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Can You Grow Cilantro in Iowa?

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

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

3a–9a

Iowa last frost

mid-April

Iowa first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

21–45 days

When to plant Cilantros in Iowa

Direct sow

Apr 15

Harvest

May 6 – May 30

Dates are approximate, based on Iowa'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 Iowa

Iowa has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Most of the state is Zone 5a-5b. Excellent for cool-season crops and hardy fruits.