When to Plant Cilantro in Desha County, AR
May in Desha County, Arkansas — your action list
Your Desha County, Arkansas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Basket week: cilantro
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Desha County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.
At an elevation of 1,295 feet, Desha County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Cilantro may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cilantro root diseases.
Desha County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
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 Desha County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.5) overlaps with Cilantro's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Desha County is excellent for Cilantro — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 Sep 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Desha 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 — Desha County, AR
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Direct Sow | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 21 |
| Harvest | April 18 | Apr 18 – Jun 20 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
243 days in Desha County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Desha County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after March 14 in Desha County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Desha County reach 96°F — grow Cilantro as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 243.0-day season in Desha 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 Desha County, AR?
Desha County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Desha County, AR?
Desha County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Desha County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Desha County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.