When to plant Cilantro in Franklin County, ME
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Plant Cilantro between April 30 (after last frost on May 14) and May 21. A second sowing from July 20 to August 3 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cilantro in Franklin County, ME
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.
Franklin County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 244 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cilantro to ensure they mature before fall.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Franklin County, ME
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 20 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors 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
137 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, ME?
Franklin County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, ME?
Franklin County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 28.
When should I plant Cilantro in Franklin County, ME?
In Franklin County, ME, plant Cilantro after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, ME for Cilantro?
Franklin 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 Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Cilantro grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 137-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 28.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin 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.