I garden in USDA Hardiness Zone 5 in the Midwest, where the average last frost falls between late April and mid-May and the first frost typically arrives in early October. That gives us a growing season of about 140 – 160 days, which makes early seed starting and choosing climate-appropriate plants very important.

This year so far, I’ve started a mix of herbs, flowers, and alliums that perform well in this region.

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Snapdragons are a cool-season flower that can tolerate light frost, making them a good fit for Zone 5. They’re also excellent cut flowers and add height to garden beds.

Shop Here: Botanical Interests Snapdragon Seeds

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Sage is a hardy perennial herb that overwinters well in Zone 5 when planted in well-drained soil. It’s useful for cooking and herbal preparations.

Shop Here: Botanical Interests Sage Seeds

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Yarrow is a low-maintenance perennial that tolerates drought, poor soil, and cold winters. It attracts pollinators and works well in cut flower arrangements.

Shop Here: Botanical Interests Yarrow Seeds

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Eucalyptus is not winter-hardy in Zone 5 but grows quickly as an annual. It’s valued for its silvery foliage and is popular for bouquets and drying.

Shop Here: Botanical Interests Eucalyptus Seeds

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Mint grows vigorously in this climate and returns each year. It’s best planted in containers to prevent spreading as it very quickly will take over your garden beds and smother your other plants.

Shop Here: Botanical Interests Mint Seeds

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Cold-hardy varieties of English lavender can survive Zone 5 winters if planted in well-drained soil and protected from excess moisture.

Shop Here: Botanical Interests Lavender Seeds

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Lisianthus is slow to mature and must be started early indoors in northern climates. It produces rose-like blooms that are popular for cut flowers. These are considered an “advanced” flower, and seeds can be on the more expensive side, so I suggest not starting these your first year of seed starting.

Shop Here: Botanical Interests Lisianthus Seeds

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Onions grow well in Zone 5, especially long-day varieties that benefit from extended summer daylight hours.

Shop Here: Botanical Interests Onion Seeds

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Why These Plants Work Well in Zone 5

If you are also in this zone and trying to decide what to grow, look for these characteristics to pick plants that are more likely to succeed.

• Tolerate cool spring temperatures
• Mature within a shorter growing season
• Survive cold winters (for perennials)
• Provide practical uses in the kitchen or home

This combination supports pollinators, provides useful harvests, and fits within the constraints of a Midwest growing season.

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Notes for Other Zone 5 Gardeners

• Start slow-growing flowers (like lisianthus) 10 – 12 weeks before last frost
• Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors
• Choose long-day onions for best bulb formation
• Prioritize well-drained soil for lavender and sage overwintering

Have you started any seeds yet? I’d love to hear what you are starting and what zone you are in!