Arkansas gardeners should plant cilantro in early March, taking advantage of the state’s mild spring temperatures. Finding the best time to plant cilantro in arkansas is key to getting a good harvest before the heat sets in.
Cilantro loves cool weather. It bolts fast when it gets hot. In Arkansas, your window is short but productive.
Best Time To Plant Cilantro In Arkansas
The best time to plant cilantro in arkansas is early spring, right after the last frost. For most of the state, that means March 15 to April 1. You can also plant a fall crop in late August or early September.
Arkansas has three main climate zones. The northern part near the Ozarks stays cooler longer. The southern delta region warms up faster. Check your local frost dates before planting.
Spring Planting Window
For spring, aim for soil temperatures between 50°F and 68°F. Cilantro seeds germinate best in cool soil. If you plant too late, the plants will flower and go to seed quickly.
- Northern Arkansas: Plant March 15 to April 15
- Central Arkansas: Plant March 10 to April 10
- Southern Arkansas: Plant March 1 to April 1
You can also start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Use small pots or seed trays. Transplant seedlings outside when they have 2-3 true leaves.
Fall Planting Window
Fall is actually easier for cilantro in Arkansas. The weather cools down slowly. Plants grow slower but stay tender longer.
Plant fall cilantro 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. In Arkansas, that’s usually late August to mid-September. The exact dates vary by region.
- Northern Arkansas: Plant August 20 to September 10
- Central Arkansas: Plant August 25 to September 15
- Southern Arkansas: Plant September 1 to September 20
Fall cilantro often tastes sweeter. The cooler nights bring out the flavor. Plus, you avoid the spring rush of bolting.
Understanding Arkansas Climate Zones
Arkansas spans USDA hardiness zones 6b to 8a. This affects your planting calendar. Zone 6b in the north has colder winters and shorter growing seasons. Zone 8a in the south has milder winters and longer springs.
Zone 6B (Northern Arkansas)
This zone includes areas like Fayetteville and Harrison. Last frost usually occurs around April 10-20. First frost comes in mid-October.
Your spring window is tighter here. Plant as soon as the ground is workable. Use row covers if a late frost threatens.
Zone 7A-7b (Central Arkansas)
Little Rock and Hot Springs fall here. Last frost is around March 25 to April 5. First frost arrives in late October.
You have a longer spring season. You can also get a second spring planting in late April if you choose slow-bolt varieties.
Zone 8A (Southern Arkansas)
Texarkana and El Dorado are in this zone. Last frost is around March 10-20. First frost comes in early November.
Your spring window starts earliest. But summer heat arrives fast. Focus on early planting and fall crops.
Preparing Your Soil For Cilantro
Cilantro grows best in loose, well-draining soil. Arkansas has heavy clay in many areas. You need to amend it for good results.
Test your soil pH first. Cilantro likes a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Arkansas soil is often acidic. Add lime if needed.
Soil Amendment Steps
- Remove rocks and debris from the planting area
- Mix in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure
- Add a handful of sand if you have clay soil
- Rake the soil smooth and level
- Water the bed deeply the day before planting
Raised beds work great for cilantro. They warm up faster in spring. They also drain better in Arkansas’s rainy seasons.
Container gardening is another option. Use pots at least 8 inches deep. Fill with a quality potting mix. Place containers where they get morning sun and afternoon shade.
Planting Cilantro Seeds Correctly
Cilantro seeds are actually small fruits called schizocarps. Each seed contains two embryos. Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to speed germination.
Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep. Space them 2 inches apart in rows. Rows should be 12-15 inches apart. Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
Succession Planting Strategy
To have a steady supply, plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks. This works well in Arkansas’s spring and fall seasons. Stop planting when temperatures consistently exceed 85°F.
- First planting: March 15
- Second planting: April 1
- Third planting: April 15
- Fall first planting: August 25
- Fall second planting: September 10
Each planting gives you about 4-6 weeks of harvest. By staggering, you get fresh cilantro from March through June and again from September through November.
Watering And Care Tips
Cilantro needs consistent moisture. Arkansas spring weather can be unpredictable. Some years are wet, others dry. Check soil moisture every 2-3 days.
Water deeply once a week if there’s no rain. In hot spells, water twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
Mulching Benefits
Apply a 1-2 inch layer of organic mulch around plants. Use straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings. Mulch keeps soil cool and moist. It also suppresses weeds.
In Arkansas summers, mulch is essential. It delays bolting by keeping roots cool. Apply mulch after seedlings are 2 inches tall.
Fertilizing Schedule
Cilantro is a light feeder. Too much nitrogen makes leaves less flavorful. Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at planting time.
Side-dress with compost halfway through the growing season. Liquid fish emulsion works well for container plants. Apply every 3-4 weeks.
Dealing With Bolting
Bolting is when cilantro sends up a flower stalk. The leaves become bitter and tough. This happens when temperatures hit 85°F or when days get long.
In Arkansas, bolting is inevitable in late spring. You can delay it with these methods:
- Plant in partial shade
- Use shade cloth during heat waves
- Harvest leaves frequently
- Choose slow-bolt varieties
- Keep soil consistently moist
Once bolting starts, let some plants go to seed. The flowers attract beneficial insects. The seeds are coriander, which you can harvest for cooking.
Best Cilantro Varieties For Arkansas
Not all cilantro varieties perform the same in Arkansas heat. Choose varieties bred for slow bolting. Here are top picks:
Slow-Bolt Varieties
These varieties resist bolting for 1-2 weeks longer. They are ideal for Arkansas’s short spring.
- Calypso: Very slow to bolt, compact growth
- Leisure: Heat tolerant, good for fall planting
- Santo: Classic flavor, reliable performer
- Caribe: Thick stems, good for salsa
Standard Varieties
These bolt faster but have strong flavor. Plant them early for best results.
- Long Standing: Traditional variety, bolts in 6-8 weeks
- Delfino: Fine, fern-like leaves, mild flavor
- Vietnamese Cilantro: Perennial in warm climates, not true cilantro
Vietnamese cilantro is a different species. It survives Arkansas summers better. It has a similar flavor but is not the same plant.
Harvesting Cilantro Leaves
Start harvesting when plants are 6-8 inches tall. Pick outer leaves first. Leave the inner leaves to keep growing. Use clean scissors or pinch with your fingers.
Never harvest more than one-third of the plant at once. This stresses the plant and speeds bolting. Harvest every 5-7 days for best production.
Proper Harvesting Technique
- Identify the oldest, largest leaves on the outside
- Cut stems at the base, near the soil line
- Leave at least 2-3 inches of stem on the plant
- Rinse leaves in cool water and pat dry
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator
For a big harvest, cut the entire plant at once. Leave 1 inch of stem above the soil. The plant may regrow if conditions are cool enough.
Storing Fresh Cilantro
Fresh cilantro wilts quickly. Store it properly to extend its life. Here are three methods:
Refrigerator Method
Place stems in a glass of water. Cover the leaves with a plastic bag. Change water every 2 days. This keeps cilantro fresh for 7-10 days.
Freezing Method
Chop cilantro leaves finely. Place in ice cube trays. Cover with water or olive oil. Freeze until solid. Pop out cubes and store in freezer bags.
Frozen cilantro loses some texture but keeps flavor. Use it in soups, stews, and sauces. It lasts 6 months in the freezer.
Drying Method
Hang small bunches upside down in a dark, dry place. Crumble leaves when fully dry. Store in an airtight jar. Dried cilantro is less flavorful than fresh.
Common Problems In Arkansas
Arkansas gardeners face specific challenges with cilantro. Here are the most common issues and solutions.
Pests
Aphids love cilantro leaves. Check undersides of leaves weekly. Spray with a strong stream of water to dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap for heavy infestations.
Slugs and snails are problems in wet Arkansas springs. Set out beer traps or use diatomaceous earth around plants. Remove debris where they hide.
Diseases
Powdery mildew appears in humid weather. Space plants for good air circulation. Water at the base, not on leaves. Remove infected leaves immediately.
Root rot happens in poorly drained soil. Plant in raised beds or containers. Avoid overwatering, especially in clay soils.
Weather Issues
Late frosts can kill young plants. Cover with row covers or old sheets overnight. Remove covers in the morning when temperatures rise.
Heavy rain can wash away seeds. Plant in shallow furrows to protect seeds. Cover with a thin layer of straw mulch.
Companion Planting With Cilantro
Cilantro benefits many garden plants. It attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. These insects eat aphids and other pests.
Good Companions
- Tomatoes: Cilantro repels tomato hornworms
- Spinach: Both enjoy cool weather
- Lettuce: Similar growing conditions
- Peppers: Cilantro attracts pollinators
- Dill: Both attract beneficial insects
Bad Companions
- Fennel: Competes for nutrients
- Carrots: Cross-pollination issues
- Mint: Invasive, competes for space
Plant cilantro near your tomato plants. The flowers attract parasitic wasps that control tomato hornworms. This natural pest control works well in Arkansas gardens.
Fall Planting Advantages
Fall planting has several benefits in Arkansas. The weather is more predictable. Pests are less active. Plants grow slower but produce longer.
Fall cilantro often has better flavor. The cool nights concentrate the oils. Leaves are more tender and less bitter than spring crops.
Fall Planting Steps
- Choose a spot with afternoon shade
- Prepare soil with compost
- Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep
- Water well and keep moist
- Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart
- Mulch to retain moisture
You can harvest fall cilantro until the first hard freeze. In southern Arkansas, that may be as late as November. Use row covers to extend the season by 2-3 weeks.
Using Cilantro In The Kitchen
Cilantro is essential in many cuisines. Arkansas cooks use it in salsas, tacos, and salads. It pairs well with lime, garlic, and chili peppers.
Add cilantro at the end of cooking. Heat destroys its delicate flavor. Sprinkle fresh leaves over finished dishes for best results.
Popular Arkansas Recipes
- Arkansas salsa with fresh tomatoes and cilantro
- Cilantro lime rice for burrito bowls
- Fresh cilantro dressing for salads
- Cilantro pesto with walnuts and parmesan
- Grilled fish with cilantro butter
Cilantro stems are edible too. Chop them finely and add to soups. They have strong flavor and less waste.
Saving Seeds For Next Season
Let some cilantro plants go to seed. The flowers are white or pink. They attract bees and butterflies. After flowering, green seeds form.
Harvest seeds when they turn brown. Cut the seed heads and place in a paper bag. Hang upside down in a dry place. Seeds will fall out in 1-2 weeks.
Seed Storage Tips
Store coriander seeds in an airtight jar. Keep in a cool, dark place. They remain viable for 2-3 years. Use them for planting or cooking.
Arkansas gardeners can save seeds from their best plants. Choose plants that bolted late. This selects for heat tolerance over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant cilantro in Arkansas during summer?
Summer planting is not recommended. Temperatures above 85°F cause immediate bolting. Focus on spring and fall crops instead.
How long does cilantro take to grow in Arkansas?
From seed to harvest takes 3-4 weeks in spring. Fall crops take 4-6 weeks due to slower growth. You can harvest for 4-6 weeks total.
Should I plant cilantro in full sun in Arkansas?
Partial shade is better in Arkansas. Morning sun with afternoon shade works best. This delays bolting and keeps leaves tender.
Can I grow cilantro indoors in Arkansas?
Yes, grow cilantro indoors year-round. Use a sunny windowsill or grow lights. Keep temperatures between 60-70°F for best growth.
What is the best fertilizer for cilantro in Arkansas?
Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at planting. Compost is also excellent. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that reduce flavor.
Final Tips For Success
Plant cilantro early in Arkansas. The window is short but rewarding. Focus on spring and fall seasons for best results.
Keep soil moist but not wet. Use mulch to regulate temperature. Harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
Experiment with different varieties. Slow-bolt types work best. Save seeds from your best plants for next year.
With the right timing, you can enjoy fresh cilantro for months. Arkansas gardeners just need to work with the seasons, not against them.