Zone 7 · Herbs Growing Guide
Fast to bolt in heat. Succession sow every 3 weeks through cool weather. Let some plants go to seed -- you'll always have a supply, and the seeds (coriander) are a spice in their own right.
In Zone 7, Cilantro / Coriander can be planted outdoors from Feb 21 — the window closes around Oct 4.
Fall crop can produce into January in mild Zone 7. Let a few plants self-seed.
Zone 7 is split into two subzones. The a/b distinction affects your exact last frost date by 1–2 weeks -- meaningful for heat-sensitive crops and fruit tree hardiness.
| Subzone | Last frost | First fall | Season | Min temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7a | Apr 7 | Nov 1 | ~208 days | 0 to 5°F |
| 7b | Mar 25 | Nov 8 | ~229 days | 5 to 10°F |
plant detects your subzone from your location and adjusts planting windows accordingly.
Here is what to expect at each stage — and what to do when you get there.
Keep soil consistently moist. Most annual herbs germinate better in warmth -- 65-75°F is ideal.
Thin to 6-9 inches. The thinnings are edible -- add them to salads.
Begin harvesting by pinching out the growing tips -- this encourages bushy side growth rather than a tall, lanky plant.
Harvest little and often by pinching growing tips. Never remove more than a third of the plant at once. Regular harvesti
Remove flower stems immediately on basil to extend harvest. For cilantro and dill, flowering is part of the lifecycle --
Cilantro is a fast, generous herb. The secret is succession sowing rather than trying to keep one plant going all season.
Fast-growing and light feeder. One application at sowing is enough. Over-feeding speeds bolting.
Sow every 2 weeks from spring through autumn. Cilantro is the most determined bolter in the herb garden -- it can go from seedling to flower in 3-4 weeks in warm weather. There is no saving a bolted cilantro plant for leaf harvest. The only reliable approach is frequent new sowings. In summer, choose slow-bolt varieties and still expect faster cycling than in spring. Let a few plants go to seed -- coriander seed is a useful spice and the plants will self-sow.
Some plants help Cilantro / Coriander thrive. Others compete or cause problems.
Something went wrong? Here is what likely happened and what to do differently next time.
What happened: Cold or frost at a vulnerable moment -- germination, seedling stage, or transplant -- can set back or kill plants that are not yet established enough to handle it.
Next season: Know your last frost date and work from it. Cover vulnerable plants with fleece when frost threatens, especially in the first few weeks after planting out.
What happened: Most pest and disease problems are manageable if caught early. Regular checking -- especially undersides of leaves -- is the most effective prevention.
Next season: Check plants weekly and act at the first sign of a problem. Remove affected material promptly. Healthy, well-fed plants in good conditions resist pests better than stressed ones.
What happened: Overwatering is one of the most common causes of plant failure. Roots need oxygen as well as moisture -- waterlogged soil suffocates them.
Next season: Water deeply but less often rather than a little every day. Most plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Good drainage is as important as watering.
What happened: Drought stress causes wilting, reduced production, and makes plants more susceptible to pest and disease. Stress at critical moments -- germination, flowering, fruiting -- causes the most damage.
Next season: Mulching around plants is the single most effective way to retain soil moisture and reduce watering frequency.
What happened: Most vegetables and fruits need 6-8 hours of direct sun. In less light they grow slowly, produce poorly, and are more vulnerable to disease.
Next season: Observe your garden through the day and map where the sun falls at different times. Match crops to the light levels available -- shade-tolerant crops for shaded spots, sun-lovers for the brightest beds.
Something didn't work out? Here is what likely happened and what to do differently next season.
What happened: Cold or frost at a vulnerable moment -- germination, seedling stage, or transplant -- can set back or kill plants that are not yet established enough to handle it.
Next season: Know your last frost date and work from it. Cover vulnerable plants with fleece when frost threatens, especially in the first few weeks after planting out.
What happened: Most pest and disease problems are manageable if caught early. Regular checking -- especially undersides of leaves -- is the most effective prevention.
Next season: Check plants weekly and act at the first sign of a problem. Remove affected material promptly. Healthy, well-fed plants in good conditions resist pests better than stressed ones.
What happened: Overwatering is one of the most common causes of plant failure. Roots need oxygen as well as moisture -- waterlogged soil suffocates them.
Next season: Water deeply but less often rather than a little every day. Most plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Good drainage is as important as watering.
What happened: Drought stress causes wilting, reduced production, and makes plants more susceptible to pest and disease. Stress at critical moments -- germination, flowering, fruiting -- causes the most damage.
Next season: Mulching around plants is the single most effective way to retain soil moisture and reduce watering frequency.
What happened: Most vegetables and fruits need 6-8 hours of direct sun. In less light they grow slowly, produce poorly, and are more vulnerable to disease.
Next season: Observe your garden through the day and map where the sun falls at different times. Match crops to the light levels available -- shade-tolerant crops for shaded spots, sun-lovers for the brightest beds.
Know what to look for before it gets out of hand — early identification is the most important step.
Free app · Kickstarter October 2027 · iOS February 2028
plant uses your ZIP code and real frost data to tell you the right day — not just the right month. Get notified when your planting window opens, when to succession sow, and when to cut back for next season.
Be first to back on Kickstarter · founding grower pricing locked in.
plant monitors these conditions and sends an alert the moment they are forecast for your location.
Traditional growers have used lunar cycles to time planting and harvest for centuries. The moon affects moisture levels in soil and sap flow in plants.
These guides get better when growers share what they know. If something's off or you've learned something worth passing on, add it here -- accepted tips earn you a Founding Grower badge when plant launches.
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