When to plant Cilantro in Black Hawk County, IA
Plant Cilantro in Black Hawk County after April 29; the prime window is April 15–May 6. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cilantro in Black Hawk County, IA
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.
Black Hawk County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 1,380 feet, Black Hawk County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cilantro to ensure they mature before fall.
Black Hawk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Black Hawk County, IA
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Aug 5 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
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 | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
161 days in Black Hawk County
Growing Tips for Black Hawk 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cilantro in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cilantro in Black Hawk County, IA?
Black Hawk County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Black Hawk County, IA?
Black Hawk County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Cilantro in Black Hawk County, IA?
In Black Hawk County, IA, plant Cilantro after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Black Hawk County, IA for Cilantro?
Black Hawk County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Cilantro grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cilantro grow in Black Hawk County's climate?
Yes — Cilantro grows well in Black Hawk County's temperate climate. Black Hawk County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 7.
Your Black Hawk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Black Hawk County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.