Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in Georgia

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 in Georgia follows the Southern pattern — grow it during the mild fall-through-spring window and don't even attempt summer production. Georgia's cool-season conditions produce fast, flavorful cilantro.

Georgia Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Georgia Mountains 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Georgia 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
South Georgia 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Cilantro Planting Schedule for Georgia

North Georgia Mountains (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 Georgia (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

South Georgia (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

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

Growing Cilantro in Georgia

State-Specific Growing Tips

Mountains: sow March through May, August through October. Piedmont: sow September through March. South Georgia: October through February. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks. Let some plants bolt for coriander seeds and self-seeding.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Santo and Calypso for slow bolting. Vietnamese cilantro for summer alternative. UGA Extension includes cilantro in herb recommendations.

Common Challenges in Georgia

Bolting in spring warmth. Aphids. The growing window is strictly cool-season outside the mountains.

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 in Georgia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Georgia Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while South Georgia sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. 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 Georgia Planting Calendar All plants for Georgia Cilantro in Alabama Alabama planting dates Cilantro in Alaska Alaska planting dates Cilantro in Arizona Arizona planting dates Cilantro in Arkansas Arkansas 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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