Blog

When to Plant Cilantro in Montgomery County, MS

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.

Montgomery County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 497 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, 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.

Montgomery County, MS (Zone 7b) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 24
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 7

Montgomery County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (135 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Mar 5 🍅 Harvest: Apr 16 – Jun 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (130 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Mar 17 🍅 Harvest: Apr 28 – Jun 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (127 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: May 20 – Jul 22

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
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 11 gal / 100 sq ft
Cilantro needs ~1,025 GDD — county provides 4,674 GDD Excellent fit

Cilantro Planting Timeline โ€” Montgomery County, MS

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 17 Feb 17 โ€“ Mar 3
Transplant Outdoors March 17 Mar 17 โ€“ Mar 31
Direct Sow March 10 Mar 10 โ€“ Mar 31
Fall Sowing August 29 Aug 29 โ€“ Sep 12
Harvest April 28 Apr 28 โ€“ Jun 30

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 Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
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

228 days

Growing Tips for Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, MS?

Montgomery County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Montgomery County, MS?

Montgomery County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 7.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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