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When to Plant Cilantro in Hoke County, NC

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.

Hoke County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.

At an elevation of 165 feet, Hoke County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, 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.

Hoke County, NC (Zone 7b) Long season
229 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
229 growing days
First Fall Frost November 7

Hoke County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (134 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 8 Transplant: Mar 8 🍅 Harvest: Apr 19 – Jun 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (131 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 16 Transplant: Mar 16 🍅 Harvest: Apr 27 – Jun 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (128 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 7 Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Jul 18

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 221 gal / 100 sq ft
Cilantro needs ~912 GDD — county provides 4,179 GDD Excellent fit

Cilantro Planting Timeline โ€” Hoke County, NC

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 16 Feb 16 โ€“ Mar 2
Transplant Outdoors March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Mar 30
Direct Sow March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 30
Fall Sowing August 29 Aug 29 โ€“ Sep 12
Harvest April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ Jun 29

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

229 days

Growing Tips for Hoke 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 Hoke County, NC?

Hoke County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hoke County, NC?

Hoke County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 7.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Hoke 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 Hoke County, NC. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.