When to plant cilantro in zone 3b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 3B

Growing SeasonZone 3b

Last frost ~May 25First frost ~Sep 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MAYJUNJUL

Start indoors May 25 · Sow May 25 · First harvest Jun 15 · Wrap by Jul 13

Last spring frostMay 25

Start seeds indoorsMay 25

Direct sowMay 25

First harvestJun 15

Last harvestJul 13

Fall succession sowAug 4

First fall frostSep 15

Why these dates work in zone 3b

Zone 3b's last spring frost averages May 25 and first fall frost Sep 15 — about 113 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 Aug 4 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

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

Cilantro matures in about 21–28 days from sowing. In zone 3b that means sowing around May 25 and first picking around Jun 15.

Will cilantro survive frost in zone 3b?

Yes — cilantro tolerates light frost. In zone 3b you can sow a little before the last frost (around May 25) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Sep 15).

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

Yes — in zone 3b there's time for a fall sowing around Aug 4 for a second harvest before frost.

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