When to Plant Cilantro in Worth County, GA
Your May planting checklist for Worth County, Georgia
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Collect cilantro at their peak
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Worth County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 190 feet, Worth County receives approximately 58.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Cilantro may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Worth County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.5
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 Worth County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.5) overlaps with Cilantro's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Worth 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 (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help 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 Sep 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 23.
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 | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Worth 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 — Worth County, GA
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | February 14 | Feb 14 – Mar 7 |
| Harvest | April 11 | Apr 11 – Jun 13 |
| Fall Sowing | September 23 | Sep 23 – Oct 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Worth County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Worth County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after March 07 in Worth County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Worth 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 Worth County reach 97°F — grow Cilantro as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 256.0-day season in Worth 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 Worth County, GA?
Worth County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Worth County, GA?
Worth County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.
Your Worth County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Worth County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.