Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in North Dakota

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 North Dakota, 6 weeks before your first frost date. That means planting around Sep 10 - Sep 25 in Western North Dakota.

North Dakota Frost Dates

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

Region	Zones	Last Frost (Spring)	First Frost (Fall)
Western North Dakota	3b, 4a	May 15 - May 30	Sep 10 - Sep 25
Eastern North Dakota	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b	May 10 - May 25	Sep 15 - Sep 30

Cilantro Planting Schedule for North Dakota

Western North Dakota (Zones 3b, 4a)

Average last frost: May 15 - May 30 · Average first frost: Sep 10 - Sep 25

Direct Sow

2 wks before frost

Fall Planting

6 wks before first frost

Eastern North Dakota (Zones 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b)

Average last frost: May 10 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Sep 30

Direct Sow

2 wks before frost

Fall Planting

6 wks before first frost

Growing Cilantro in North Dakota

Cilantro in North Dakota'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 North Dakota

Rich prairie soils — excellent for gardening. Alkaline in western regions. Heavy clay in Red River Valley.

North Dakota Climate & Growing Season

Very cold winters. Short but warm summers with long days. Wind protection very important for gardens.

Growing season length varies across North Dakota: Western North Dakota (3b, 4a) has a last frost around May 15 - May 30, while Eastern North Dakota (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) sees frost end around May 10 - May 25. 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 North Dakota, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Western North Dakota gardeners should plan around a May 15 - May 30 last frost, while those in Eastern North Dakota 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