When to Plant Cilantro in Maine

In a typical Maine location, sow outdoors Apr 11 – Apr 25. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 4 in Lewiston and as late as Apr 25 in Sanford. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 15 – Aug 29.

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
PortlandApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 20 – Sep 3
LewistonApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 24 – Sep 7
BangorApr 13 – Apr 27Aug 9 – Aug 23
West ScarboroughApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 20 – Sep 3
South PortlandApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 20 – Sep 3
South Portland GardensApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 20 – Sep 3
AuburnApr 4 – Apr 18Aug 24 – Sep 7
BiddefordApr 18 – May 2Aug 8 – Aug 22
SanfordApr 25 – May 9Aug 5 – Aug 19
SacoApr 18 – May 2Aug 8 – Aug 22
AugustaApr 6 – Apr 20Aug 21 – Sep 4
WestbrookApr 5 – Apr 19Aug 20 – Sep 3
WatervilleApr 11 – Apr 25Aug 15 – Aug 29
BrunswickApr 11 – Apr 25Aug 15 – Aug 29
York BeachApr 10 – Apr 24Aug 19 – Sep 2
Wells Beach StationApr 18 – May 2Aug 8 – Aug 22
OronoApr 10 – Apr 24Aug 11 – Aug 25
LisbonApr 24 – May 8Aug 7 – Aug 21
North BathApr 19 – May 3Aug 11 – Aug 25
BrewerApr 13 – Apr 27Aug 9 – Aug 23
Presque IsleApr 23 – May 7Aug 1 – Aug 15

Showing the 21 most populous of 21 Maine cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Maine cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant cilantro in Maine?

In a typical Maine location, sow outdoors Apr 11 – Apr 25. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 4 in Lewiston and as late as Apr 25 in Sanford. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 15 – Aug 29.

When is the last frost in Maine?

The average last spring frost in Maine ranges from April 25 in Lewiston to May 16 in Sanford, 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 Maine

When to plant cilantro in other states

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