When to Plant Cilantro in Franklin County, NY
What to do in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Franklin County, New York this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Transplant cilantro outside
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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Plant cilantro from seed, right in the garden
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
Get ahead of June
- Starting indoors: cilantro
- First harvests: 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.
Franklin County, New York is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 739 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 47.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cilantro to ensure they mature before fall.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Franklin County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.5) is more acidic than Cilantro prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Franklin County is excellent for Cilantro — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Cilantro.
How to Plant Cilantro
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cilantro
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 05.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cilantro
Cilantro needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cilantro Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Franklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cilantro Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Franklin County, NY
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 24 |
| Fall Sowing | July 5 | Jul 5 – Jul 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
132 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Franklin County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after May 18 in Franklin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Cilantro in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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, NY?
Franklin County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, NY?
Franklin County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.