When to Plant Cilantro in Bowman County, ND
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.
Bowman County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 753 feet, Bowman County receives approximately 25.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cilantro to ensure they mature before fall.
Bowman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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.
Soil Compatibility in Bowman County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Cilantro prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bowman County is excellent for Cilantro — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cilantro.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Cilantro will thrive.
How to Plant Cilantro
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cilantro
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 02.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Cilantro
Cilantro needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cilantro Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Bowman County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cilantro Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Bowman County, ND
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 |
| Fall Sowing | July 2 | Jul 2 – Jul 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
132 days in Bowman County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Bowman County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after May 15 in Bowman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cilantro in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cilantro in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cilantro in Bowman County, ND?
Bowman County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bowman County, ND?
Bowman County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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