Blog

When to Plant Cilantro in Washington County, KY

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.

Washington County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.

At an elevation of 2,281 feet, Washington County receives approximately 43.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season.

Washington County, KY (Zone 6b) Long season
204 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
204 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Cilantro

Cilantro needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cilantro Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 3.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 3.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 4.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.6" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 3.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Oct in Washington County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cilantro Planting Timeline โ€” Washington County, KY

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 4 Mar 4 โ€“ Mar 18
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 โ€“ Apr 15
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 โ€“ Apr 15
Harvest May 13 May 13 โ€“ Jul 15
Fall Sowing August 20 Aug 20 โ€“ Sep 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors 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

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

40โ€“60 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

204 days in Washington County

Growing Tips for Washington 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cilantro in Washington County, KY?

Washington County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, KY?

Washington County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 29.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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