When To Plant Cilantro In New England

The best time to plant cilantro in New England is in the cool seasons—early spring and late summer into early fall.
 
Cilantro loves chilly weather and bolts fast when the heat rolls in, which is why timing is everything here.
 
If you plant cilantro in New England at the right moment, you’ll enjoy lush, leafy harvests instead of weak, flowered-out stems.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly when to plant cilantro in New England, how to work with its short life cycle, and tips to keep it producing all season.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Plant Cilantro in New England

When to plant cilantro in New England really depends on your goal and your growing zone.
 
You can plant cilantro in New England in early spring, usually from mid-April to early May, once the soil can be worked.
 
You can also plant cilantro in New England in late summer, from mid-August to early September, for a fall crop.
 
These two windows exist because cilantro is a cool-season herb that thrives between 50°F and 85°F.
 
Once temperatures climb above 85°F, cilantro bolts, sending up a flower stalk and turning its leaves bitter.
 
That’s why planting cilantro in New England during the peak of summer rarely works out well.
 

Spring Planting Window

For a spring crop, plant cilantro in New England about two to three weeks before your last frost date.
 
In most of New England, that falls between late April and mid-May.
 
Cilantro seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are around 55°F to 68°F.
 
You can direct sow cilantro seeds right into the garden, about a quarter-inch deep.
 
If you want to get a head start, sow cilantro in New England indoors four to six weeks before transplanting.
 

Fall Planting Window

If spring planting feels rushed, you can also plant cilantro in New England in late summer.
 
Aim for mid-August to early September, once the worst heat has passed.
 
Fall cilantro in New England benefits from cooling temperatures and shorter days.
 
This timing often gives you the best-tasting leaves of the year.
 
Just be sure to plant cilantro in New England early enough that it matures before the first hard freeze.
 

Why Timing Matters When You Plant Cilantro in New England

Timing is everything when you plant cilantro in New England because this herb is fussy about heat.
 
Here’s why getting the season right makes such a difference.
 

1. Cilantro Is a Cool-Weather Herb

Cilantro grows best in mild temperatures and struggles when it gets hot.
 
New England summers can spike into the 90s, which pushes cilantro to bolt almost overnight.
 
That’s why planting cilantro in New England during spring or fall is so important.
 

2. Bolting Ruins Flavor

Once cilantro bolts, the leaves turn bitter and the plant stops producing tender foliage.
 
You can still harvest the seeds, called coriander, but the leafy harvest ends.
 
Planting cilantro in New England at the right time delays bolting and extends your harvest.
 

3. Short Life Cycle

Cilantro is a fast grower with a short life cycle, often just eight to ten weeks.
 
That means succession planting keeps you in fresh cilantro all season.
 
Plant cilantro in New England every two to three weeks for a steady supply.
 

Tips for Growing Cilantro in New England

Once you know when to plant cilantro in New England, a few smart habits keep it thriving.
 
Here are the tips that make the biggest difference.
 

1. Sow Seeds Directly

Cilantro doesn’t transplant well because of its taproot.
 
Direct sowing is the best way to plant cilantro in New England.
 
Lightly cover the seeds and keep the soil moist until they sprout.
 

2. Give It Partial Shade

In warmer spots, plant cilantro in New England where it gets afternoon shade.
 
A little relief from the midday sun slows bolting and keeps leaves tender.
 

3. Water Consistently

Cilantro likes evenly moist soil, not soggy roots.
 
Water regularly, especially as plants establish, so they never dry out completely.
 

4. Harvest Often

Frequent harvesting encourages new growth and delays bolting.
 
Snip outer leaves first and let the center keep producing.
 
Regular cutting is one of the easiest ways to get more from every cilantro plant in New England.
 

So, When to Plant Cilantro in New England?

The best time to plant cilantro in New England is in early spring or late summer, avoiding the heat of midsummer.
 
Plant cilantro in New England about two to three weeks before your last frost, or again in late August for a fall crop.
 
With succession planting and a little shade, you’ll enjoy fresh cilantro from spring through fall.
 
Now you know exactly when to plant cilantro in New England, so grab your seeds and get growing.