Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in Vermont

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 Vermont, 6 weeks before your first frost date. That means planting around Sep 5 - Sep 20 in Northern Vermont.

Vermont Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Vermont 3b, 4a May 20 - Jun 5 Sep 5 - Sep 20
Central Vermont 4a, 4b, 5a May 10 - May 25 Sep 15 - Oct 1
Southern Vermont 4b, 5a, 5b May 5 - May 20 Sep 20 - Oct 5

Cilantro Planting Schedule for Vermont

Northern Vermont (Zones 3b, 4a)

Average last frost: May 20 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20

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

Central Vermont (Zones 4a, 4b, 5a)

Average last frost: May 10 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 15 - Oct 1

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

Southern Vermont (Zones 4b, 5a, 5b)

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

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

Growing Cilantro in Vermont

Cilantro in Vermont'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 Vermont

Rocky, acidic soils typical of New England. Glacial deposits. Thin mountain soils. Raised beds very popular.

Vermont Climate & Growing Season

Short growing season. Cold winters. Cool summers. Long summer days help compensate. Season extension techniques valuable.

Growing season length varies across Vermont: Northern Vermont (3b, 4a) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Southern Vermont (4b, 5a, 5b) sees frost end around May 5 - May 20. 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 Vermont, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Vermont gardeners should plan around a May 20 - Jun 5 last frost, while those in Southern Vermont 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 Vermont Planting Calendar All plants for Vermont 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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