When to Plant Cilantro in Conway County, AR
Top priorities for Conway County, Arkansas gardeners in May
Each item below is timed to Conway County, Arkansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Begin indoor sowing: cilantro
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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It's harvest week for cilantro
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
June prep starts now
- First harvests: cilantro
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.
Conway County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 212 days.
At an elevation of 1,174 feet, Conway County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season.
Conway County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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.
Soil Compatibility in Conway County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Cilantro's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Conway County is excellent for Cilantro — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Cilantro.
How to Plant Cilantro
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cilantro
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 21.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Cilantro
Cilantro needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cilantro Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Conway County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cilantro Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Conway County, AR
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 25 | Feb 25 – Mar 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Direct Sow | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 8 |
| Harvest | May 6 | May 6 – Jul 8 |
| Fall Sowing | August 21 | Aug 21 – Sep 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
212 days in Conway County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Conway County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after April 01 in Conway County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Conway County reach 91°F — grow Cilantro as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 212.0-day season in Conway County allows multiple plantings of Cilantro. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Cilantro in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cilantro in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cilantro in Conway County, AR?
Conway County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Conway County, AR?
Conway County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is October 30.
Your Conway County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Conway County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.