Candytuft in Zone 5a & 5b
Iberis umbellata
When to plant candytuft in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Candytuft doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 26–May 3 |
| Estimated bloom | Jul 5–Jul 12 (~70 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Candytuft is a short, dense annual grown for a concentrated burst of white or pink flowers in late spring.
How candytuft fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Candytuft needs about 70 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Candytuft.
Where to buy candytuft seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing candytuft" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 5b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Candytuft in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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