When to Plant Cilantro in Montana
In a typical Montana location, sow outdoors Apr 23 – May 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 14 in Laurel and as late as May 23 in Butte. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 3 – Aug 17.
Cool-season, bolts in heat; direct sow 1-3 weeks before last frost, succession sow through spring.
Cilantro Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow | Fall planting |
|---|---|---|
| Billings | Apr 19 – May 3 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Missoula | Apr 19 – May 3 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Great Falls | Apr 15 – Apr 29 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Bozeman | May 5 – May 19 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Butte | May 23 – Jun 6 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Helena | Apr 18 – May 2 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Kalispell | May 10 – May 24 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Havre | Apr 24 – May 8 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Anaconda | May 11 – May 25 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Miles City | Apr 17 – May 1 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Helena Valley Southeast | Apr 18 – May 2 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Belgrade | May 5 – May 19 | Jul 22 – Aug 5 |
| Helena Valley West Central | Apr 18 – May 2 | Aug 5 – Aug 19 |
| Evergreen | May 10 – May 24 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Livingston | May 6 – May 20 | Jul 20 – Aug 3 |
| Whitefish | Apr 25 – May 9 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Laurel | Apr 14 – Apr 28 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Sidney | Apr 20 – May 4 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
| Lockwood | Apr 19 – May 3 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Lewistown | Apr 23 – May 7 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Montana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Montana cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant cilantro in Montana?
In a typical Montana location, sow outdoors Apr 23 – May 7. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 14 in Laurel and as late as May 23 in Butte. For a fall crop, plant around Aug 3 – Aug 17.
When is the last frost in Montana?
The average last spring frost in Montana ranges from May 5 in Laurel to June 13 in Butte, 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 Montana
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant cilantro in other states