Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in Utah

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 Utah, 6 weeks before your first frost date. That means planting around Oct 1 - Oct 20 in Wasatch Front (SLC).

Utah Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Wasatch Front (SLC) 6a, 6b, 7a Apr 20 - May 10 Oct 1 - Oct 20
Mountain Regions 4a, 4b, 5a May 25 - Jun 15 Aug 25 - Sep 15
Southern Utah 6b, 7a, 7b Apr 10 - May 1 Oct 10 - Nov 1

Cilantro Planting Schedule for Utah

Wasatch Front (SLC) (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 20 - May 10 · Average first frost: Oct 1 - Oct 20

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

Mountain Regions (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 25 - Jun 15 · Average first frost: Aug 25 - Sep 15

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

Southern Utah (Zones 6b, 7a, 7b)

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

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

Growing Cilantro in Utah

Cilantro in Utah'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 Utah

Alkaline desert soils. Low organic matter. Saline soils in some areas. Heavy amendment with compost and sulfur needed.

Utah Climate & Growing Season

Arid climate. Intense sun. Low humidity. Wide temperature swings. Irrigation essential everywhere.

Growing season length varies across Utah: Wasatch Front (SLC) (6a, 6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 20 - May 10, while Southern Utah (6b, 7a, 7b) sees frost end around Apr 10 - May 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 Utah, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Wasatch Front (SLC) gardeners should plan around a Apr 20 - May 10 last frost, while those in Southern Utah 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 Utah Planting Calendar All plants for Utah 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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