groeizones

Groeizones are geographical areas defined by climate and environmental conditions that affect plant growth. They are used in horticulture, agriculture and landscaping to describe where certain crops or ornamental plants can reliably grow and fruit, based on factors like temperature, length of the growing season, frost frequency, rainfall, and soil type.

Because there is no single international standard, "groeizones" is a generic concept that can be realized through different zoning schemes. Common criteria include growing-degree days, heat sums, minimum winter temperatures, expected frost-free days, and precipitation patterns, often supplemented by soil and microclimate considerations.

Plants are labeled with the zones in which they are best suited; nurseries and catalogs may indicate suitable zones to help gardeners select species and plan planting calendars.

Groeizones overlap with related concepts such as hardiness zones, growing-season length, and climate classification systems (for example Köppen), but differ in emphasis: hardiness zones focus on winter survival, while groeizones emphasize active growth and yield potential during the growing season.

Limitations include microclimates, local weather variability, and climate change, which can shift zone boundaries. Plant choices should consider site-specific factors and updated climate data.

See also: growing season, hardiness zone, growing-degree days, Köppen climate classification.