Skip to content
🌿 Herb medium

Growing Cilantro in Milwaukee

🇺🇸 Zone 3 Planting Guide · Hot-summer humid continental climate

USDA Zone 3 175 frost-free days 45-70 days to harvest

Quick Answer: Growing Cilantro in Milwaukee

Yes, you can grow Cilantro in Milwaukee, US! Plant during Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep for best results. Milwaukee is in USDA Zone 3 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate, offering 175 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

Moderate Match Milwaukee + Cilantro

Milwaukee's climate requires careful timing. Winter lows (-10°C) drop below Cilantro's minimum (2°C), so avoid cold months. Summer highs (28°C) exceed Cilantro's maximum (24°C), so plant early or provide shade. Follow the recommended planting months for success.

Cilantro tolerates 2°C to 24°C
Optimal: 10°C - 20°C
Milwaukee range -10°C to 28°C

Milwaukee Climate Data

USDA Zone
3
Frost-Free
175days
Winter Low
-10°C
Summer High
28°C
Rainfall
869mm/yr
Climate
Dfa
Hot-summer humid continental

Cilantro Planting Calendar for Milwaukee

Green months show the best time to plant Cilantro in Milwaukee

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant Cilantro Not recommended

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

medium

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 Milwaukee

Milwaukee, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa). With winter lows of -10°C and summer highs of 28°C, the growing season spans approximately 175 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 Milwaukee, 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 869mm of annual rainfall, Milwaukee provides moderate natural moisture. You'll likely need to supplement with regular watering, especially during the growing season.

Other Plants That Grow in Milwaukee

More plants you can grow alongside Cilantro in Milwaukee

Keep Exploring

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow cilantro in Milwaukee?

Yes! Cilantro can be successfully grown in Milwaukee, US. Milwaukee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3 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 Milwaukee?

In Milwaukee, the recommended planting months for Cilantro are March, April, May, August, September. Milwaukee has 175 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of -10°C and summer highs of 28°C. Cilantro is frost tolerant, giving you more flexibility with planting dates.

How long does cilantro take to grow in Milwaukee?

Cilantro typically takes 45-70 days from planting to harvest. In Milwaukee's Hot-summer humid continental climate with 175 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 Milwaukee?

Cilantro can potentially be grown indoors in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee?

Plant Cilantro in Milwaukee during March, April, May, August, September. These are the optimal months based on Milwaukee's USDA Zone 3 climate, 175 frost-free days, and temperature range of -10°C to 28°C.

Is cilantro hard to grow in Milwaukee?

Cilantro is rated "medium" to grow in Milwaukee. Some gardening experience is helpful. Pay attention to watering schedules and planting timing. The climate match for Cilantro in Milwaukee is Moderate.

What grows well with cilantro in Milwaukee?

In Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee's Zone 3 climate.

Does cilantro need full sun in Milwaukee?

Cilantro requires full sun to partial shade. Cilantro tolerates lower light. In Milwaukee, a spot with filtered or indirect light for 2-4 hours works well.

Last updated: March 2026 · Climate data from NOAA, FAO, USDA

See an error? Report it