Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in Kansas

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 Kansas, 6 weeks before your first frost date. That means planting around Oct 1 - Oct 15 in Northern Kansas.

Kansas Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Kansas 5b, 6a Apr 20 - May 5 Oct 1 - Oct 15
Central Kansas 6a, 6b Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Southern Kansas 6b, 7a Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 15 - Nov 1

Cilantro Planting Schedule for Kansas

Northern Kansas (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 15

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Central Kansas (Zones 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Southern Kansas (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Growing Cilantro in Kansas

Cilantro in Kansas'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 Kansas

Prairie soils in east — rich and deep. More alkaline and thinner soils in west. Wind erosion can be an issue.

Kansas Climate & Growing Season

Hot summers with strong winds. Severe thunderstorms and hail risk. Drier in the west. Good growing conditions for heat-loving crops.

Growing season length varies across Kansas: Northern Kansas (5b, 6a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern Kansas (6b, 7a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. 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 Kansas, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Kansas gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 5 last frost, while those in Southern Kansas can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Cilantro Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Kansas Planting Calendar All plants for Kansas Cilantro in Alabama Alabama planting dates Cilantro in Alaska Alaska planting dates Cilantro in Arizona Arizona planting dates Cilantro in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
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

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates