When to plant Cilantro in Jackson County, MS
Spring Cilantro in Jackson County goes in February 9–March 2, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from October 1 to October 15 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Cilantro in Jackson County, MS
June in the garden — Jackson County, Mississippi
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Jackson County, Mississippi.
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Harvest cilantro as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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.
Jackson County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 269 days.
At an elevation of 182 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 57.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season. 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.
Jackson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.1
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 Jackson County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.1) is more acidic than Cilantro prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Jackson 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 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 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 01.
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 | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jackson 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 — Jackson County, MS
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Direct Sow | February 9 | Feb 9 – Mar 2 |
| Harvest | April 6 | Apr 6 – Jun 8 |
| Fall Sowing | October 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
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 | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
269 days in Jackson County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Jackson County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after March 02 in Jackson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Jackson 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 Jackson County reach 91°F — grow Cilantro as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 269.0-day season in Jackson 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 Jackson County, MS?
Jackson County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 2. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jackson County, MS?
Jackson County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 2 and first fall frost is November 26.
When should I plant Cilantro in Jackson County, MS?
In Jackson County, MS, plant Cilantro after the last frost (around March 2) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jackson County, MS for Cilantro?
Jackson County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Cilantro grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Cilantro grow in Jackson County's climate?
Yes — Cilantro grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 269-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 2 and first frost around November 26.
Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson 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.