When to plant Cilantro in Buchanan County, IA
For Buchanan County, gardeners: plant Cilantro April 18 through May 9 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cilantro in Buchanan 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.
Buchanan County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 837 feet, Buchanan County receives approximately 41.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cilantro to ensure they mature before fall.
Buchanan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Buchanan County, IA
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Aug 8 |
| 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
158 days in Buchanan County
Growing Tips for Buchanan 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 Buchanan County, IA?
Buchanan County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Buchanan County, IA?
Buchanan County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Cilantro in Buchanan County, IA?
In Buchanan County, IA, plant Cilantro after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Buchanan County, IA for Cilantro?
Buchanan 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 Buchanan County's climate?
Yes — Cilantro grows well in Buchanan County's temperate climate. Buchanan County averages a 158-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 7.
Your Buchanan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Buchanan 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.