When To Plant Cilantro In Louisiana

The best time to plant cilantro in Louisiana is in the fall, ideally from late September through October, and again in late winter around February to early March.
 
Cilantro loves cool weather, and Louisiana’s hot, humid summers can cause it to bolt and go to seed almost overnight.
 
So if you’ve been wondering when to plant cilantro in Louisiana without watching it wither in the heat, timing is everything.
 
In this post, we’ll break down the ideal planting windows for cilantro in Louisiana, why fall is your best bet, and a few tips to keep it thriving.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Plant Cilantro in Louisiana

Cilantro grows best in Louisiana when temperatures stay between 50°F and 85°F, which means you should plant it when the heat has backed off or before it ramps up.
 
Here’s how the planting calendar for cilantro in Louisiana shapes up across the year.
 

1. Fall Planting: Late September Through October

The absolute best time to plant cilantro in Louisiana is fall.
 
Once the brutal summer heat fades and daytime highs drop into the 70s and low 80s, cilantro seeds germinate quickly and the plants grow lush and leafy.
 
Planting cilantro in Louisiana in late September or October gives it a long, cool runway through November and December.
 
You’ll get tender leaves for months instead of a few sad weeks.
 

2. Late Winter Planting: February to Early March

If you miss the fall window, late winter is your second chance to plant cilantro in Louisiana.
 
Sowing seeds in February or early March lets the plants establish before the real heat sets in.
 
Just watch for the occasional late freeze and keep some row cover handy.
 
This window works especially well in south Louisiana, where winters are mild.
 

3. Why You Should Avoid Planting Cilantro in Louisiana in Summer

Planting cilantro in Louisiana during June, July, or August is almost always a losing battle.
 
Once temperatures push past 85°F, cilantro bolts fast, sending up a flower stalk and turning its leaves bitter.
 
So when people ask when to plant cilantro in Louisiana, the honest answer is simple: not in the middle of summer.
 

How to Plant Cilantro in Louisiana the Right Way

Knowing when to plant cilantro in Louisiana is half the battle, but how you plant it matters just as much.
 

1. Direct Sow Your Seeds

Cilantro hates being transplanted, so direct sowing is the way to go when you plant cilantro in Louisiana.
 
Scatter seeds over well-drained soil and cover them with about a quarter inch of dirt.
 
Keep the bed moist until seedlings poke through in seven to ten days.
 

2. Give It Partial Shade

Even in the right season, Louisiana sun can be intense, so plant cilantro where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
 
If you’re planting cilantro in Louisiana in late winter, a spot with full morning sun works fine.
 

3. Succession Plant Every Few Weeks

To keep a steady supply, plant cilantro in Louisiana every two to three weeks during the cool season.
 
This staggers your harvest so you’re never left with a single bolt-prone patch.
 

4. Water Consistently but Don’t Soak

Cilantro likes evenly moist soil, not soggy roots.
 
Water deeply once or twice a week, and mulch to keep the soil cool when you plant cilantro in Louisiana.
 

Best Cilantro Varieties for Louisiana Gardens

Some cilantro varieties handle heat better than others, and picking the right one helps when you plant cilantro in Louisiana.
 

1. Slow-Bolt Types

Varieties like ‘Santo’ and ‘Calypso’ are bred to resist bolting, giving you a longer harvest window.
 
These are great choices when you plant cilantro in Louisiana in late winter.
 

2. Standard Long-Standing Cilantro

‘Long Standing’ is a classic that tolerates warmth a bit better than standard types.
 
It’s a solid pick if you’re planting cilantro in Louisiana and want to stretch the season.
 

3. Vietnamese Cilantro as a Substitute

If summer heat keeps defeating your crop, Vietnamese cilantro (rau ram) thrives in Louisiana’s humidity.
 
It’s not true cilantro, but it delivers a similar fresh kick when you can’t plant cilantro in Louisiana in the heat.
 

So, When to Plant Cilantro in Louisiana?

The best time to plant cilantro in Louisiana is in the fall from late September through October, with a second window in late winter around February to early March.
 
Avoid planting cilantro in Louisiana during the summer heat, since the plants will bolt and turn bitter fast.
 
With the right timing, partial shade, and consistent watering, you’ll be harvesting fresh cilantro from your Louisiana garden for months.
 
Happy planting.