When to plant cilantro
Short answer
Plant cilantro about 2 weeks before your last spring frost. In a mid climate (zone 5) that's around Apr 1. Enter your ZIP for your exact dates.
| Climate zone | Start indoors | Plant outside | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | Jan 1 | Feb 15 |
| Zone 2 | — | Feb 1 | Mar 18 |
| Zone 3 | — | Feb 24 | Apr 10 |
| Zone 4 | — | Mar 16 | Apr 30 |
| Zone 5 | — | Apr 1 | May 16 |
| Zone 6 | — | Apr 16 | May 31 |
| Zone 7 | — | May 1 | Jun 15 |
| Zone 8 | — | May 18 | Jul 2 |
Higher climate-zone numbers are colder, so planting shifts later. Cilantro is a semi-hardy crop. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for your exact zone and dates.
What sets the timing for cilantro
When to plant cilantro comes down to one date: your last spring frost. Cilantro is a semi-hardy crop, so it goes in about 2 weeks before your last spring frost. In a mid climate (zone 5) that's around Apr 1.
Cilantro is usually sown straight into the ground — no indoor start needed. From there it's roughly 45 days to harvest.
Because that anchor date moves with climate, plant-out for cilantro ranges from about Feb 24 in warm zone 3 to May 1 in cold zone 7. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for the exact dates in your zone.
What sets the timing
| Factor | Effect on timing |
|---|---|
| Frost anchor | Timing counts from your last spring frost |
| Hardiness | Cilantro is semi-hardy — it goes in before the last frost |
| Indoor start | Direct-sow — no indoor start needed |
| Days to harvest | About 45 days from planting to harvest |
| Climate zone | Higher (colder) zones push plant-out later; warmer zones let you start sooner |
| Soil & weather | Tolerates cool soil and light frost |
How cilantro compares
Plant-out date in a mid climate (zone 5), against an early hardy crop and a late tender one.
| Crop | Plant outside (zone 5) |
|---|---|
| Peas (hardy · plants early) | Mar 11 |
| Cilantro | Apr 1 |
| Tomatoes (tender · plants late) | Apr 29 |
Tips for growing cilantro
- Start cilantro early — it tolerates cool soil and a light frost, so you can plant before your last spring frost.
- Count roughly 45 days from planting to harvest, and stagger sowings a few weeks apart for a longer picking window.
- Enter your ZIP in the calculator for cilantro dates tuned to your exact climate zone.
Your exact dates
Open the planting calendarOther crops
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant cilantro?
Plant cilantro about 2 weeks before your last spring frost. In a warmer zone 4 that's around Mar 16; in a colder zone 6, Apr 16.
Can I direct sow cilantro?
Yes — cilantro is usually sown directly in the garden rather than started indoors.
How long until cilantro is ready to harvest?
About 45 days from planting until first harvest. In zone 6, cilantro planted around Apr 16 is typically ready near May 31.