When to Plant Cilantro in Brevard County, FL
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.
Brevard County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 19 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 335 days.
At an elevation of 491 feet, Brevard County receives approximately 52.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 104°F, so Cilantro may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Cilantro will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cilantro root diseases.
Brevard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.9
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 Brevard County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–5.9) is more acidic than Cilantro prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Brevard County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cilantro will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cilantro.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Cilantro.
How to Plant Cilantro
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cilantro
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 25.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Brevard 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 — Brevard County, FL
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 22 | Dec 22 – Jan 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Direct Sow | December 29 | Dec 29 – Jan 19 |
| Harvest | February 23 | Feb 23 – Apr 27 |
| Fall Sowing | October 25 | Oct 25 – Nov 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Harvest |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
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_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
335 days in Brevard County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Brevard County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after January 19 in Brevard County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Brevard County dries quickly — mulch Cilantro with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Brevard County reach 104°F — grow Cilantro as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 336.0-day season in Brevard 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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cilantro in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cilantro in Brevard County, FL?
Brevard County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 19. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brevard County, FL?
Brevard County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 19 and first fall frost is December 20.
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