When to Plant Cilantro in Motley County, TX
What to do in May
Each item below is timed to Motley County, Texas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Indoor seed-starting week for cilantro
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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It's harvest week for cilantro
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Motley County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 3,983 feet, Motley County receives approximately 59.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Cilantro may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Motley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.8-8.4
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 Motley County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.8–8.4) is more alkaline than Cilantro prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Motley County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Cilantro will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Cilantro.
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 Sep 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 13.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Motley 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 — Motley County, TX
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | May 12 | May 12 – Jul 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| 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_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Motley County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Motley County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after April 07 in Motley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Motley 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 Motley County reach 101°F — grow Cilantro as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 209.0-day season in Motley 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 Motley County, TX?
Motley County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Motley County, TX?
Motley County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Motley County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Motley County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.