Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in Nebraska

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 Nebraska, 6 weeks before your first frost date. That means planting around Sep 20 - Oct 5 in Northern/Western Nebraska.

Nebraska Frost Dates

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

Region	Zones	Last Frost (Spring)	First Frost (Fall)
Northern/Western Nebraska	4a, 4b	May 5 - May 20	Sep 20 - Oct 5
Eastern Nebraska	5a, 5b	Apr 25 - May 10	Oct 1 - Oct 15

Cilantro Planting Schedule for Nebraska

Northern/Western Nebraska (Zones 4a, 4b)

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

Direct Sow

2 wks before frost

Fall Planting

6 wks before first frost

Eastern Nebraska (Zones 5a, 5b)

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

Direct Sow

2 wks before frost

Fall Planting

6 wks before first frost

Growing Cilantro in Nebraska

Cilantro in Nebraska'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 Nebraska

Rich prairie soils in east. Sandy soils in Sandhills region. Loess deposits along Missouri River.

Nebraska Climate & Growing Season

Continental climate. Hot summers, cold winters. Adequate growing season in east. Drier in west — irrigation may be needed.

Growing season length varies across Nebraska: Northern/Western Nebraska (4a, 4b) has a last frost around May 5 - May 20, while Eastern Nebraska (5a, 5b) 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 Nebraska, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern/Western Nebraska gardeners should plan around a May 5 - May 20 last frost, while those in Eastern Nebraska 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