When to Plant Cilantro in Colchester, NS
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.
Colchester, Nova Scotia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 118 feet, Colchester receives approximately 35.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cilantro to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cilantro will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Colchester Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Colchester, NS
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
187 days in Colchester
Growing Tips for Colchester
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 Colchester, NS?
Colchester is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colchester, NS?
Colchester, Nova Scotia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Colchester Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Colchester (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.