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When to Plant Cilantro in USDA Zone 6b

Cilantro
Zone 6b Zone 6b June

Your June game plan for Zone 6b

Your Zone 6b garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost April 18
Avg. first frost October 21
  1. Harvest cilantro as they ripen

    This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.

To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
  • First harvests: cilantro
Want it on paper? Download your Zone 6b planting guide →
Cilantro

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 6b, the average last spring frost is around April 3 and the first fall frost is around October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

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Zone 6b Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 3
205 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Cilantro Planting Timeline — Zone 6b

Where Is USDA Zone 6b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 6b. Click any state to see the Cilantro planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Cilantro Planting Calendar — Zone 6b

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 27 Feb 27 – Mar 13
Transplant Outdoors March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 10
Direct Sow March 20 Mar 20 – Apr 10
Harvest May 8 May 8 – Jul 10
Fall Sowing August 16 Aug 16 – Aug 30

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September
October
November
December

Free Zone 6b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 6b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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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

-5°F to 0°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

205 days (Zone 6b average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth0.5 inches
Plant Spacing8 inches apart
Row Spacing12 inches between rows

Succession Planting Cilantro in Zone 6b

6
successive plantings in Zone 6b's ~205-day season

Sow every 4.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.

Growing Tips for Cilantro in Zone 6b

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

  • Fennel
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Saving Cilantro Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

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Fabric Grow Bags $10-25

Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.

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Self-Watering Planters $15-40

Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.

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Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

Related Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cilantro in Zone 6b?

In Zone 6b, plan your Cilantro planting around the average last frost date of April 3. Start seeds indoors around February 27. Direct sow outdoors around March 20. Transplant seedlings around March 27.

Can Cilantro grow in Zone 6b?

Yes, Cilantro can grow well in Zone 6b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 6b has a growing season of approximately 205 days, which is sufficient for Cilantro (40-60 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Cilantro in Zone 6b?

In Zone 6b, expect to harvest Cilantro from May 8 – July 10. Cilantro takes 40-60 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 6b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 6b is around April 3, and the first fall frost is around October 25. This gives a growing season of approximately 205 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.

🌱

Your Zone 6b Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner tailored to Zone 6b. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.