Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in Arkansas

You either love it or your genetics say no. For the cilantro lovers, it's an essential herb that bolts fast in heat.

The Short Answer

Cilantro are planted in fall in Arkansas, 6 weeks before your first frost date. That means planting around Oct 10 - Oct 25 in Northern Arkansas.

Arkansas Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Arkansas you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Arkansas 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Arkansas 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 20 - Nov 5
Southern Arkansas 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Cilantro Planting Schedule for Arkansas

Northern Arkansas (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Central Arkansas (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Southern Arkansas (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Growing Cilantro in Arkansas

Cilantro in Arkansas's Climate

Cilantro is strictly cool-season in your warm climate. Sow from September through February. It grows fast in your mild cool weather but bolts within days once spring warmth arrives. Vietnamese cilantro (Persicaria odorata) is a heat-tolerant alternative with similar flavor for summer use.

Soil Considerations for Arkansas

Heavy clay in lowlands. Rocky soil in Ozarks. Raised beds recommended for drainage.

Arkansas Climate & Growing Season

Hot, humid summers. Moderate winters. Good growing conditions for most vegetables.

Growing season length varies across Arkansas: Northern Arkansas (6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Arkansas (7b, 8a) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. This difference matters for cilantro — adjust your planting dates to match your specific region.

Growing Tips

Bolts quickly in heat — succession plant every 3 weeks and grow in partial shade during summer. Let some bolt for coriander seeds.

Companion Planting

Plant cilantro alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Peas Tomatoes

Keep cilantro away from:

Fennel

The Bottom Line

Cilantro can be grown successfully across Arkansas, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Arkansas gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 20 last frost, while those in Southern Arkansas can typically plant earlier. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Cilantro Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Arkansas Planting Calendar All plants for Arkansas Cilantro in Alabama Alabama planting dates Cilantro in Alaska Alaska planting dates Cilantro in Arizona Arizona planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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