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When to Plant Cilantro in Cullman 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.

Cullman County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.

At an elevation of 347 feet, Cullman County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cilantro, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cilantro root diseases.

Cullman County, AL (Zone 7a) Long season
219 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
219 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Cullman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (122 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 14 Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – Jun 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (121 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: May 2 – Jul 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (119 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: May 24 – Jul 26

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Cilantro needs ~912 GDD — county provides 3,996 GDD Excellent fit

Cilantro Planting Timeline โ€” Cullman County, AL

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 โ€“ Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Apr 4
Fall Sowing August 24 Aug 24 โ€“ Sep 7
Harvest May 2 May 2 โ€“ Jul 4

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

40โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7a

Growing Season

219 days

Growing Tips for Cullman 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

  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cilantro in Cullman County, AL?

Cullman County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cullman County, AL?

Cullman County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cullman County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Cullman County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.