Why Temperature Matters for Plant Shipping

As winter tightens its grip in late February 2025, shipping live plants requires careful planning to avoid frost damage, frozen roots, or delayed deliveries. With a major cold front sweeping across the northern U.S. next week, we’ve analyzed state-by-state forecasts to help you decide where and when to safely ship your plants.

Here’s your actionable guide for shipments departing Monday, February 17, or Tuesday, February 18, with delivery expected Wednesday, February 19, to Friday, February 21.

Regional Weather Breakdown

(All temperatures in Fahrenheit)

1. Pacific Northwest (WA, OR, ID, MT)

• Wednesday (2/19): 19°F to 28°F | Heavy snow ❄️

• Thursday (2/20): 14°F to 23°F | Subzero wind chills 💨

• Friday (2/21): 18°F to 27°F | Lingering snow showers
  Risk Level: High – Avoid shipping tropical plants here.

2. Northern Plains (ND, SD, MN, WI)

• Wednesday (2/19): 10°F to 18°F | Extreme cold 🥶

• Thursday (2/20): 5°F to 14°F | Wind chills to -40°F

• Friday (2/21): 14°F to 23°F | Slow warming trend
  Risk Level: Critical – Delay shipments until late February.

3. Southern States (TX, LA, FL, GA, SC)

• Wednesday (2/19): 41°F to 54°F | Sunny & mild 🌤️

• Thursday (2/20): 37°F to 50°F | Light frost in TX Panhandle

• Friday (2/21): 45°F to 59°F | Ideal for delicate plants 🌱
  Risk Level: Low – Safest region for shipping.

4. California

• Wednesday (2/19): 50°F to 59°F | Coastal warmth 🌊

• Thursday (2/20): 54°F to 63°F | No frost risk

• Friday (2/21): 57°F to 66°F | Perfect for succulents 🌵
  Risk Level: Low – Ship with standard packaging.

(See full regional tables at the end of this post.)

Shipping Tips to Avoid Plant Damage

1. Insulate High-Risk Shipments

   • Use thermal liners and heat packs for the Mid-Atlantic (VA, MD) and Southwest (AZ, NM), where nighttime lows dip near freezing.

2. Avoid These Regions Entirely

   • Northern Plains and Rockies (CO, WY): Subzero temps can kill even cold-hardy plants.

   • Midwest (IL, IN): Snow squalls may delay deliveries by 1–2 days.

3. Prioritize Southern Routes

   • Ship via Texas, Florida, or Georgia hubs for guaranteed above-freezing temps.

Key Dates to Watch

• Coldest Day: Thursday, February 20 – Heavy snow in the Northwest and Northern Plains.

• Safest Day: Friday, February 21 – Warming begins in the East (Mid-Atlantic up to 45°F).

Full Temperature Chart by Region

Final Takeaways

• Safest States to Ship Plants to : FL, GA, SC, CA, LA (41–66°F all week).

• High-Risk States: ND, SD, MN, WI, CO (below 23°F).

• Monitor Real-Time Data: Check National Weather Service before dispatching.

Stay warm, and happy shipping! 🌿

Sources: NOAA Climate Prediction Center, National Weather Service, and Weather Underground historical trends.