When to Plant Cilantro in Zone 3

Coriandrum sativum

Last updated: May 15, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative Extension
Action Plan

Plant Cilantro in Zone 3

  • Direct sow: May 22 — after last frost (May 15)
  • First harvest: Jul 16 (45–70 days)
⚠️ Don't plant before last frost (May 15) — cold snaps kill young transplants.
Last frost
May 15
First frost
Sep 15
Growing season
123 days
Quick Facts
Sunlight ⛅ Partial Sun
Water Needs 💧💧 Moderate
Spacing 8 inches apart
Planting Depth 0.25 inch
Min Soil Temp 50°F
Germination 7–14 days
Days to Maturity 45–70 days
Frost Tolerance Light frost tolerance
Soil pH 6.2–6.8
Difficulty Easy
What you'll need — Zone 3
🛒 Cilantro — Seeds & Supplies
  • 🌱 Slow-Bolt Cilantro Seeds
  • 🌱 Herb Garden Window Box
  • 🌱 Organic Herb Fertilizer

Search for these at your local garden center or nursery.

Growing Tips

  • Sow directly — bolts quickly after transplanting.
  • Succession sow every 3 weeks.
  • Plant in partial shade during warm months.
  • Let some plants go to seed — seeds are coriander and it self-sows.
  • Harvest by snipping outer stems.

Common Mistakes

  • Transplanting — hates root disturbance.
  • Planting once and expecting continuous harvest.
  • Full sun in summer — bolts within days.
  • Overwatering.

Companion Planting

Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.

✓ Good Companions

Tomato Beans

✗ Avoid Nearby

Fennel

Cilantro Schedule — All Zones

ZoneStart IndoorsTransplant Direct SowHarvest StartHarvest End
Zone 3 — — May 22 Jul 16 Sep 9
Zone 4 — — May 17 Jul 11 Sep 4
Zone 5 — — May 7 Jul 1 Aug 25
Zone 6 — — Apr 22 Jun 16 Aug 10
Zone 7 — — Apr 12 Jun 6 Jul 31
Zone 8 — — Mar 27 May 21 Jul 15
Zone 9 — — Mar 7 May 1 Jun 25
Zone 10 — — Feb 17 Apr 13 Jun 7
Zone 11 — — Jan 22 Mar 18 May 12
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.
Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.