When to Plant Cilantro in USDA Zone 6b
April to-do list for Zone 6b
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Zone 6b this April and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Set out cilantro seedlings
Your last frost (April 16) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
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Direct-sow cilantro
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
May prep starts now
- Starting indoors: cilantro
- First harvests: 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.
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.
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
| 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 | 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.
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
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
205 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Cilantro in Zone
Sow every 4.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~205 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
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Saving Cilantro Seeds
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Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
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 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 Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.