When to Plant Cilantro in Natchitoches Parish, LA
May to-do list for Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana
Each item below is timed to Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Pick cilantro
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 227 feet, Natchitoches Parish receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season.
Natchitoches Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
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 Natchitoches Parish
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) is within Cilantro's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Natchitoches Parish is excellent for Cilantro — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 17.
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Natchitoches Parish). 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 — Natchitoches Parish, LA
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Direct Sow | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | April 17 | Apr 17 – Jun 19 |
| Fall Sowing | September 17 | Sep 17 – Oct 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
244 days in Natchitoches Parish
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Natchitoches Parish
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after March 13 in Natchitoches Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Natchitoches Parish reach 91°F — grow Cilantro as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 244.0-day season in Natchitoches Parish 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 Natchitoches Parish, LA?
Natchitoches Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Natchitoches Parish, LA?
Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Natchitoches Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Natchitoches Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.