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When to Plant Cilantro in Wadena 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.

Wadena County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.

At an elevation of 1,320 feet, Wadena County receives approximately 40.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 79ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Cilantro to ensure they mature before fall.

Wadena County, MN (Zone 3b) Short season
137 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
137 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Wadena County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (40 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 23 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 8 – Aug 10
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 1 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Aug 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (42 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 10 Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Aug 28

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
1.2″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 103 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cilantro needs ~462 GDD — county provides 1,267 GDD Excellent fit

Cilantro Planting Timeline โ€” Wadena County, MN

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 15
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 โ€“ May 20
Direct Sow May 6 May 6 โ€“ May 27
Fall Sowing July 5 Jul 5 โ€“ Jul 19
Harvest June 17 Jun 17 โ€“ Aug 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
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

137 days

Growing Tips for Wadena 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 Wadena County, MN?

Wadena County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wadena County, MN?

Wadena County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wadena 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 Wadena County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.