Goldenseal in Zone 5a & 5b
Hydrastis canadensis
Yes, goldenseal grows in zones 5a and 5b. Plant it outside May 10–May 17.
When to plant goldenseal 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 | About 3 years after planting |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 5b
These go outside within two weeks of goldenseal in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMay 24–May 31
- BorageMay 10–May 17
- DillMay 3–May 10
- RosemaryMay 24–May 31
- American GinsengMay 10–May 17
- AniseMay 10–May 17
Goldenseal is a shade-dependent Native American medicinal root, propagated from root divisions rather than seed, since any piece with a bud and a few fibrous roots will grow into a new plant.
How goldenseal fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Goldenseal takes about 3 years from planting to first harvest, so it spans more than one growing season.
Goldenseal 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5a & 5b (your zone) | Not usually | May 10–May 17 | About 3 years after planting |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | Apr 25–May 2 | About 3 years after planting |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Apr 10–Apr 17 | About 3 years after planting |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 25–Apr 1 | About 3 years after planting |
Good companions
No well-established companions for goldenseal.
Where to buy goldenseal seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries goldenseal seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing goldenseal" 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 Goldenseal in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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