When to plant Cilantro in Monroe County, IN
Aim to plant Cilantro in Monroe County on or after March 29; the window stays open through April 19. Monroe County's 191-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cilantro in Monroe County, IN
What to do in July
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this July, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Pick cilantro
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Looking ahead to August
- 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.
Monroe County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 670 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 36.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Cilantro 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 Monroe County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.2) overlaps with Cilantro's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Monroe County is excellent for Cilantro — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Cilantro will thrive.
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 Aug 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
Cilantro 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Monroe 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 — Monroe County, IN
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | May 17 | May 17 – Jul 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Monroe County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after April 12 in Monroe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 191.0-day season in Monroe 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 Monroe County, IN?
Monroe County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, IN?
Monroe County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Cilantro in Monroe County, IN?
In Monroe County, IN, plant Cilantro after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Monroe County, IN for Cilantro?
Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Cilantro grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cilantro grow in Monroe County's climate?
Yes — Cilantro grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 20.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe 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.