When to Plant Cilantro in USDA Zone 4a
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.
In Zone 4a, the average last spring frost is around May 6 and the first fall frost is around September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Zone 4a
Where Is USDA Zone 4a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 4a. Click any state to see the Cilantro planting schedule for that location.
Cilantro Planting Calendar — Zone 4a
| 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 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 |
| Fall Sowing | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 4a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 4a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
-30°F to -25°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
145 days (Zone 4a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Cilantro in Zone 4a
Sow every 4.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Zone 4a
Zone 4a has a short growing season (~145 days). Start Cilantro indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
Saving Cilantro Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
Related Plants
Cilantro in Other Zones
Cilantro by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cilantro in Zone 4a?
In Zone 4a, plan your Cilantro planting around the average last frost date of May 6. Start seeds indoors around March 25. Direct sow outdoors around April 29. Transplant seedlings around April 29.
Can Cilantro grow in Zone 4a?
Yes, Cilantro can grow well in Zone 4a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 4a has a growing season of approximately 145 days, which is sufficient for Cilantro (40-60 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Cilantro in Zone 4a?
In Zone 4a, expect to harvest Cilantro from June 10 – August 12. Cilantro takes 40-60 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 4a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 4a is around May 6, and the first fall frost is around September 28. This gives a growing season of approximately 145 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Cilantro?
Good companion plants for Cilantro include Tomatoes, Peppers, Spinach. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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