When to Plant Cilantro in Laramie County, WY
May to-do list for Laramie County, Wyoming
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Laramie County, Wyoming this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Time to transplant cilantro
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Outdoor sowing time: cilantro
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Laramie County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.
At an elevation of 6,153 feet, Laramie County receives approximately 19.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Cilantro to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cilantro successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Laramie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-8.2
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 Laramie County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–8.2) is more alkaline than Cilantro prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Laramie County is excellent for Cilantro — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cilantro.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Cilantro.
How to Plant Cilantro
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cilantro
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 16.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Laramie 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 — Laramie County, WY
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 16 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
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 | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
128 days in Laramie County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Laramie County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after May 19 in Laramie 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 Laramie County, WY?
Laramie County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Laramie County, WY?
Laramie County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 24.
Your Laramie County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Laramie 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.