When to plant cilantro in Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 6b–7b, so the right time to plant cilantro shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about March 3 in Shively to April 3 in Shelbyville — below are local dates for 46 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County metro government | 7a | April 6 | November 1 | March 9 – April 20 |
| Lexington-Fayette urban county | 7a | April 13 | October 28 | March 16 – April 27 |
| Bowling Green | 7a | April 5 | October 31 | March 8 – April 19 |
| Owensboro | 7a | April 2 | November 1 | March 5 – April 16 |
| Covington | 6b | April 16 | October 25 | March 19 – April 30 |
| Georgetown | 6b | April 18 | October 23 | March 21 – May 2 |
| Richmond | 7a | April 15 | October 22 | March 18 – April 29 |
| Florence | 6b | April 18 | October 25 | March 21 – May 2 |
Cilantro in Kentucky: FAQ
When can I plant cilantro in Kentucky?
Across Kentucky, the time to direct-sow cilantro spans roughly March 3 in Shively to April 3 in Shelbyville, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the cilantro planting date vary across Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky publishes 46 cities with their own frost dates, so the right cilantro planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does cilantro take to grow in Kentucky?
Cilantro takes about 45–70 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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