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When to plant Cilantro in Fayette County, GA

The best window to plant Cilantro in Fayette County, is March 14–April 4, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 28; first frost November 3. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Cilantro in Fayette County, GA

Cilantro
Fayette County, Georgia Zone 8a June

Fayette County, Georgia gardeners: here's your June plan

Each item below is timed to Fayette County, Georgia's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.

Avg. last frost March 28
Avg. first frost November 3
Soil temp (4") 80°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.2 hrs
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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.

Fayette County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 268 feet, Fayette County receives approximately 61.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Cilantro, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cilantro root diseases.

Fayette County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Fayette County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Cilantro Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (123 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: Apr 26 – Jun 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (122 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: May 2 – Jul 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 14 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 25

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 Fayette County

How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.2–6.7) is more acidic than Cilantro prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Fayette County is excellent for Cilantro — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Cilantro.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Cilantro.

How to Plant Cilantro

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Cilantro

6
successive plantings in your 220-day season

Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 04 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 25.

Cilantro Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 2.2" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 6.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 3.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2.2" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Fayette 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 needs ~950 GDD — county provides 4,180 GDD Excellent fit

Cilantro Planting Timeline — Fayette County, GA

Cilantro Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors March 21 Mar 21 – Apr 4
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 – Apr 4
Harvest May 2 May 2 – Jul 4
Fall Sowing August 25 Aug 25 – Sep 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

220 days in Fayette County

Growing Tips for Cilantro in Fayette County

Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after March 28 in Fayette County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Fayette County's clay soil (34% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Cilantro. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Summer highs in Fayette County reach 92°F — grow Cilantro as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.

Your generous 220.0-day season in Fayette 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cilantro in Fayette County, GA?

Fayette County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Fayette County, GA?

Fayette County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Cilantro in Fayette County, GA?

In Fayette County, GA, plant Cilantro after the last frost (around March 28) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Fayette County, GA for Cilantro?

Fayette 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 Fayette County's climate?

Yes — Cilantro grows well in Fayette County's temperate climate. Fayette County averages a 220-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 28 and first frost around November 3.

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A 22-page printable planner built for Fayette 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Fayette County, GA. 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.