When to Plant Cilantro in Dolores County, CO
May in the garden — Dolores County, Colorado
Welcome to May in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
Get ahead of June
- Transplants going out: cilantro
- Direct-sowing: cilantro
- Fall sowing: 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.
Dolores County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 82 days.
At an elevation of 7,506 feet, Dolores County receives approximately 23.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season.
Dolores County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-8.3
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 Dolores County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–8.3) is more alkaline than Cilantro prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Dolores County is excellent for Cilantro — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 Jul 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 30.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Dolores 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 — Dolores County, CO
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 11 | Jun 11 – Jun 25 |
| Direct Sow | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 25 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 24 |
| Fall Sowing | June 30 | Jun 30 – Jul 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
82 days in Dolores County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Dolores County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after June 18 in Dolores County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Dolores County, CO?
Dolores County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dolores County, CO?
Dolores County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 8.
Your Dolores County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Dolores County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.