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When to Plant Cilantro in Carlton County, MN

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.

Carlton County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 516 feet, Carlton County receives approximately 32.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Cilantro to ensure they mature before fall.

Carlton County, MN (Zone 3b) Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
143 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Carlton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Aug 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (45 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 31 Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Aug 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (40 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 19 Transplant: May 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Sep 6

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 56 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cilantro needs ~575 GDD — county provides 1,644 GDD Excellent fit

Cilantro Planting Timeline โ€” Carlton County, MN

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 31 Mar 31 โ€“ Apr 14
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 19
Direct Sow May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 26
Fall Sowing July 10 Jul 10 โ€“ Jul 24
Harvest June 16 Jun 16 โ€“ Aug 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
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 3b

Growing Season

143 days

Growing Tips for Carlton 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 Carlton County, MN?

Carlton County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carlton County, MN?

Carlton County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 2.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Carlton County gardeners in Zone 3b 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 Carlton County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.