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When to plant Cilantro in Benton County, MO

For Benton County, gardeners: plant Cilantro March 26 through April 16 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 16 to August 30 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cilantro in Benton County, MO

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.

Benton County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 1,323 feet, Benton County receives approximately 39.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season.

Benton County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Benton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Cilantro Planting Timeline — Benton County, MO

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 16
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 16
Harvest May 14 May 14 – Jul 16
Fall Sowing August 16 Aug 16 – Aug 30

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

199 days in Benton County

Growing Tips for Benton 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 Benton County, MO?

Benton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Benton County, MO?

Benton County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Cilantro in Benton County, MO?

In Benton County, MO, plant Cilantro after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Benton County, MO for Cilantro?

Benton County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cilantro grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cilantro grow in Benton County's climate?

Yes — Cilantro grows well in Benton County's temperate climate. Benton County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.

🌱

Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Benton County (Zone 6b). 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 Benton County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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