Lisianthus in Zone 5a & 5b
Eustoma grandiflorum
When to plant lisianthus 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. Lisianthus needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Feb 8–Feb 15 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 17–May 24 |
| Estimated bloom | Oct 14–Oct 21 (~150 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-3 ft.
Lisianthus produces some of the most sought-after cut flowers in the trade, rose-like blooms with a vase life that outlasts most annuals by a wide margin. It also has a reputation, one the seed source itself doesn't try to soften, as difficult to grow from seed.
How lisianthus fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Lisianthus needs about 150 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Lisianthus.
Where to buy lisianthus seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing lisianthus" 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 Lisianthus in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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