USDA Zone 5 planting guide
166 frost-free daysUSDA hardiness zone 5 runs through 358 cities in 22 states we cover, with a moderate growing season of about 166 frost-free days. It spans sub-zones 5a and 5b, which differ by about 5°F in winter lows.Frost isn’t one date across a whole zone, so these are ranges — each city page uses its own nearest NOAA station.
What to plant in Zone 5
143 crops fit the seasonWith about 166 frost-free days, these crops have time to reach maturity. Open a crop for its exact indoor-start, transplant, and direct-sow dates, or check a city below for exact local timing.
Cities in Zone 5
the 48 largest of 358Zone 5 planting FAQ
What can I grow in USDA zone 5?
With about 166 frost-free days, zone 5 has time to mature 100 of the crops we track — including acorn squash, amaranth, anise, arugula, basil. See the full list above, each linked to its planting dates.
What are the frost dates for zone 5?
Across zone 5, the last spring frost falls between April 12 and June 21, and the first fall frost between September 5 and October 28 (50% chance, 32°F). Your city page gives the exact dates for your location.
How long is the growing season in zone 5?
Zone 5 averages about 166 frost-free days, ranging from 78 to 199 days between its coolest and mildest cities.
Hardiness zones from the USDA/PRISM map · frost dates from 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals, aggregated across this zone’s cities. How we compute this.