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When to Plant Cilantro in Randolph 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.

Randolph County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.

At an elevation of 151 feet, Randolph County receives approximately 52.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, 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.

Randolph County, AL (Zone 7b) Long season
219 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
219 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Randolph County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (119 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: Apr 26 – Jun 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (121 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: May 1 – Jul 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (114 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: May 22 – Jul 24

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
Cilantro needs ~950 GDD — county provides 4,161 GDD Excellent fit

Cilantro Planting Timeline โ€” Randolph County, AL

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 โ€“ Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors March 20 Mar 20 โ€“ Apr 3
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Apr 3
Fall Sowing August 23 Aug 23 โ€“ Sep 6
Harvest May 1 May 1 โ€“ Jul 3

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 7b

Growing Season

219 days

Growing Tips for Randolph 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 Randolph County, AL?

Randolph County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Randolph County, AL?

Randolph County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 1.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Randolph County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Randolph County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.