When to plant cilantro in Virginia
Virginia spans USDA zones 7a–8b, so the right time to plant cilantro shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about February 16 in Norfolk to March 29 in Radford — below are local dates for 127 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | 8b | March 29 | November 12 | March 1 – April 12 |
| Chesapeake | 8a | March 23 | November 18 | February 23 – April 6 |
| Arlington | 7b | March 24 | November 18 | February 24 – April 7 |
| Norfolk | 8b | March 16 | November 26 | February 16 – March 30 |
| Richmond | 7b | April 3 | November 4 | March 6 – April 17 |
| Newport News | 8a | April 1 | November 9 | March 4 – April 15 |
| Alexandria | 8a | March 24 | November 18 | February 24 – April 7 |
| Hampton | 8b | March 24 | November 15 | February 24 – April 7 |
Cilantro in Virginia: FAQ
When can I plant cilantro in Virginia?
Across Virginia, the time to direct-sow cilantro spans roughly February 16 in Norfolk to March 29 in Radford, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the cilantro planting date vary across Virginia?
Yes. Virginia publishes 127 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 Virginia?
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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