When to Plant Cilantro in Zone 4

Coriandrum sativum

Last updated: Apr 29, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative Extension
Action Plan

Plant Cilantro in Zone 4

  • Direct sow: May 17 — after last frost (May 10)
  • First harvest: Jul 11 (45–70 days after planting)
⚠️ Don't plant before last frost (May 10) — cold snaps kill young transplants.
Last frost
May 10
First frost
Sep 25
Growing season
138 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 4
🛒 Cilantro — Seeds & Supplies
  • 🌱 Cilantro Seeds (Slow-Bolt Variety)
  • 🌱 Herb Garden Window Box
  • 🌱 Organic Herb Fertilizer

Search for these at your local garden center or nursery.

Growing Tips

  • Sow directly — cilantro bolts quickly after transplanting.
  • Succession sow every 3 weeks through spring and fall for continuous harvest.
  • Plant in partial shade during warm months to slow bolting.
  • Let some plants go to seed (coriander) — the seeds are a spice and will self-sow.
  • Harvest by snipping outer stems — don't pull the whole plant.

Common Mistakes

  • Transplanting — cilantro hates root disturbance and bolts immediately.
  • Planting once and expecting a continuous harvest — sow repeatedly.
  • Full sun in summer — will bolt within days in heat.
  • Overwatering — cilantro prefers moderate moisture, not wet feet.

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

Other Zones for Cilantro

Zone 3 · Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9 · Zone 10 · Zone 11

📚 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.