When to Plant Cilantro in Taos County, NM
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.
Taos County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 26 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 118 days.
At an elevation of 7,833 feet, Taos County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — 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.
Taos County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7-8.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Taos County, NM
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Direct Sow | May 12 | May 12 – Jun 2 |
| Fall Sowing | July 13 | Jul 13 – Jul 27 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Sep 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
118 days
Growing Tips for Taos 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
Level Up Your Garden
Cilantro in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cilantro in Taos County, NM?
Taos County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 26. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Taos County, NM?
Taos County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 26 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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