quebec |
Leamington | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Lethbridge | Zone 3b | Alberta |
Levis | Zone 5b | Quebec |
Maple Ridge | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Markham | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Martensville | Zone 3a | Saskatchewan |
Mascouche | Zone 5b | Quebec |
Meadow Lake | Zone 3a | Saskatchewan |
Melville | Zone 3a | Saskatchewan |
Milton | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Milton | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Mirabel | Zone 4b | Quebec |
Miramichi | Zone 4b | New Brunswick |
Mississauga | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Moncton | Zone 5b | New Brunswick |
Mono | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Montreal | Zone 5b | Quebec |
Morden | Zone 3a | Manitoba |
Nanaimo | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Nelson | Zone 6b | British Columbia |
New Westminster | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Newmarket | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Niagara Falls | Zone 6a | Ontario |
Norfolk County | Zone 6b | Ontario |
North Bay | Zone 4a | Ontario |
North Vancouver | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Oakville | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Orangeville | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Orillia | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Oshawa | Zone 6a | Ontario |
Ottawa | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Parksville | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Penticton | Zone 7b | British Columbia |
Perth | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Peterborough | Zone 5b | Ontario |
Port Coquitlam | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Powell River | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Prince Edward County | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Prince George | Zone 7a | British Columbia |
Quebec City | Zone 4b | Quebec |
Quesnel | Zone 6a | British Columbia |
Red Deer | Zone 3a | Alberta |
Regina | Zone 3a | Saskatchewan |
Richmond | Zone 8a | British Columbia |
Richmond Hill | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Rimouski | Zone 4b | Quebec |
Saguenay | Zone 3b | Quebec |
Saint John | Zone 5a | New Brunswick |
Saint-Hubert | Zone 5b | Quebec |
Saint-Hyacinthe | Zone 4b | Quebec |
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu | Zone 5b | Quebec |
Saint-Jérôme | Zone 4b | Quebec |
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield | Zone 5b | Quebec |
Salmon Arm | Zone 7b | British Columbia |
Sarnia | Zone 6a | Ontario |
Saskatoon | Zone 3a | Saskatchewan |
Sault Ste. Marie | Zone 4b | Ontario |
Sault Ste. Marie | Zone 4a | Ontario |
Selkirk | Zone 3a | Manitoba |
Shawinigan | Zone 4b | Quebec |
Sherbrooke | Zone 4b | Quebec |
St. Catharines | Zone 6a | Ontario |
St. John’s | Zone 5a | Newfoundland and Labrador |
Steinbach | Zone 3a | Manitoba |
Surrey | Zone 8a | British Columbia |
Terrace | Zone 7a | British Columbia |
Terrebonne | Zone 4b | Quebec |
The Pas | Zone 2b | Manitoba |
Thompson | Zone 3a | Manitoba |
Thunder Bay | Zone 3a | Ontario |
Timmins | Zone 3a | Ontario |
Timmins | Zone 2b | Ontario |
Toronto | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Trois-Rivières | Zone 5a | Quebec |
Vancouver | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Vaughan | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Vernon | Zone 7b | British Columbia |
Victoriaville | Zone 4b | Quebec |
Warman | Zone 3a | Saskatchewan |
Waterloo | Zone 6b | Ontario |
Welland | Zone 6a | Ontario |
White Rock | Zone 8b | British Columbia |
Williams Lake | Zone 6b | British Columbia |
Windsor | Zone 6a | Ontario |
Winkler | Zone 3a | Manitoba |
Winnipeg | Zone 3a | Manitoba |
Woodstock | Zone 5b | New Brunswick |