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When to plant Cilantro in Kent County, DE

Kent County gardeners should plant Cilantro between March 19 and April 9 in spring. With Kent County's Zone 7b climate (last frost April 2), Cilantro needs 40–60 days to mature — plant by September 5 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 26 to September 9 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cilantro in Kent County, DE

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.

Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.

At an elevation of 128 feet, Kent County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season.

Kent County, DE (Zone 7b) Long season
216 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
216 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Kent County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Cilantro

Cilantro needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cilantro Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Kent County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cilantro Planting Timeline — Kent County, DE

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 – Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Direct Sow March 19 Mar 19 – Apr 9
Harvest May 7 May 7 – Jul 9
Fall Sowing August 26 Aug 26 – Sep 9

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 Fall Sowing
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

216 days in Kent County

Growing Tips for Kent County

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cilantro in Kent County, DE?

Kent County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kent County, DE?

Kent County, Delaware is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 4.

When should I plant Cilantro in Kent County, DE?

In Kent County, DE, plant Cilantro after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Kent County, DE for Cilantro?

Kent County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Cilantro grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cilantro grow in Kent County's climate?

Yes — Cilantro grows well in Kent County's temperate climate. Kent County averages a 216-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around November 4.

🌱

Your Kent County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Kent County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Kent County, DE. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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