Growing Cilantro in Des Moines
🇺🇸 Zone 2 Planting Guide · Hot-summer humid continental climate
Quick Answer: Growing Cilantro in Des Moines
Yes, you can grow Cilantro in Des Moines, US! Plant during Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep for best results. Des Moines is in USDA Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate, offering 170 frost-free days per year. The difficulty level is medium, and Cilantro takes 45-70 days to harvest. Cilantro needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering.
Climate Match Analysis
Des Moines's climate requires careful timing. Winter lows (-12°C) drop below Cilantro's minimum (2°C), so avoid cold months. Summer highs (30°C) exceed Cilantro's maximum (24°C), so plant early or provide shade. Follow the recommended planting months for success.
Des Moines Climate Data
Cilantro Planting Calendar for Des Moines
Green months show the best time to plant Cilantro in Des Moines
Cilantro Growing Requirements
Sunlight
Full Sun to Partial Shade
2-4 hours direct sunlight
Water
Regular
Consistent moisture, 1-2 inches/week
Days to Harvest
45-70
From planting to first harvest
Difficulty
Some experience helpful
💡 Growing Tips for Cilantro
Sow every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. In hot climates, grow in fall/winter only. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Organic mulch around the base helps maintain even moisture.
Frost tolerance: Cilantro is frost tolerant — you can plant earlier in spring.
Companion Plants for Cilantro
Find out which plants grow best alongside Cilantro — and which to keep apart
Grow Cilantro Indoors
No garden? Learn how to grow Cilantro indoors with our complete guide
How to Grow Cilantro in Des Moines
Des Moines, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa). With winter lows of -12°C and summer highs of 30°C, the growing season spans approximately 170 frost-free days. Cilantro grows well with some gardening knowledge in this climate.
Cilantro thrives in temperatures between 10°C and 20°C, requiring full sun to partial shade and regular watering. In Des Moines, the best months to plant Cilantro are March, April, May, August, September. Since Cilantro can tolerate frost, you have flexibility to plant earlier in the season or extend into cooler months. Expect to harvest in approximately 45-70 days after planting.
With 889mm of annual rainfall, Des Moines provides moderate natural moisture. You'll likely need to supplement with regular watering, especially during the growing season.
Other Plants That Grow in Des Moines
More plants you can grow alongside Cilantro in Des Moines
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow cilantro in Des Moines?
Yes! Cilantro can be successfully grown in Des Moines, US. Des Moines is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate. The difficulty level for growing Cilantro here is rated "medium". The best months to plant are March, April, May, August, September.
When should I plant cilantro in Des Moines?
In Des Moines, the recommended planting months for Cilantro are March, April, May, August, September. Des Moines has 170 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of -12°C and summer highs of 30°C. Cilantro is frost tolerant, giving you more flexibility with planting dates.
How long does cilantro take to grow in Des Moines?
Cilantro typically takes 45-70 days from planting to harvest. In Des Moines's Hot-summer humid continental climate with 170 frost-free days, you have enough time with good planning to grow Cilantro to maturity. Sow every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. In hot climates, grow in fall/winter only. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Organic mulch around the base helps maintain even moisture.
Can I grow cilantro indoors in Des Moines?
Cilantro can potentially be grown indoors in Des Moines with proper conditions. It requires full sun to partial shade (2-4 hours of indirect light). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and regular watering.
What month do I plant cilantro in Des Moines?
Plant Cilantro in Des Moines during March, April, May, August, September. These are the optimal months based on Des Moines's USDA Zone 2 climate, 170 frost-free days, and temperature range of -12°C to 30°C.
Is cilantro hard to grow in Des Moines?
Cilantro is rated "medium" to grow in Des Moines. Some gardening experience is helpful. Pay attention to watering schedules and planting timing. The climate match for Cilantro in Des Moines is Moderate.
What grows well with cilantro in Des Moines?
In Des Moines, you can grow many companion plants alongside Cilantro. Good options from the same planting window include Tomato, Basil, Lettuce, Carrot and 2 more. These plants share similar planting months and thrive in Des Moines's Zone 2 climate.
Does cilantro need full sun in Des Moines?
Cilantro requires full sun to partial shade. Cilantro tolerates lower light. In Des Moines, a spot with filtered or indirect light for 2-4 hours works well.