When to Plant Cilantro in Towner 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.
Towner County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 131 days.
At an elevation of 629 feet, Towner County receives approximately 23.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cilantro to ensure they mature before fall.
Towner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.4
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 Towner County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.4) overlaps with Cilantro's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Towner 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 (4.0%) — 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 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 01.
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Towner 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 — Towner 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 1 | Jul 1 – Jul 15 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 3b
📆 Growing Season
131 days in Towner County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Towner County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after May 15 in Towner 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 Towner County, ND?
Towner County is in Zone 3b 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 Towner County, ND?
Towner County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Towner County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.