Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts, 6 weeks before your first frost date. That means planting around Sep 20 - Oct 10 in Western Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Western Massachusetts 5b, 6a May 1 - May 20 Sep 20 - Oct 10
Central Massachusetts 5b, 6a May 1 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Coastal/Cape 6b, 7a Apr 15 - May 1 Oct 15 - Nov 1

Cilantro Planting Schedule for Massachusetts

Western Massachusetts (Zones 5b, 6a)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 20 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 10

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

Central Massachusetts (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/Cape (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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

Growing Cilantro in Massachusetts

Cilantro in Massachusetts'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 Massachusetts

Rocky, acidic New England soils. Glacial deposits. Raised beds popular. Amend heavily with compost.

Massachusetts Climate & Growing Season

Four seasons. Maritime influence moderates coastal areas. Cold winters. Good growing season with adequate moisture.

Growing season length varies across Massachusetts: Western Massachusetts (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 20, while Coastal/Cape (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 Massachusetts, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Western Massachusetts gardeners should plan around a May 1 - May 20 last frost, while those in Coastal/Cape 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 Massachusetts Planting Calendar All plants for Massachusetts 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

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