FrostCal

When to Plant Cilantro in Illinois

In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 30 – Apr 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 11 in Granite City and as late as Apr 10 in Roscoe. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 27 – Sep 10.

Method Direct sow
Days to maturity 45–70 days

Cool-season, bolts in heat; direct sow 1-3 weeks before last frost, succession sow through spring.

Cilantro Planting Dates by City

CityDirect sowFall planting
ChicagoMar 20 – Apr 3Sep 10 – Sep 24
AuroraMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 28 – Sep 11
RockfordApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 22 – Sep 5
JolietMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 30 – Sep 13
NapervilleApr 7 – Apr 21Aug 21 – Sep 4
PeoriaMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 28 – Sep 11
SpringfieldMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 27 – Sep 10
North PeoriaMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 28 – Sep 11
ElginApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 23 – Sep 6
WaukeganApr 9 – Apr 23Aug 24 – Sep 7
ChampaignMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 29 – Sep 12
CiceroMar 21 – Apr 4Sep 5 – Sep 19
BloomingtonMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 25 – Sep 8
Arlington HeightsMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 31 – Sep 14
EvanstonApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 26 – Sep 9
SchaumburgApr 9 – Apr 23Aug 18 – Sep 1
BolingbrookMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 27 – Sep 10
DecaturMar 24 – Apr 7Aug 29 – Sep 12
PalatineApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 24 – Sep 7
SkokieApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 26 – Sep 9
Des PlainesMar 26 – Apr 9Sep 2 – Sep 16
Orland ParkMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 27 – Sep 10
Tinley ParkApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 25 – Sep 8
Oak LawnMar 20 – Apr 3Sep 6 – Sep 20
BerwynMar 21 – Apr 4Sep 5 – Sep 19
Mount ProspectMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 31 – Sep 14
NormalApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 21 – Sep 4
WheatonApr 7 – Apr 21Aug 21 – Sep 4
Oak ParkMar 21 – Apr 4Sep 5 – Sep 19
Hoffman EstatesApr 9 – Apr 23Aug 18 – Sep 1

Showing the 30 most populous of 242 Illinois cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Illinois cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant cilantro in Illinois?

In a typical Illinois location, sow outdoors Mar 30 – Apr 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 11 in Granite City and as late as Apr 10 in Roscoe. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 27 – Sep 10.

When is the last frost in Illinois?

The average last spring frost in Illinois ranges from April 1 in Granite City to May 1 in Roscoe, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do cilantro take to grow?

Cilantro typically take 45–70 days from planting to harvest. Cool-season, bolts in heat; direct sow 1-3 weeks before last frost, succession sow through spring.

Other Crops in Illinois

When to plant cilantro in other states

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