When to Plant Cilantro in Rockingham County, VA
What to do in April
A quick April briefing for Rockingham County, Virginia gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Get cilantro in the ground
Frost risk is low now in Rockingham County, Virginia. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
To set up a strong May, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: cilantro
- 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.
Rockingham County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 314 feet, Rockingham County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Cilantro root diseases.
Rockingham County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
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 Rockingham County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.0) overlaps with Cilantro's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Rockingham County is excellent for Cilantro — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Cilantro.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help 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 Aug 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 19.
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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rockingham 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 — Rockingham County, VA
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | May 18 | May 18 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
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 | 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Rockingham County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Rockingham County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after April 13 in Rockingham County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 198.0-day season in Rockingham 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 Rockingham County, VA?
Rockingham County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rockingham County, VA?
Rockingham County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 28.
Your Rockingham County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Rockingham 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.