Blog

When to Plant Cilantro in Pershing County, NV

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.

Pershing County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.

At an elevation of 4,541 feet, Pershing County receives approximately 16.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100ยฐF, so Cilantro may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Cilantro will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cilantro successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Pershing County, NV (Zone 6a) Short season
123 days
Last Spring Frost May 23
123 growing days
First Fall Frost September 23

Pershing County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (27 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Aug 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (25 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 18 Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 12 Transplant: Jun 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 21 – Sep 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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 981 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Cilantro needs ~1,250 GDD — county provides 3,075 GDD Excellent fit

Cilantro Planting Timeline โ€” Pershing County, NV

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 2
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 โ€“ May 30
Direct Sow May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 30
Fall Sowing July 15 Jul 15 โ€“ Jul 29
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 โ€“ Aug 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
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 6a

Growing Season

123 days

Growing Tips for Pershing 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 Pershing County, NV?

Pershing County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pershing County, NV?

Pershing County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is September 23.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Pershing County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Pershing County, NV. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.