When to Plant Cilantro in Howard 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.
Howard County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 945 feet, Howard County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season.
Howard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.9
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Howard County, MO
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jul 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
194 days
Growing Tips for Howard 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 Howard County, MO?
Howard County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Howard County, MO?
Howard County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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