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Growing Cilantro in St. Louis

🇺🇸 Zone 4 Planting Guide · Humid subtropical climate

USDA Zone 4 210 frost-free days 45-70 days to harvest

Quick Answer: Growing Cilantro in St. Louis

Yes, you can grow Cilantro in St. Louis, US! Plant during Feb, Mar, Apr, Aug, Sep for best results. St. Louis is in USDA Zone 4 with a Humid subtropical climate, offering 210 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 St. Louis + Cilantro

St. Louis's climate requires careful timing. Winter lows (-6°C) drop below Cilantro's minimum (2°C), so avoid cold months. Summer highs (32°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
St. Louis range -6°C to 32°C

St. Louis Climate Data

USDA Zone
4
Frost-Free
210days
Winter Low
-6°C
Summer High
32°C
Rainfall
1016mm/yr
Climate
Cfa
Humid subtropical

Cilantro Planting Calendar for St. Louis

Green months show the best time to plant Cilantro in St. Louis

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

Cilantro Growing Requirements

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Sunlight

Full Sun to Partial Shade

2-4 hours direct sunlight

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Water

Regular

Consistent moisture, 1-2 inches/week

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Days to Harvest

45-70

From planting to first harvest

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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.

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Companion Plants for Cilantro

Find out which plants grow best alongside Cilantro — and which to keep apart

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Grow Cilantro Indoors

No garden? Learn how to grow Cilantro indoors with our complete guide

How to Grow Cilantro in St. Louis

St. Louis, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4 with a Humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa). With winter lows of -6°C and summer highs of 32°C, the growing season spans approximately 210 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 St. Louis, the best months to plant Cilantro are February, March, April, 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.

St. Louis receives 1016mm of annual rainfall, which provides good natural moisture for Cilantro. Supplement with additional watering during dry spells.

Other Plants That Grow in St. Louis

More plants you can grow alongside Cilantro in St. Louis

Keep Exploring

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow cilantro in St. Louis?

Yes! Cilantro can be successfully grown in St. Louis, US. St. Louis is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4 with a Humid subtropical climate. The difficulty level for growing Cilantro here is rated "medium". The best months to plant are February, March, April, August, September.

When should I plant cilantro in St. Louis?

In St. Louis, the recommended planting months for Cilantro are February, March, April, August, September. St. Louis has 210 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of -6°C and summer highs of 32°C. Cilantro is frost tolerant, giving you more flexibility with planting dates.

How long does cilantro take to grow in St. Louis?

Cilantro typically takes 45-70 days from planting to harvest. In St. Louis's Humid subtropical climate with 210 frost-free days, you have plenty of time 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 St. Louis?

Cilantro can potentially be grown indoors in St. Louis with proper conditions. It requires full sun to partial shade (2-4 hours of indirect light). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the Feb, Mar, Apr, Aug, Sep outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and regular watering.

What month do I plant cilantro in St. Louis?

Plant Cilantro in St. Louis during February, March, April, August, September. These are the optimal months based on St. Louis's USDA Zone 4 climate, 210 frost-free days, and temperature range of -6°C to 32°C.

Is cilantro hard to grow in St. Louis?

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

What grows well with cilantro in St. Louis?

In St. Louis, 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 St. Louis's Zone 4 climate.

Does cilantro need full sun in St. Louis?

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

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

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