Dusty Miller in Zone 5a & 5b
Senecio cineraria
When to plant dusty miller in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Dusty Miller needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Mar 8–Mar 15 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 17–May 24 |
| Estimated bloom | Aug 15–Aug 22 (~90 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.
Dusty miller is grown for its silvery, felted foliage rather than for any flower, a classic bedding and container plant that also earns a spot as a fresh-cut filler that softens bolder bouquet colors.
How dusty miller fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Dusty Miller needs about 90 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Dusty Miller.
Where to buy dusty miller seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing dusty miller" 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 Dusty Miller in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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