When to plant Cilantro in McLean County County,
Spring Cilantro in McLean County County goes in April 4–April 25, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cilantro in McLean County, IL
June in the garden — McLean County, Illinois
Each item below is timed to McLean County, Illinois's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Collect cilantro at their peak
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
McLean County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 1,024 feet, McLean County receives approximately 31.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season.
McLean County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Cilantro 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 McLean County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Cilantro's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in McLean County is excellent for Cilantro — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Cilantro will thrive.
How to Plant Cilantro
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cilantro
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 09.
Cilantro Water Budget
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in McLean 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 — McLean County, IL
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Jul 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
183 days in McLean County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in McLean County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after April 18 in McLean County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 183.0-day season in McLean County allows multiple plantings of Cilantro. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
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 McLean County, IL?
McLean County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McLean County, IL?
McLean County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Cilantro in McLean County, ?
In McLean County, , plant Cilantro after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is McLean County, for Cilantro?
McLean County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Cilantro grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cilantro grow in McLean County's climate?
Yes — Cilantro grows well in McLean County's temperate climate. McLean County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 18.
Your McLean County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McLean County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.