Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in North Carolina

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

North Carolina's mountain region provides the longest cilantro season — the cool Blue Ridge climate delays bolting well into summer. Piedmont and coastal gardeners focus on the October-through-April window.

North Carolina Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Mountains 5b, 6a, 6b Apr 25 - May 15 Sep 25 - Oct 10
Piedmont 7a, 7b Apr 1 - Apr 15 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Coastal Plain 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Cilantro Planting Schedule for North Carolina

Mountains (Zones 5b, 6a, 6b)

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

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

Piedmont (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

Coastal Plain (Zones 7b, 8a)

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

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

Growing Cilantro in North Carolina

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: sow March through June, August through October. Piedmont: sow September through March. Coastal: October through March. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks. NC State Extension provides herb variety guides.

Recommended Varieties for North Carolina

Santo and Calypso for slow bolting. Standard cilantro for coriander seed production.

Common Challenges in North Carolina

Bolting in Piedmont and coastal warmth. Aphids. Cool mountain conditions extend the season significantly.

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 in North Carolina with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 25 - May 15, while Coastal Plain sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 North Carolina Planting Calendar All plants for North Carolina 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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