Zone 5 · Herbs Growing Guide

When to Plant Cilantro / Coriander
in Zone 5

Fast to bolt in heat. Succession sow every 3 weeks through cool weather. Let some plants go to seed — you'll always have a supply, and the seeds (coriander) are a spice in their own right.

Plant outdoors
Mar 25 – May 15, Aug 20 – Sep 20
Start indoors
Direct sow
Last Frost
~Apr 15
Days to harvest
45–70 days
Difficulty
Easy
Ready to harvest — Zone 5
Harvest window: Apr – May, Oct – Nov

Planting Calendar

In Zone 5, Cilantro / Coriander should be planted outdoors Mar 25 – May 15, Aug 20 – Sep 20, after the average last frost date of approximately Apr 15.

Succession sow every 3 weeks in cool weather. Shade cloth helps extend the spring season.

Care Guide

Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade · 4–8 hrs/day
Watering
Moderate
Spacing
6–8 inches
Soil
Well-draining, light loam
Days to maturity
45–70 days
Soil pH
6.2–6.8
plant tip · Zone 5

Succession sow every 3 weeks in cool weather. Shade cloth helps extend the spring season.

Feeding Schedule

How often
once at planting
Feed type
balanced (10-10-10)
Key timing
at planting

Fast-growing and light feeder. One application at sowing is enough. Over-feeding speeds bolting.

Succession Planting

Sow every 2 weeks

Sow every 2 weeks from spring through autumn. The fastest-bolting herb in the garden — succession is essential. Keep sowing and you'll always have fresh leaves rather than battling flowers.

Companion Planting for Cilantro / Coriander

What you plant next to cilantro / coriander makes a real difference — some plants actively help, others compete or attract pests.

Grows well with
  • Basil
  • Carrots
  • Spinach
  • Chives
Keep away from
  • Fennel
  • Dill (cross-pollinates)

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Common questions

In Zone 5, cilantro / coriander has two planting windows: Mar 25 – May 15, Aug 20 – Sep 20. The spring window opens after your last frost around Apr 15. The fall window lets you grow a second crop before first frost around Oct 15. Succession sow every 3 weeks in cool weather. Shade cloth helps extend the spring season.
Zone 5 has an average last spring frost of approximately Apr 15 and a first fall frost around Oct 15. These dates vary by specific location — use your ZIP code in the plant app for precision based on the nearest NOAA weather station.
Good companion crops for cilantro / coriander include Basil, Carrots, Spinach, Chives. Avoid planting near Fennel, Dill (cross-pollinates), which can compete for nutrients or attract pests.
Cilantro / Coriander typically takes 45–70 days from transplant or direct sow to harvest in Zone 5. Expected harvest window: Apr – May, Oct – Nov.

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Cilantro / Coriander in other zones
Crop Guides