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When to Plant Cilantro in Dallas County, MO

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.

Dallas County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 1,394 feet, Dallas County receives approximately 31.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season.

Dallas County, MO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 10
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Dallas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (97 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 28 Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: May 9 – Jul 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (97 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 3 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jul 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (98 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 19 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Jul 30

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 54 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cilantro needs ~762 GDD — county provides 2,973 GDD Excellent fit

Cilantro Planting Timeline โ€” Dallas County, MO

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 โ€“ Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 3 Apr 3 โ€“ Apr 17
Direct Sow March 27 Mar 27 โ€“ Apr 17
Fall Sowing August 13 Aug 13 โ€“ Aug 27
Harvest May 15 May 15 โ€“ Jul 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
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

195 days

Growing Tips for Dallas 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 Dallas County, MO?

Dallas County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dallas County, MO?

Dallas County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 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 Dallas 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 Dallas County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.