When to Plant Cilantro in Cass 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.
Cass County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 938 feet, Cass County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cilantro to ensure they mature before fall.
Cass County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Cass County, MN
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Aug 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 3b
Growing Season
139 days
Growing Tips for Cass 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
Level Up Your Garden
Cilantro in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cilantro in Cass County, MN?
Cass County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cass County, MN?
Cass County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is September 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cass County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.