When To Plant Cilantro In Minnesota

The best time to plant cilantro in Minnesota is in the early spring, once the soil has thawed and the danger of a hard freeze has passed.
 
If you’ve been wondering when to plant cilantro in Minnesota, the short answer is that you can usually direct sow your first crop in late April to mid-May.
 
Cilantro is a cool-season herb, which makes it a perfect match for Minnesota’s short, mild spring weather before the heat of summer arrives.
 
Because Minnesota sits in USDA growing zones 3 to 5, timing matters a lot if you want to plant cilantro successfully here.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly when to plant cilantro in Minnesota, how to stagger your planting for a longer harvest, and a few tips to keep it from bolting too fast.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Plant Cilantro in Minnesota

Knowing when to plant cilantro in Minnesota comes down to working with the weather instead of fighting it.
 
Here are the key planting windows you should keep in mind.
 

1. Plant in Early Spring After the Last Frost

Cilantro prefers cool temperatures between 50°F and 70°F, so the ideal time to plant cilantro in Minnesota is right after your last spring frost.
 
In most parts of Minnesota, that frost date falls between April 15 and May 10, depending on whether you’re in the Twin Cities or further north.
 
You can actually plant cilantro seeds a week or two before the last frost because the seeds tolerate a bit of cold just fine.
 
This early planting gives your cilantro a head start before the summer heat kicks in.
 

2. Start Seeds Indoors in March for a Head Start

If you want to get a jump on the season, you can start cilantro seeds indoors about four to six weeks before your last frost date.
 
That usually means sowing indoors in early to mid-March here in Minnesota.
 
Just keep in mind that cilantro doesn’t transplant as easily as some herbs, so use biodegradable pots to avoid disturbing the roots.
 
When you plant cilantro this way, you’ll have seedlings ready to go into the ground as soon as the soil is workable.
 

3. Plant a Second Crop in Late Summer

One of the best tricks for growing cilantro in Minnesota is to plant a fall crop once the worst of the summer heat has passed.
 
Around mid-August, the temperatures start cooling down again, which is a great time to plant cilantro for an autumn harvest.
 
This second planting window lets you enjoy fresh cilantro right up until the first hard freeze in October.
 
So if you’re asking when to plant cilantro in Minnesota, remember that you actually get two solid windows, not just one.
 

Why Timing Matters When You Plant Cilantro in Minnesota

Cilantro is notoriously fast to bolt, meaning it shoots up a flower stalk and turns bitter once the weather gets hot.
 
Minnesota summers can spike into the 80s and 90s, which is exactly the kind of heat that makes cilantro bolt prematurely.
 
That’s why planting cilantro early in spring, and again in late summer, works so well in this climate.
 
By avoiding the hottest months, you keep your cilantro producing tender, flavorful leaves for much longer.
 
You can also plant cilantro in partial shade during warmer stretches to slow down bolting.
 

Tips for Planting Cilantro in Minnesota Successfully

Once you know when to plant cilantro in Minnesota, a few smart habits will help you get the most from your crop.
 

1. Sow Seeds Directly for Best Results

Cilantro has a taproot that hates being moved, so direct sowing is usually the best approach.
 
Loosen the soil, scatter the seeds, and cover them with about a quarter inch of soil.
 
Keep the area moist, and you’ll see seedlings pop up in seven to ten days.
 

2. Stagger Your Plantings Every Few Weeks

If you want a continuous supply, plant cilantro every two to three weeks through the cool parts of the season.
 
This way, when one batch starts to bolt, the next one is ready to take over.
 
Staggering is one of the simplest ways to extend your cilantro harvest in Minnesota.
 

3. Keep the Soil Consistently Moist

Cilantro likes moist but well-drained soil, so water regularly without letting it get soggy.
 
Mulching around your plants helps retain moisture and keeps the soil cooler, which slows bolting.
 
Healthy, well-watered cilantro will reward you with plenty of fresh leaves for salsa, salads, and soups.
 

So, When to Plant Cilantro in Minnesota?

The best time to plant cilantro in Minnesota is in early spring after the last frost, with a second crop in late summer for a fall harvest.
 
Cilantro thrives in the cool weather that Minnesota does so well, as long as you avoid the peak summer heat.
 
Whether you start seeds indoors in March or direct sow in April, timing your planting around the seasons is the key to success.
 
Now that you know when to plant cilantro in Minnesota, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown flavor all season long.