When to Plant Cilantro in Essex County, NJ
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.
Essex County, New Jersey is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 490 feet, Essex County receives approximately 40.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season.
Essex County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.7
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 — Essex County, NJ
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
| Harvest | May 3 | May 3 – Jul 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
228 days
Growing Tips for Essex 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 Essex County, NJ?
Essex County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Essex County, NJ?
Essex County, New Jersey is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Essex County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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