Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in Oklahoma

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 Oklahoma, 6 weeks before your first frost date. That means planting around Oct 15 - Nov 1 in Northern Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Frost Dates

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

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

Cilantro Planting Schedule for Oklahoma

Northern Oklahoma (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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

Central Oklahoma (Zones 7a, 7b)

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

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

Southern Oklahoma (Zones 7b)

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 Oklahoma

Cilantro in Oklahoma's Climate

Cilantro is strictly cool-season in your warm climate. Sow from September through February. It grows fast in your mild cool weather but bolts within days once spring warmth arrives. Vietnamese cilantro (Persicaria odorata) is a heat-tolerant alternative with similar flavor for summer use.

Soil Considerations for Oklahoma

Red clay soils common. Alkaline in west. Rich prairie soils in east. Wind erosion in western panhandle.

Oklahoma Climate & Growing Season

Hot summers. Severe thunderstorms and tornado risk. Good growing season length. Windy — windbreaks help gardens.

Growing season length varies across Oklahoma: Northern Oklahoma (6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Oklahoma (7b) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. 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 Oklahoma, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Oklahoma gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 20 last frost, while those in Southern Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma Planting Calendar All plants for Oklahoma 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

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates