FrostCal

When to Plant Cilantro in Iowa

In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 31 – Apr 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 20 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 12 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 22 – Sep 5.

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
Des MoinesMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 25 – Sep 8
Cedar RapidsApr 7 – Apr 21Aug 17 – Aug 31
DavenportMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 27 – Sep 10
Sioux CityApr 8 – Apr 22Aug 12 – Aug 26
Iowa CityMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 23 – Sep 6
WaterlooApr 6 – Apr 20Aug 15 – Aug 29
AmesApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 13 – Aug 27
West Des MoinesMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 25 – Sep 8
Council BluffsMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 26 – Sep 9
DubuqueMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 26 – Sep 9
AnkenyApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 20 – Sep 3
UrbandaleMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 25 – Sep 8
Cedar FallsApr 6 – Apr 20Aug 15 – Aug 29
MarionApr 7 – Apr 21Aug 17 – Aug 31
BettendorfMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 27 – Sep 10
MarshalltownApr 7 – Apr 21Aug 12 – Aug 26
Mason CityApr 8 – Apr 22Aug 12 – Aug 26
ClintonMar 23 – Apr 6Aug 31 – Sep 14
BurlingtonMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 25 – Sep 8
Fort DodgeApr 7 – Apr 21Aug 13 – Aug 27
OttumwaApr 2 – Apr 16Aug 19 – Sep 2
MuscatineMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 29 – Sep 12
JohnstonMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 23 – Sep 6
CoralvilleMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 23 – Sep 6
WaukeeMar 29 – Apr 12Aug 23 – Sep 6
AltoonaMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 20 – Sep 3
North LibertyMar 31 – Apr 14Aug 23 – Sep 6
IndianolaApr 3 – Apr 17Aug 17 – Aug 31
CliveMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 25 – Sep 8
NewtonApr 1 – Apr 15Aug 22 – Sep 5

Showing the 30 most populous of 45 Iowa cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Iowa cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant cilantro in Iowa?

In a typical Iowa location, sow outdoors Mar 31 – Apr 14. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 20 in Keokuk and as late as Apr 12 in Grinnell. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 22 – Sep 5.

When is the last frost in Iowa?

The average last spring frost in Iowa ranges from April 10 in Keokuk to May 3 in Grinnell, 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 Iowa

When to plant cilantro in other states

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