Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in New Jersey

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 New Jersey, 6 weeks before your first frost date. That means planting around Oct 5 - Oct 20 in Northern New Jersey.

New Jersey Frost Dates

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

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

Cilantro Planting Schedule for New Jersey

Northern New Jersey (Zones 6a, 6b)

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

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

Central New Jersey (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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

Southern New Jersey (Zones 7a, 7b)

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

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

Growing Cilantro in New Jersey

Cilantro in New Jersey'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 New Jersey

Sandy soils in Pine Barrens. Clay in north. Acidic in south. Rich loam in central agricultural areas. The Garden State for good reason.

New Jersey Climate & Growing Season

Moderate climate with maritime influence. Good growing season. Four seasons. Excellent for a wide range of crops.

Growing season length varies across New Jersey: Northern New Jersey (6a, 6b) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 5, while Southern New Jersey (7a, 7b) 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 New Jersey, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern New Jersey gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 5 last frost, while those in Southern New Jersey 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 New Jersey Planting Calendar All plants for New Jersey 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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