Zone 5a Planting Calendar

Zone 5a is the colder half of Zone 5. See also: Zone 5 full calendar

Last updated: May 15, 2026
Zone 5a Climate Facts
Last Spring FrostMay 7
First Fall FrostSep 28
Growing Season144 days
Plants Available49 varieties

All Plants for Zone 5a

PlantTypeStart IndoorsTransplant / SowHarvest StartHarvest End
Arugula vegetable — Apr 30 Jun 4 Jul 14
Asparagus vegetable Apr 9 May 7 year 2-3 ongoing
Basil herb Apr 16 May 14 Jul 10 Sep 3
Beet vegetable — Apr 30 Jun 28 Aug 17
Blueberry fruit Apr 9 May 7 year 2-3 ongoing
Broccoli vegetable Mar 12 Apr 30 Jul 6 Sep 4
Brussels Sprouts vegetable Mar 12 Apr 30 Jul 26 Sep 24
Butternut Squash vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Aug 21 Oct 2
Cabbage vegetable Mar 12 Apr 30 Jul 6 Sep 14
Cantaloupe fruit Apr 2 May 21 Aug 11 Sep 25
Carrot vegetable — May 7 Jul 21 Sep 9
Cauliflower vegetable Mar 12 Apr 30 Jul 1 Aug 25
Celery vegetable Mar 19 May 7 Aug 17 Oct 2
Chives herb Apr 9 May 7 Jul 16 Sep 14
Cilantro herb — May 7 Jul 1 Aug 25
Corn (Sweet) vegetable — May 14 Jul 21 Sep 29
Cucumber vegetable Apr 1 May 15 Jul 5 Sep 25
Dill herb — May 14 Jul 3 Aug 22
Eggplant vegetable Apr 9 May 28 Aug 11 Sep 30
Garlic vegetable — Aug 24 Jun 29 Jul 29
Green Beans vegetable — May 14 Jul 10 Aug 24
Green Onion (Scallion) vegetable — Apr 30 Jun 29 Aug 13
Habanero Pepper vegetable Apr 9 May 28 Sep 12 Oct 2
Jalapeño Pepper vegetable Apr 2 May 21 Aug 11 Sep 25
Kale vegetable Mar 12 Apr 30 Jun 26 Aug 20
Lavender herb Mar 26 May 14 Sep 2 Oct 2
Lettuce vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Jun 5 Aug 4
Marigold flower Apr 2 May 21 Jul 12 Aug 31
Mint herb Apr 16 May 14 Jul 25 Sep 23
Okra vegetable — May 21 Jul 20 Sep 3
Onion vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Aug 8 Oct 2
Oregano herb Apr 16 May 14 Aug 12 Sep 21
Parsley herb Mar 19 May 7 Aug 6 Sep 25
Peas vegetable — Apr 30 Jul 4 Aug 18
Pepper (Bell) vegetable Feb 25 May 15 Jul 15 Oct 1
Potato vegetable Apr 9 May 7 Aug 2 Oct 2
Pumpkin vegetable Apr 23 May 21 Aug 26 Oct 2
Radish vegetable — Apr 30 May 27 Jul 9
Sage herb Apr 16 May 14 Aug 12 Sep 26
Spinach vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Jun 13 Jul 28
Strawberry fruit Apr 9 May 7 Aug 26 Oct 2
Sunflower flower — May 14 Aug 2 Oct 1
Sweet Potato vegetable Apr 2 May 21 Sep 5 Oct 2
Swiss Chard vegetable Apr 2 Apr 30 Jun 28 Aug 7
Thyme herb Apr 16 May 14 Aug 14 Sep 28
Tomato vegetable Mar 1 May 10 Jul 10 Oct 1
Turnip vegetable — Apr 30 Jun 4 Aug 3
Watermelon fruit Apr 9 May 28 Aug 14 Oct 2
Zucchini vegetable Apr 16 May 14 Jul 5 Aug 24
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.
Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.