When to Plant Cilantro in Hooker County, NE
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.
Hooker County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 737 feet, Hooker County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cilantro to ensure they mature before fall.
Hooker County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Cilantro
Cilantro needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Hooker County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Hooker County, NE
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 19 |
| Fall Sowing | July 26 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
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 5b
📆 Growing Season
144 days in Hooker County
Growing Tips for Hooker 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 Hooker County, NE?
Hooker County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hooker County, NE?
Hooker County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Hooker County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hooker County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.