If you’re wondering when to plant cilantro in Georgia, timing is everything for this flavorful herb. Georgia’s ideal planting season for cilantro is unique because our climate lets us grow it during the cooler parts of the year, both spring and fall.
Planting at the right time prevents the plant from bolting, which is when it goes to seed too quickly. This guide will walk you through the best dates and methods for a succesful harvest.
When to Plant Cilantro in Georgia – Georgias ideal planting season
For most of Georgia, the best times to plant cilantro are during the cool seasons. The herb prefers temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. Hot weather makes it bolt almost immediately.
Here’s the simple breakdown for your planting calendar:
- Spring Planting: Sow seeds directly in the garden 2 to 4 weeks after the last average frost date. For north Georgia, this is typically late March to early April. In middle and coastal Georgia, you can start in late February to early March.
- Fall Planting: This is often the most productive season. Plant seeds in late September through October. The cooling temperatures allow cilantro to grow lush and full before winter.
- Winter Planting: In mild coastal areas (Zone 9), you can even plant in winter for a continuous harvest.
Understanding Your Georgia Climate Zone
Georgia spans USDA hardiness zones 7a to 9a. This affects your exact planting window.
In Zone 7 (North GA), frost comes earlier and stays later. You have a shorter fall window. In Zone 8 (Middle GA) and Zone 9 (Coastal GA), your planting seasons are longer. You can succession plant every few weeks in fall for a steady supply.
Spring Planting Risks and Tips
Spring planting is a race against heat. As soon as days get long and hot, cilantro will bolt. To extend your spring harvest:
- Choose a planting site that gets afternoon shade.
- Use succession planting by sowing a new small batch every 2 weeks.
- Select slow-bolt cilantro varieties, like ‘Calypso’ or ‘Long Standing’.
Why Fall Planting is Often Easier
Fall is arguably the best time for cilantro in Georgia. The soil is warm, which aids germination, but the air is cooling. Pests are less of a problem. The plant matures in the ideal conditions and often survives mild winters, providing harvests into early spring.
How to Plant Cilantro Seeds Successfully
Cilantro has a taproot and dosn’t like being transplanted. Direct sowing is always best. Follow these steps.
- Choose the Right Spot: Pick a location with full sun to light afternoon shade. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter.
- Prepare the Soil: Work the soil to about 12 inches deep. Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure. This improves drainage and fertility.
- Sow the Seeds: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart in rows. You can also scatter them in a wide row or container. They need darkness to germinate, so cover them well.
- Water Gently: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge, which takes 7-14 days.
- Thin Seedlings: Once they’re a few inches tall, thin plants to 4-6 inches apart. This gives them room to grow bushy. You can eat the thinned seedlings!
Caring for Your Cilantro Plants
Proper care keeps your plants growing slow and steady, delaying bolting.
- Watering: Water regularly, aiming for about 1 inch per week. Cilantro prefers even moisture. Mulching around plants helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool.
- Fertilizing: If your soil is prepared with compost, little extra fertilizer is needed. If growth seems slow, you can use a balanced organic fertilizer halfway through the growing cycle.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for water and nutrients. Be careful when weeding, as cilantro roots are shallow.
The Biggest Challenge: Preventing Bolting
Bolting is when the plant sends up a tall flower stalk. Once this happens, leaf production slows and the flavor changes. You cannot stop it, but you can delay it.
Strategies include:
- Planting at the correct cool time of year.
- Choosing slow-bolt varieties.
- Providing afternoon shade in spring.
- Harvesting leaves regularly from the outside of the plant.
- Keeping the soil consistently moist.
Remember, cilantro is a short-lived annual. Even with perfect care, it will eventually bolt. The good news is the flowers attract beneficial insects and the seeds are coriander, which you can harvest and use or save for planting next season.
Harvesting and Using Your Cilantro
You can start harvesting when plants are about 6 inches tall. Snip outer leaves near the base of the stem, leaving the inner growth to continue. Never harvest more than one-third of the plant at once.
For a continuous supply, save some seeds and sow them every few weeks during the cool seasons. This is called succession planting and it ensures you always have young, tender leaves ready.
If you end up with to much cilantro, you can freeze it. Chop the leaves, place them in an ice cube tray, cover with water or oil, and freeze. Pop out a cube whenever you need it for cooking.
Common Problems and Solutions
Cilantro is relatively pest-resistant, but a few issues can pop up.
- Bolting: Caused by heat or stress. Focus on correct planting timing.
- Yellowing Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check your soil moisture.
- Aphids: These small insects can cluster on new growth. Spray them off with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Leaf Spots: Fungal issues from wet foliage. Water at the base of the plant in the morning so leaves dry quickly.
FAQ: Growing Cilantro in Georgia
Can I grow cilantro in summer in Georgia?
It’s very difficult. The heat causes immediate bolting. If you try, use containers in full shade and expect a very short harvest.
Can I plant cilantro from store-bought plants?
You can, but they often struggle with transplant shock. It’s much better to start from seed directly in your garden bed or container.
How long does it take cilantro to grow?
From seed, you can usually start harvesting in about 4 to 6 weeks. The whole plant’s life cycle before bolting is often 8-10 weeks in good conditions.
What is the best cilantro variety for Georgia?
‘Slow Bolt’ or ‘Long Standing’ varieties are excellent choices. ‘Santo’ is another reliable standard that performs well in our climate.
Can I grow cilantro indoors?
Yes, you can grow it in pots on a sunny windowsill. Ensure the pot is deep enough for its taproot and it gets several hours of direct sunlight daily. This can be a good way to have some during the harsh summer or winter.
By following these guidelines for when to plant cilantro in Georgia, you’ll maximize your chances of a lush, flavorful harvest. Remember, the secret is working with our seasons, not against them. With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh cilantro from your garden for much of the year.