When to Plant Cilantro in San Patricio County, TX
Your May planting checklist for San Patricio County, Texas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for San Patricio County, Texas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Start harvesting cilantro
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
San Patricio County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 300 days.
At an elevation of 2,449 feet, San Patricio County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Cilantro may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cilantro root diseases.
San Patricio County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
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 San Patricio County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.2) overlaps with Cilantro's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in San Patricio County is excellent for Cilantro — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 Oct 10 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 14.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in San Patricio 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 — San Patricio County, TX
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Direct Sow | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 12 |
| Harvest | March 19 | Mar 19 – May 21 |
| Fall Sowing | October 14 | Oct 14 – Oct 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
300 days in San Patricio County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in San Patricio County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after February 12 in San Patricio County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in San Patricio County reach 100°F — grow Cilantro as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 301.0-day season in San Patricio 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 San Patricio County, TX?
San Patricio County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 12. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is San Patricio County, TX?
San Patricio County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and first fall frost is December 9.
Your San Patricio County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for San Patricio County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.