When to plant cilantro in zone 3a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 3A

Growing SeasonZone 3a

Last frost ~May 30First frost ~Sep 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MAYJUNJUL

Start indoors May 30 · Sow May 30 · First harvest Jun 20 · Wrap by Jul 18

Last spring frostMay 30

Start seeds indoorsMay 30

Direct sowMay 30

First harvestJun 20

Last harvestJul 18

Fall succession sowJul 30

First fall frostSep 10

Why these dates work in zone 3a

Zone 3a's last spring frost averages May 30 and first fall frost Sep 10 — about 103 frost-free days. Cilantro tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 0 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Jul 30 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does cilantro take to grow in zone 3a?

Cilantro matures in about 21–28 days from sowing. In zone 3a that means sowing around May 30 and first picking around Jun 20.

Will cilantro survive frost in zone 3a?

Yes — cilantro tolerates light frost. In zone 3a you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 30) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 10).

Can I plant a second crop of cilantro in zone 3a?

Yes — in zone 3a there's time for a fall sowing around Jul 30 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full cilantro growing guide →