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When to Plant Cilantro in Nebraska

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.

Nebraska spans USDA hardiness zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Cilantro planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Cilantro Planting Calendar for Nebraska

Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 – May 13
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Fall Sowing July 6 Jul 6 – Jul 20
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 – Aug 12
Zone 4b ~155 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 1 · First frost: October 3 · 155 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 3
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Direct Sow April 24 Apr 24 – May 15
Fall Sowing July 11 Jul 11 – Jul 25
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Aug 7
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 11 Apr 11 – May 2
Fall Sowing July 30 Jul 30 – Aug 13
Harvest May 30 May 30 – Aug 1
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 – Apr 25
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 – Aug 18
Harvest May 23 May 23 – Jul 25

Growing Tips for Nebraska

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cilantro in Nebraska?

Planting dates for Cilantro in Nebraska depend on your USDA zone. Nebraska spans zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Nebraska for planting?

Nebraska contains USDA hardiness zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.