When to Plant Cilantro in Kentucky

In a typical Kentucky location, sow outdoors Mar 22 – Apr 5. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 10 in Louisville and as late as Apr 10 in Shelbyville. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 2 – Sep 16.

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
LouisvilleMar 10 – Mar 24Sep 14 – Sep 28
LexingtonMar 23 – Apr 6Sep 2 – Sep 16
Lexington-FayetteMar 23 – Apr 6Sep 2 – Sep 16
MeadsApr 1 – Apr 15Aug 28 – Sep 11
Bowling GreenMar 15 – Mar 29Sep 5 – Sep 19
OwensboroMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 7 – Sep 21
CovingtonMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 30 – Sep 13
RichmondMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 27 – Sep 10
GeorgetownMar 23 – Apr 6Sep 2 – Sep 16
FlorenceMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 30 – Sep 13
HopkinsvilleMar 14 – Mar 28Sep 7 – Sep 21
NicholasvilleMar 17 – Mar 31Sep 6 – Sep 20
ElizabethtownMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 30 – Sep 13
HendersonMar 19 – Apr 2Aug 31 – Sep 14
FrankfortMar 25 – Apr 8Aug 29 – Sep 12
JeffersontownMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 8 – Sep 22
IndependenceMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 30 – Sep 13
PaducahMar 16 – Mar 30Sep 1 – Sep 15
Valley StationMar 10 – Mar 24Sep 12 – Sep 26
RadcliffMar 26 – Apr 9Aug 30 – Sep 13
AshlandApr 1 – Apr 15Aug 28 – Sep 11
NewburgMar 16 – Mar 30Sep 6 – Sep 20
MadisonvilleMar 12 – Mar 26Sep 6 – Sep 20
MurrayMar 15 – Mar 29Sep 6 – Sep 20
ErlangerMar 28 – Apr 11Aug 30 – Sep 13
WinchesterMar 30 – Apr 13Aug 24 – Sep 7
Fern CreekMar 16 – Mar 30Sep 6 – Sep 20
Saint MatthewsMar 13 – Mar 27Sep 8 – Sep 22
OkolonaMar 16 – Mar 30Sep 6 – Sep 20
DanvilleMar 19 – Apr 2Sep 1 – Sep 15

Showing the 30 most populous of 52 Kentucky cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Kentucky cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant cilantro in Kentucky?

In a typical Kentucky location, sow outdoors Mar 22 – Apr 5. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 10 in Louisville and as late as Apr 10 in Shelbyville. For a fall crop, plant around Sep 2 – Sep 16.

When is the last frost in Kentucky?

The average last spring frost in Kentucky ranges from March 31 in Louisville to May 1 in Shelbyville, 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 Kentucky

When to plant cilantro in other states

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