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Can You Grow Cilantro in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

Grows well here

Cilantro grows easily here as a cool-season herb — sow every few weeks for continuous harvest.

Plant zones

3a–9a

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

21–45 days

When to plant Cilantros in Illinois

Direct sow

Apr 7

Harvest

Apr 28 – May 22

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Cilantro

Cilantro bolts to seed quickly in heat — succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.

Direct sow every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Bolts in heat — plant in shade in summer or focus on cool seasons. Harvest before it bolts. Let some bolt to collect coriander seeds.

Full cilantro growing guide →

Gardening in Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.