🌿 Can I Plant Cilantro in Raleigh, NC?

2026 planting guide for Zone 7b · Last frost ~March 24 · Growing season ~236 days

✅ YES — Good temps, but watch for heat — highs near 99°F

Temperature conditions are suitable for Cilantro. Highs near 99°F are on the warm side — make sure plants have plenty of water.

Planting window: Jun 1 – Jun 15
Good to go — plant now while conditions are right.
Live result based on current forecast for Raleigh, NC · Updates every 6 hours
USDA Zone
7b
Last Spring Frost
~March 24
First Fall Frost
November 15
Growing Season
~236 days
Ideal Temp for Cilantro
50–70°F
Frost Risk
✅ Tolerant

Growing Cilantro in Raleigh

Raleigh's Zone 7b Piedmont location delivers a generous 235 frost-free days. The warm, humid summers are excellent for tomatoes, peppers, and sweet potatoes, while the long fall window supports outstanding cool-season gardens. Many Raleigh gardeners find fall to be their most productive season — planting broccoli, kale, and lettuce in September for harvests through December.

In Raleigh (last frost around March 24), cilantro can go out around February — approximately 4 weeks before the last expected frost, making it an early-season opportunity.

Cilantro thrives between 50°F and 70°F. It tolerates temperatures as low as 32°F, making it a candidate for early spring planting before the last frost date. Expect 45–70 days from transplant to first harvest. Bolts quickly in heat. Succession plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I plant cilantro in Raleigh, NC?

In Raleigh (last frost around March 24), cilantro can go out around February — approximately 4 weeks before the last expected frost, making it an early-season opportunity.

What is the USDA hardiness zone for Raleigh?

Raleigh, NC is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7b. The last expected spring frost is around March 24, and the first fall frost arrives around November 15. This zone classification helps you understand which perennials survive winter and when annual vegetables can safely go outdoors.

Is it safe to plant cilantro outside in Raleigh right now?

That depends on the current weather forecast. Cilantro needs temperatures above 32°F (ideally 50–70°F) to thrive. CanIPlant checks your real 7-day forecast and any active frost alerts to give you a live YES, NO, or WAIT answer — just enter your ZIP code.

Can I grow cilantro in Raleigh 2026?

Yes — Cilantro grows well in Raleigh, NC. With a Zone 7b climate and a growing season of ~236 days, Raleigh is well-suited for cool-season crops like cilantro. As a frost-tolerant crop, cilantro can even go out a few weeks before the last frost date.

Grow Cilantro in Other Cities

New York, NYLos Angeles, CAChicago, ILHouston, TXPhoenix, AZPhiladelphia, PASan Antonio, TXSan Diego, CA

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