Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in Minnesota

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 Minnesota, 6 weeks before your first frost date. That means planting around Sep 5 - Sep 20 in Northern Minnesota.

Minnesota Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Minnesota 3a, 3b May 15 - Jun 1 Sep 5 - Sep 20
Central Minnesota 3b, 4a May 5 - May 20 Sep 15 - Oct 1
Southern Minnesota 4a, 4b Apr 25 - May 10 Sep 25 - Oct 10

Cilantro Planting Schedule for Minnesota

Northern Minnesota (Zones 3a, 3b)

Average last frost: May 15 - Jun 1 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20

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

Central Minnesota (Zones 3b, 4a)

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

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

Southern Minnesota (Zones 4a, 4b)

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

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

Growing Cilantro in Minnesota

Cilantro in Minnesota's Climate

Your cool climate extends the cilantro season significantly. Direct sow from mid-April — the herb may produce for 6-8 weeks before bolting versus 3-4 weeks in warm zones. Northern Michigan and Minnesota's moderate summer temperatures are genuine cilantro advantages. Fall cilantro from an August sowing is highly productive.

Soil Considerations for Minnesota

Rich prairie soils in south and west. Rocky and thin soils in north. Generally excellent for gardening in southern half.

Minnesota Climate & Growing Season

Long, cold winters. Warm summers. Short but productive growing season with long summer days. Hardy varieties essential.

Growing season length varies across Minnesota: Northern Minnesota (3a, 3b) has a last frost around May 15 - Jun 1, while Southern Minnesota (4a, 4b) sees frost end around Apr 25 - May 10. 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 Minnesota, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Minnesota gardeners should plan around a May 15 - Jun 1 last frost, while those in Southern Minnesota 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 Minnesota Planting Calendar All plants for Minnesota 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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