When should I plant cilantro in ZIP 20001?

In ZIP 20001, the main cilantro target is around Apr 1, based on the representative Washington frost station and USDA zone 7b.

When should I start cilantro seeds indoors in 20001?

Cilantro is usually direct-sown for ZIP 20001. Use the Apr 1 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 20001 planting calendar

When to plant cilantro in Washington, DC - Zone 7b

Q: When is the first frost in Washington?

Washington (ZIP 20001) has an average first fall frost around Nov 5, leaving about 204 frost-free days.

In ZIP 20001, plant cilantro around Apr 1; this uses the Washington frost station, USDA zone 7b, and cilantro timing rules.

Your Washington calendar has a 204-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Washington frost station, USDA zone 7b, and cilantro timing rules.

Source: washington-reagan frost station, USDA zone 7b, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

USDA zone 7b Washington frost station University of the District of Columbia Extension Updated 2026-06-28

Read the method

Answer first

When to start cilantro seeds indoors in Washington

In ZIP 20001, cilantro is usually direct-sown around Apr 1 instead of started indoors.

Cilantro is normally direct-sown in Washington. Use around Apr 1 as the outdoor planting window for ZIP 20001.

Seed starting schedule

Cilantro dates for Washington, DC

Step	Date	How to use it
Direct Sow	April 1, 2026	Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Washington?

Washington (ZIP 20001) has an average last spring frost around Apr 15.

First frost

When is the first frost in Washington?

The average first fall frost is around Nov 5, giving about 204 frost-free days.

Season map

Cilantro windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Direct sow

Apr 1

Harvest

May 16

Frost watch

Sep 21

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Direct sow cilantroApr 1

Last frost windowApr 15

First cilantro harvest windowMay 16

Last cilantro sowing targetSep 21

Signal	Value	Why it matters
Last frost estimate	April 15, 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	204 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.

GrowZone may earn from qualifying seed or supply links when real affiliate IDs are configured. No monetized links are active without disclosure.

Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

Washington frost history and USDA zone 7b shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

University of the District of Columbia 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.