Blog

When to plant Cilantro in Lee County, AR

Cilantro planted in Lee County between March 5 and March 26 matures in 40–60 days — well before the November 9 first frost. A second sowing from August 31 to September 14 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cilantro in Lee County, AR

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.

Lee County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

At an elevation of 1,408 feet, Lee County receives approximately 46.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season.

Lee County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Cilantro

Cilantro needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Cilantro Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Cilantro Planting Timeline — Lee County, AR

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 12 Feb 12 – Feb 26
Transplant Outdoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Direct Sow March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 26
Harvest April 23 Apr 23 – Jun 25
Fall Sowing August 31 Aug 31 – Sep 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

235 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Lee 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cilantro in Lee County, AR?

Lee County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, AR?

Lee County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 9.

When should I plant Cilantro in Lee County, AR?

In Lee County, AR, plant Cilantro after the last frost (around March 19) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lee County, AR for Cilantro?

Lee County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Cilantro grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Cilantro grow in Lee County's climate?

Yes — Cilantro grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 235-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 19 and first frost around November 9.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lee County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.