Growing herbs from seed is an affordable and rewarding way to start your own herb garden. But in USDA hardiness zone 5, where winters are long and frosts linger into spring, timing is everything. Starting herb seeds indoors gives you a head start on the growing season, but knowing exactly when to begin is the key to success.
In this article, we’ll explain when and how to start popular herb seeds indoors in zone 5, taking into account the average last frost date, individual herb germination times, and best practices for healthy transplants.
Panaprium is independent and reader supported. If you buy something through our link, we may earn a commission. If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you will be making a big impact every single month. Thank you!
Understanding Zone 5 Climate
Zone 5 includes parts of the Midwest, Northeast, and mountainous regions in the U.S. It’s defined by average minimum winter temperatures between -20°F and -10°F (-29°C to -23°C).
The average last frost date in zone 5 typically falls between April 15 and May 15. This date is important because most herbs are sensitive to frost and need to be transplanted after danger of frost has passed.
Why Start Herbs Indoors?
Herbs are generally slow-growing, and starting them indoors offers several benefits in zone 5:
-
Extends the growing season
-
Provides controlled conditions for better germination
-
Reduces the risk of frost damage
-
Gives seedlings a strong start before transplanting outdoors
Some herbs, like basil and rosemary, are particularly sensitive to cold and benefit greatly from indoor starting.
Key Factors That Determine Start Time
Before you grab your seed packets, consider these factors:
-
Germination Time – How long it takes for seeds to sprout.
-
Growth Rate – How quickly the seedlings grow to transplant size.
-
Frost Sensitivity – Whether the herb can survive a light frost.
-
Indoor Conditions – Availability of light, warmth, and humidity.
For zone 5, most herb seeds should be started 6 to 10 weeks before the average last frost date.
Indoor Start Times for Popular Herbs in Zone 5
Here’s a handy guide to common culinary and medicinal herbs, with recommended indoor sowing times based on a May 1 last frost date (average for zone 5):
| Herb | Weeks Before Last Frost | Start Indoors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | 6–8 weeks | March 5–19 | Needs warmth; avoid cold soil |
| Parsley | 8–10 weeks | Feb 19–March 5 | Slow germination |
| Cilantro | Direct sow preferred | N/A | Doesn’t transplant well |
| Thyme | 8–10 weeks | Feb 19–March 5 | Very slow-growing |
| Oregano | 8–10 weeks | Feb 19–March 5 | Needs light to germinate |
| Sage | 6–8 weeks | March 5–19 | Likes warm soil |
| Chives | 8–10 weeks | Feb 19–March 5 | Easy to grow indoors |
| Rosemary | 10–12 weeks | Feb 5–19 | Very slow to germinate |
| Dill | Direct sow preferred | N/A | Doesn’t transplant well |
| Lavender | 10–12 weeks | Feb 5–19 | Needs cold stratification |
| Mint | 8–10 weeks | Feb 19–March 5 | Spreads easily outdoors |
| Tarragon | 8–10 weeks | Feb 19–March 5 | Start from root divisions if possible |
| Lemon Balm | 6–8 weeks | March 5–19 | Can become invasive |
🌿 Tip: Use a soil thermometer and transplant herbs outside only when soil temps are consistently above 50–60°F (10–15°C), depending on the herb.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Herb Seeds Indoors
1. Gather Supplies
-
Seed starting trays or small containers
-
Seed starting mix (light and well-draining)
-
Grow lights or a sunny windowsill
-
Heat mat (for warmth-loving herbs)
-
Humidity dome or plastic wrap (to retain moisture)
2. Prepare the Soil
Moisten the seed starting mix before filling containers. It should feel damp like a wrung-out sponge—not soggy.
3. Plant the Seeds
-
Follow the depth instructions on the seed packet.
-
Some herbs (like oregano and thyme) need light to germinate—don’t cover them with soil.
-
Label your containers!
4. Provide Warmth
Keep soil temperature between 65°F and 75°F (18–24°C). Use a heat mat for slow germinators like rosemary and lavender.
5. Maintain Humidity
Cover trays with a humidity dome or plastic wrap until germination. Then, remove the cover to prevent mold.
6. Provide Adequate Light
Seedlings need 12–16 hours of bright light daily. Use grow lights if natural sunlight is insufficient.
7. Water Gently
Water from the bottom or use a spray bottle to avoid disturbing seeds. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
8. Thin Seedlings
Once seedlings have 1–2 sets of true leaves, thin them out to avoid overcrowding. Keep the strongest one in each cell or pot.
When to Transplant Outdoors
After the last frost date has passed (around May 1 in zone 5), harden off your seedlings over 7–10 days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Then transplant them into the garden or containers when:
-
Daytime temps are consistently above 60°F (16°C)
-
Nighttime temps are above 50°F (10°C)
-
Seedlings are strong with at least 4–6 true leaves
Herbs Best Direct-Sown in Zone 5
While many herbs benefit from an indoor start, a few do better when sown directly into the garden after the last frost:
-
Cilantro – bolts quickly in heat; prefers cool soil
-
Dill – has a long taproot; dislikes transplanting
-
Borage – grows fast and prefers direct seeding
-
Chamomile – reseeds easily and does well direct-sown
-
Fenugreek – easy to grow directly in soil
Wait until mid-May to early June to sow these directly outdoors in zone 5.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Starting too early
Plants can become leggy and root-bound indoors if they outgrow their containers before transplanting. -
Overwatering
Damp conditions without airflow invite fungal diseases like damping off. -
Insufficient light
Weak, spindly plants result from low light. Use grow lights if needed. -
Skipping hardening off
Seedlings can go into shock when suddenly exposed to outdoor conditions. Gradual exposure is essential.
Indoor Herbs You Can Grow Year-Round
Some herbs thrive indoors year-round, even in zone 5. Consider growing these on a sunny windowsill:
-
Basil
-
Chives
-
Mint
-
Parsley
-
Oregano
-
Thyme
With good light and regular watering, you can enjoy fresh herbs even during winter.
Final Thoughts
In zone 5, starting herb seeds indoors is a smart strategy to get a jump on the growing season. The key is to time your seed-starting 6–10 weeks before the last expected frost, which generally falls in early May. Start slow-growing herbs like rosemary, parsley, and lavender earlier, and save warm-weather herbs like basil and sage for a bit later.
With the right timing, care, and setup, your herbs will be thriving indoors before it's even warm enough to step outside. Then, once the frost risk has passed, you'll have a lush and flavorful herb garden ready to flourish all summer long.
Was this article helpful to you? Please tell us what you liked or didn't like in the comments below.
About the Author: Alex Assoune
Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.
What We're Up Against
Multinational corporations overproducing cheap products in the poorest countries.
Huge factories with sweatshop-like conditions underpaying workers.
Media conglomerates promoting unethical, unsustainable products.
Bad actors encouraging overconsumption through oblivious behavior.
- - - -
Thankfully, we've got our supporters, including you.
Panaprium is funded by readers like you who want to join us in our mission to make the world entirely sustainable.
If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you will be making a big impact every single month. Thank you.
RELATED ARTICLES
Tags
When to Start Pepper Seeds Indoors in Zone 5: Complete Guide
Growing your own peppers from seed is one of the most rewarding gardening experiences—especially in USDA Hardiness Zone 5, where the growing season is short and warm-weather crops need a head... Read More
When to Start Flower Seeds Indoors in Zone 5: Complete Guide
Starting flower seeds indoors is a smart way to get a head start on the growing season—especially in USDA Hardiness Zone 5, where winters are long and the growing window is... Read More
When to Start Herb Seeds Indoors in Zone 5: Complete Guide
Growing herbs from seed is an affordable and rewarding way to start your own herb garden. But in USDA hardiness zone 5, where winters are long and frosts linger into spring,... Read More
Is It Better to Grow Herbs from Seeds or Plants? Pros & Cons
Herbs are among the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow. Whether you're dreaming of fresh basil for homemade pesto or fragrant lavender for teas and crafts, the first big... Read More
When Can I Plant Herbs Outside in Pots? Complete Seasonal Guide
Planting herbs outside in pots is one of the most rewarding ways to start a garden. Whether you're growing basil for your pasta, mint for iced tea, or lavender for... Read More
Will Herbs Survive Winter in Pots? Complete Guide to Growing Herbs
Growing herbs in pots is a practical way to enjoy fresh, fragrant plants year-round—whether you're cooking in the kitchen or decorating your balcony. But when winter rolls around, many gardeners... Read More
Growing Herbs Indoors with Artificial Light: Complete Guide
Growing herbs indoors allows for fresh flavor and natural healing right at your fingertips, even when outdoor conditions are harsh or inconsistent. But one major challenge indoor gardeners face is... Read More
Herbs That Grow All Year Round Outside: Complete Perennial Guide
Fresh herbs are one of the easiest ways to add vibrant flavor and nutrition to meals, but many people assume herb gardening is limited to the warm growing season. The... Read More
Herbs That Grow in Winter Outside: Guide to Cold-Weather Gardening
When temperatures drop and gardens go dormant, many gardeners assume their herb-growing days are over until spring. But in reality, several hardy herbs can survive—and even thrive—outdoors during the winter... Read More
Growing Herbs from Seed Indoors in Winter: Complete Beginner’s Guide
Growing herbs from seed indoors during winter is a rewarding way to bring fresh greenery, flavor, and life into your home when the outdoor world is dormant. With the right... Read More
How to Grow Herbs Indoors: A Complete Guide for Year-Round Flavor
Growing herbs indoors is a simple and rewarding way to bring fresh flavor, fragrance, and greenery into your home. Whether you have a sunny windowsill or a tiny apartment kitchen,... Read More
How Close Can You Plant Herbs Together? Complete Guide
Herbs are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow, whether in containers on a windowsill or a garden bed in your backyard. But one of the most... Read More
Flowers to Plant with Herbs in Pots: Complete Guide for Beginners
Growing herbs in pots is a rewarding and practical way to bring fresh flavors to your kitchen and fragrance to your garden. But what if you could boost the health... Read More
Which Herbs Should Not Be Planted Together? Complete Guide
Growing herbs is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. They’re compact, flavorful, and full of health benefits. But not all herbs make good neighbors. Just like people, some... Read More
What Herbs Grow Well Together in the Same Container? Complete Guide
Growing herbs in containers is a convenient and rewarding way to keep fresh flavors right at your fingertips. But when space is limited, many gardeners wonder: Can I grow different... Read More
Best Soil for Herbs in Pots: Complete Guide for a Thriving Herb Garden
Growing herbs in pots is a practical and rewarding way to cultivate fresh flavor at home. Whether you’re working with a sunny windowsill, a balcony, or a full patio, container... Read More
Ethical Harvesting: Foraging Examples That Respect Nature
In an era where sustainable living is more important than ever, foraging—gathering wild food and medicine from natural landscapes—offers a way to connect with the earth while reducing our ecological... Read More
REAL Wildcrafting Examples: Traditional and Modern Practices
Wildcrafting is the ancient art of harvesting wild plants from their natural habitats for food, medicine, and spiritual use. Long before the invention of agriculture or synthetic pharmaceuticals, people around... Read More
Wildcrafted vs Organic: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
In an age of wellness trends and eco-conscious living, words like “wildcrafted” and “organic” are appearing on everything from herbal teas to skincare and supplements. But what do these labels... Read More
20 Best Wild Herbs for Cooking: Flavor from the Forest to Your Fork
Wild herbs aren’t just for medicine—they’re also a rich source of culinary flavor, often fresher and more potent than what you find in the grocery store. Foraging for wild herbs... Read More
Wildcrafting Herbs List: 20 Powerful Plants to Harvest Responsibly
Wildcrafting is the ancient practice of gathering herbs and plants from their natural environments for healing, spiritual, or culinary purposes. Unlike farming or commercial harvesting, wildcrafting emphasizes respect, sustainability, and... Read More
Wildcrafting vs. Foraging: What's the Difference and Why It Matters
In recent years, there’s been a growing interest in returning to nature—gathering wild plants, herbs, and mushrooms for food, medicine, or self-sufficiency. Two terms often used in this context are... Read More
How to Dry Leaves for Tea Naturally: Complete Guide to Herbal Tea
Drying your own leaves for tea is a rewarding and practical way to preserve the freshness, flavor, and healing properties of herbs from your garden or local harvest. Whether you're... Read More
14 Best Dried Herbs for Tea: Complete Guide to Home Brewing
Drinking herbal tea is a timeless ritual enjoyed for both its flavor and its therapeutic benefits. While fresh herbs are wonderful, dried herbs are more potent, last longer, and are... Read More
10 Best Herbs to Grow for Cooking: Complete Guide to Flavorful Meals
Growing your own herbs at home is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to elevate your cooking. Fresh herbs not only add vibrant flavor, aroma, and color to... Read More
Best Herbs to Grow for Medicinal Use: Herbalists Complete Guide
Growing medicinal herbs at home is one of the most rewarding ways to take control of your health naturally. Not only do these plants support the immune system, relieve stress,... Read More
100 Medicinal Plants and Their Uses - Scientifically Supported
Medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years across cultures to treat a wide range of ailments. While modern medicine has evolved, many of these natural remedies are still... Read More
0 comments