When to Plant Cilantro in Baldwin County, AL
Cilantro is a dual-purpose herb providing fresh leaves (cilantro) and dried seeds (coriander). It bolts quickly in heat, producing flowers beloved by beneficial insects.
Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.
At an elevation of 336 feet, Baldwin County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Cilantro may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cilantro will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cilantro root diseases.
Baldwin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Baldwin County, AL
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Direct Sow | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 10 |
| Fall Sowing | September 15 | Sep 15 – Sep 29 |
| Harvest | April 7 | Apr 7 – Jun 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 8b
Growing Season
266 days
Growing Tips for Baldwin County
Succession sow every 2-3 weeks. Provide afternoon shade in warm weather. Harvest leaves before flowering or allow some plants to go to seed for coriander and self-sowing.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Cilantro in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cilantro in Baldwin County, AL?
Baldwin County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baldwin County, AL?
Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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