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When to Plant Cilantro in Reno County, KS

Cilantro is a dual-purpose herb providing fresh leaves (cilantro) and dried seeds (coriander). It bolts quickly in heat, producing flowers beloved by beneficial insects.

Reno County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 635 feet, Reno County receives approximately 28.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season.

Reno County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Reno County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (86 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 9 Transplant: Apr 6 🍅 Harvest: May 18 – Jul 20
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (91 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: May 21 – Jul 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (89 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 5 – Aug 7

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 749 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Cilantro needs ~912 GDD — county provides 3,449 GDD Excellent fit

Cilantro Planting Timeline โ€” Reno County, KS

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 23
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 23
Fall Sowing August 13 Aug 13 โ€“ Aug 27
Harvest May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jul 23

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

40โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

189 days

Growing Tips for Reno County

Succession sow every 2-3 weeks. Provide afternoon shade in warm weather. Harvest leaves before flowering or allow some plants to go to seed for coriander and self-sowing.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cilantro in Reno County, KS?

Reno County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Reno County, KS?

Reno County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 22.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Reno County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Reno County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.