Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in Texas

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 is essential to Tex-Mex cuisine, and Texas gardeners grow it during the cool months when the herb thrives. Summer cilantro in Texas is impossible — the plant bolts to seed within days of warm weather arriving. But the cool-season window from October through March produces abundant harvests.

Texas Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Texas (Dallas) 7b, 8a Mar 10 - Mar 25 Nov 5 - Nov 20
Central Texas (Austin/SA) 8a, 8b Feb 25 - Mar 15 Nov 15 - Dec 5
South Texas (Valley) 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
Texas Panhandle 6b, 7a Apr 10 - Apr 25 Oct 10 - Oct 25
East Texas 8a, 8b Mar 1 - Mar 20 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Cilantro Planting Schedule for Texas

North Texas (Dallas) (Zones 7b, 8a)

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

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

Central Texas (Austin/SA) (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Feb 25 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

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

South Texas (Valley) (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

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

Texas Panhandle (Zones 6b, 7a)

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

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

East Texas (Zones 8a, 8b)

Average last frost: Mar 1 - Mar 20 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

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

Growing Cilantro in Texas

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Texas: sow September through February. Central Texas: October through February. South Texas: November through January. Cilantro grows fast in Texas's mild cool season. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest. Let some plants bolt for coriander seeds and self-seeding. Texas's alkaline soils are tolerated without amendment.

Recommended Varieties for Texas

Santo and Calypso for slow bolting. Vietnamese cilantro (Persicaria odorata) is a heat-tolerant alternative with similar flavor for summer use — not true cilantro but fills the same culinary role.

Common Challenges in Texas

Heat-induced bolting — the unavoidable reality once temperatures exceed 80°F. Aphids. The growing window is strictly cool-season in Texas.

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 Texas with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Texas (Dallas) gardeners work with a last frost around Mar 10 - Mar 25, while East Texas sees frost end around Mar 1 - Mar 20. 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 Texas Planting Calendar All plants for Texas 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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