Claytonia (Miner's Lettuce) in Zone 5a & 5b
Claytonia perfoliata
Yes, claytonia (miner's lettuce) grows in zones 5a and 5b. Plant it outside May 10–May 17.
When to plant claytonia (miner's lettuce) in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 10–May 17 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 19–Jun 26 (~40 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 9 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 3-6 in.
Plant alongside it in zone 5b
These go outside within two weeks of claytonia (miner's lettuce) in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- CabbageApr 26–May 3
- TomatoMay 24–May 31
- Bush BeansMay 17–May 24
- Sweet CornMay 17–May 24
- LettuceApr 26–May 3
- CucumberMay 17–May 24
Claytonia, also known as miner's lettuce, is a cold-hardy salad green with an unmistakable look: round leaves that appear pierced by their own stem, with small flowers seeming to emerge right from the leaf's center.
How claytonia (miner's lettuce) fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Claytonia (miner's lettuce) needs about 40 days from sowing to first harvest.
Claytonia (Miner's Lettuce) planting windows in every zone
Zone 5b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b | Not usually | May 30–Jun 6 | Jul 9–Jul 16 |
| 4a & 4b | Not usually | May 15–May 22 | Jun 24–Jul 1 |
| 5a & 5b (your zone) | Not usually | May 10–May 17 | Jun 19–Jun 26 |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | Apr 25–May 2 | Jun 4–Jun 11 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Apr 10–Apr 17 | May 20–May 27 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 25–Apr 1 | May 4–May 11 |
| 9a & 9b | Not usually | Feb 15–Feb 22 | Mar 27–Apr 3 |
Harvest dates are about 40 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
No well-established companions for claytonia (miner's lettuce).
Where to buy claytonia seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's claytonia seeds)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing claytonia (miner's lettuce)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 5b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Claytonia (Miner's Lettuce) in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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