Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in Connecticut

You either love it or your genetics say no. For the cilantro lovers, it's an essential herb that bolts fast in heat.

The Short Answer

Cilantro are planted in fall in Connecticut, 6 weeks before your first frost date. That means planting around Sep 25 - Oct 10 in Northern Connecticut.

Connecticut Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Connecticut you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region	Zones	Last Frost (Spring)	First Frost (Fall)
Northern Connecticut	5b, 6a	May 1 - May 15	Sep 25 - Oct 10
Coastal Connecticut	6b, 7a	Apr 15 - May 1	Oct 10 - Oct 25

Cilantro Planting Schedule for Connecticut

Northern Connecticut (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10

Direct Sow

2 wks before frost

Fall Planting

6 wks before first frost

Coastal Connecticut (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 1 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Direct Sow

2 wks before frost

Fall Planting

6 wks before first frost

Growing Cilantro in Connecticut

Cilantro in Connecticut's Climate

Cilantro thrives in your cool springs and falls but bolts rapidly once temperatures exceed 80°F. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks during the cool windows. Let some plants bolt to produce coriander seeds (a spice in their own right) and self-seed for volunteer plants next season.

Soil Considerations for Connecticut

Rocky New England soil common. Acidic in many areas. Raised beds popular for dealing with rocky ground.

Connecticut Climate & Growing Season

Four distinct seasons. Maritime influence moderates coastal temperatures. Shorter growing season inland.

Growing season length varies across Connecticut: Northern Connecticut (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Coastal Connecticut (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 15 - May 1. This difference matters for cilantro — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Bolts quickly in heat — succession plant every 3 weeks and grow in partial shade during summer. Let some bolt for coriander seeds.

Companion Planting

Plant cilantro alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Peas Tomatoes

Keep cilantro away from:

Fennel

The Bottom Line

Cilantro can be grown successfully across Connecticut, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Connecticut gardeners should plan around a May 1 - May 15 last frost, while those in Coastal Connecticut can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026