Goldenseal in Zone 5a & 5b
Hydrastis canadensis
When to plant goldenseal 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. Goldenseal 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 | Aug 22 '30–Aug 29 '30 (~1200 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1 ft.
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 needs about 1200 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Goldenseal.
Where to buy goldenseal seeds
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 · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · 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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