When To Plant Cilantro In Wisconsin

The best time to plant cilantro in Wisconsin is in the spring after the last frost date, usually from late April through May, and again in late summer for a fall harvest.
 
Cilantro is a cool-season herb, which means it loves the mild temperatures Wisconsin offers in spring and early fall.
 
If you’ve been wondering when to plant cilantro in Wisconsin, the short answer is: as soon as the soil can be worked in spring and again in August for a second round.
 
Timing is everything with this herb because cilantro bolts, or goes to seed, the moment the weather turns hot.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly when to plant cilantro in Wisconsin, how the state’s growing zones affect your planting schedule, and a few tricks to keep your cilantro productive all season.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Plant Cilantro in Wisconsin

Knowing when to plant cilantro in Wisconsin comes down to understanding the state’s climate and your specific growing zone.
 
Wisconsin spans USDA hardiness zones 3b through 5b, so planting dates shift a bit depending on where you live.
 
Here’s how to break it down.
 

1. Spring Planting After the Last Frost

Cilantro seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are between 55°F and 70°F.
 
In southern Wisconsin, that usually happens around late April to early May.
 
In northern Wisconsin, you might need to wait until mid to late May.
 
The key is to plant cilantro in Wisconsin once the danger of frost has passed but before the heat of summer kicks in.
 
If you plant too early, cold soil can slow germination, and a late frost can damage tender seedlings.
 
If you plant too late, your cilantro will bolt almost immediately.
 

2. Fall Planting for a Second Harvest

One of the best-kept secrets about when to plant cilantro in Wisconsin is that fall is actually ideal.
 
By late July or early August, the intense summer heat starts to fade, and cilantro can thrive again.
 
Planting cilantro in Wisconsin in late summer gives you a fresh crop that lasts well into October, sometimes even past the first light frost.
 
Cilantro is surprisingly frost-tolerant, so a light chill won’t kill it.
 
In fact, cool fall weather brings out the best flavor in those leaves.
 

3. Succession Planting for a Longer Season

If you want a steady supply of cilantro, don’t plant it all at once.
 
Instead, sow seeds every two to three weeks from spring through late summer.
 
This succession planting method is the smartest way to handle cilantro in Wisconsin because it spreads your harvest across the whole growing season.
 
When one batch starts to bolt, the next one is already coming up.
 
Just remember to pause planting during the hottest weeks of July, since that’s when cilantro struggles the most.
 

Tips for Growing Cilantro in Wisconsin

Planting at the right time is only half the battle.
 
Here’s how to keep your cilantro happy once it’s in the ground.
 

1. Pick the Right Spot

Cilantro prefers full sun in spring and fall but appreciates partial shade during warmer stretches.
 
In Wisconsin, a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade is often perfect.
 
This helps slow bolting when temperatures spike unexpectedly.
 

2. Keep the Soil Moist

Cilantro has shallow roots, so it dries out quickly.
 
Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
 
Mulching around your plants helps retain moisture and keeps the soil cool, which is especially helpful when growing cilantro in Wisconsin during warmer months.
 

3. Harvest Often

The more you cut cilantro, the more it produces.
 
Snip outer leaves regularly, starting when the plant is about six inches tall.
 
Frequent harvesting also delays bolting, so you get more usable leaves before the plant goes to seed.
 
And if it does bolt, don’t panic, because those seeds are coriander, which you can harvest and use in your kitchen too.
 

4. Choose Slow-Bolting Varieties

Some cilantro varieties are bred to resist bolting longer than others.
 
Look for types like ‘Santo’ or ‘Slow Bolt’ if you’re planting cilantro in Wisconsin and want it to last through early summer.
 
These varieties give you a bit more wiggle room when the weather heats up faster than expected.
 

So, When to Plant Cilantro in Wisconsin?

The best time to plant cilantro in Wisconsin is in spring after the last frost and again in late summer for a fall crop.
 
Cilantro loves cool weather, so timing your planting around Wisconsin’s mild seasons is the key to success.
 
Plant in late April to May for a spring harvest, sow again in late July to August for fall, and use succession planting to keep the supply coming.
 
With the right timing and a little care, you’ll be harvesting fresh cilantro from your Wisconsin garden in no time.
 
Happy planting.