USDA Hardiness Zone 5 Planting Guide

Zone 5 Overview

Zone 5 is one of the most common gardening zones in the United States, covering large portions of the Midwest, central plains, and mid-Atlantic mountain regions. Minimum winter temperatures range from negative 20 to negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and growing seasons typically span 150 to 180 days. Zone 5 represents a comfortable middle ground where gardeners have access to a very wide range of plants while still experiencing distinct four-season growing patterns. Both cold-hardy and many warm-climate plants find success here with appropriate variety selection. The zone produces excellent vegetable gardens, diverse perennial borders, and productive home orchards.

Zone 5 Temperature Ranges

Plants for Zone 5

Zone 5 supports all common deciduous shade and ornamental trees. Fruit trees including apples, pears, peaches (hardy varieties), sweet and sour cherries, and plums bear well. Japanese maples (many varieties), magnolias (star and saucer types), dogwoods, and redbuds add ornamental interest. Shrubs encompass hydrangeas of all types (including some macrophylla varieties with protection), lilacs, roses, viburnums, and spirea. Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and table grapes produce abundantly. Nearly all common perennials grow in zone 5.

Vegetable Gardening in Zone 5

Zone 5's generous season of 150 to 180 days supports the full range of vegetable crops including long-season varieties. Brandywine tomatoes (90 days), full-sized bell peppers, large watermelons, cantaloupes, and winter squash all have time to mature. Sweet potatoes succeed in warmer zone 5b locations with black plastic mulch to warm the soil. Artichokes grown as annuals can produce in their first year. Fall gardens are highly productive, with brassicas, root crops, and greens providing harvests well into November with minimal protection.

Frost Protection & Season Tips for Zone 5

Zone 5 gardeners face less extreme winter conditions but should still protect marginally hardy plants. Winter mulch applied after the ground freezes (not before) prevents freeze-thaw cycles that heave plant roots. Butterfly bushes and some hydrangeas may die back to the ground but regrow from roots. Protect fig trees by wrapping them with burlap and insulation or growing them in containers that can be stored in an unheated garage. Wind protection matters more than temperature for broadleaf evergreens like rhododendrons and hollies.

Cities in Zone 5

The following cities in our database fall within zone 5. Click any city for detailed frost dates and planting calendars.

Other Zones

View all USDA hardiness zones