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Planting zones · Reno, Nevada

What Planting Zone Is Reno?

Reno is in USDA zone 7a–7b. High desert in the Sierra Nevada rain shadow at about 4,400 ft: only about 7.4 in. of precipitation, two-thirds of it November–March, and hot, very dry summers. The median last frost is around April 20 and the first around October 23.

  • USDA zone (2023)7a–7b
  • Coldest night (avg.)5 to 10°FZIP 89501
  • Median last frostApr 2032°F
  • Median first frostOct 2332°F
  • Annual precipitation7.3 inches
  • Frost-free season184 days

Reno hardiness zone by ZIP code

On the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, the ZIP codes we sampled in Reno fall in zones 7a to 7b; 89501 (zone 7b) has an average annual extreme minimum of 5 to 10°F. Choose perennials, shrubs, and trees rated at least to zone 7.

2023 USDA zone for sampled Reno ZIP codes
ZIPZoneAvg. coldest night
894317a0 to 5°F
894367a0 to 5°F
895017b5 to 10°F
895097b5 to 10°F
895237a0 to 5°F

Not listed? Look up any ZIP code.

Frost dates and when to plant

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Reno-Tahoe Intl Airport is Apr 20 and the median first fall frost is Oct 23, a typical frost-free season of about 184 days.

Plant container perennials and shrubs after the median last frost (Apr 20), or in early fall at least six weeks before the median first frost (Oct 23) so roots can settle in before the ground freezes.

Rainfall and heat in Reno

Average annual precipitation is 7.3 inches (Reno-Tahoe Intl Airport, 1991–2020), and 65% of it falls November–March. Summers are dry (July is the driest month), so plants lean on stored soil moisture and supplemental water through their first summer.

The average high in July is about 94°F and the average low in December is about 26°F, measured at about 4,410 ft.

That is why a zone rating alone isn't enough for a xeriscape here: pick plants that are both cold-hardy to zone 7 and rated very low or low water once established.

Low-water plants for Reno

75 plants in our database are hardy to zone 7 and suited to zone 7. Here are 12, driest first, across plant types.

See all zone 7 plants

Frequently asked questions

What planting zone is Reno?

Reno, NV is in USDA hardiness zone 7a–7b on the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, based on the ZIP codes we sampled (89431: 7a, 89436: 7a, 89501: 7b, 89509: 7b, 89523: 7a). In 89501, the average coldest night of the year is 5 to 10°F.

When is the last frost in Reno?

The median last spring frost (32°F) at Reno-Tahoe Intl Airport is Apr 20 and the median first fall frost is Oct 23, a typical frost-free season of about 184 days.

How much rain does Reno get?

Average annual precipitation is 7.3 inches (Reno-Tahoe Intl Airport, 1991–2020), and 65% of it falls November–March. Summers are dry (July is the driest month), so plants lean on stored soil moisture and supplemental water through their first summer.

Sources

  1. NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, Reno-Tahoe Intl Airport (USW00023185). ncei.noaa.gov
  2. USDA ARS 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map, by ZIP. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov