When should I plant cilantro in ZIP 28202?

In ZIP 28202, the main cilantro target is around Mar 22, based on the representative Charlotte frost station and USDA zone 8a.

When should I start cilantro seeds indoors in 28202?

Cilantro is usually direct-sown for ZIP 28202. Use the Mar 22 planting window instead of starting it indoors.

Is this a guaranteed planting date?

No. GrowZone uses frost-date estimates, hardiness zones, and crop timing rules for planning. Local microclimates and current weather can shift the right date.

ZIP 28202 planting calendar

When to plant cilantro in Charlotte, NC - Zone 8a

Q: When is the first frost in Charlotte?

Charlotte (ZIP 28202) has an average first fall frost around Nov 5, leaving about 214 frost-free days.

In ZIP 28202, plant cilantro around Mar 22; this uses the Charlotte frost station, USDA zone 8a, and cilantro timing rules.

Your Charlotte calendar has a 214-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Charlotte frost station, USDA zone 8a, and cilantro timing rules.

Source: charlotte-douglas frost station, USDA zone 8a, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

Reviewed by GrowZone Editorial. Calculated from the charlotte-douglas frost station and USDA zone 8a, last updated 2026-06-28.

In the Charlotte area, cilantro timing follows the Charlotte frost window, so the local ZIP date can differ from a broad zone-only calendar.

USDA zone 8a Charlotte frost station NC State Extension Updated 2026-06-28

Read the method

Answer first

When to start cilantro seeds indoors in Charlotte

In ZIP 28202, cilantro is usually direct-sown around Mar 22 instead of started indoors.

Cilantro is normally direct-sown in Charlotte. Use around Mar 22 as the outdoor planting window for ZIP 28202.

Seed starting schedule

Cilantro dates for Charlotte, NC

Step	Date	How to use it
Direct Sow	March 22, 2026	Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Charlotte?

Charlotte (ZIP 28202) has an average last spring frost around Apr 5.

First frost

When is the first frost in Charlotte?

The average first fall frost is around Nov 5, giving about 214 frost-free days.

Season map

Cilantro windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Direct sow

Mar 22

Harvest

May 6

Frost watch

Sep 21

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Direct sow cilantroMar 22

Last frost windowApr 5

First cilantro harvest windowMay 6

Last cilantro sowing targetSep 21

Signal	Value	Why it matters
Last frost estimate	April 5, 2026	Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimate	November 5, 2026	Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length	214 days	Longer seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing	4-6 in	Airflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature	45 F+	Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

Charlotte frost history and USDA zone 8a shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

NC State Extension is the kind of local source to verify against when a crop is expensive, weather is unusual, or your yard has a cold pocket.

Crop note

Cilantro timing notes

Sow small batches often because cilantro bolts in heat. Cilantro prefers sun to part shade, 4-6 in spacing, and soil near 45 F+.

For fall, count backward from Nov 5. A conservative last sowing target is around Sep 21.