New York’s late spring frosts and cool coastal breezes influence when you can safely sow cilantro seeds outdoors. Knowing the best time to plant cilantro in New York is the key to getting a big harvest before the plant bolts in summer heat. Cilantro loves cool weather, so timing your planting right makes all the difference.
In New York, you have two main windows for planting cilantro: early spring and late summer. The spring planting gives you a fresh crop for salads and salsas, while the fall planting extends your harvest into autumn. Let me walk you through the exact dates and steps.
Understanding New York’s Climate For Cilantro
New York spans USDA hardiness zones 5b to 7b. The state has cold winters and warm summers. Cilantro grows best when temperatures stay between 50°F and 85°F. Once the weather gets above 85°F, the plant quickly flowers and goes to seed.
Your local microclimate matters a lot. If you live near the coast, like in Long Island or New York City, you get cooler summers and milder winters. Inland areas like Buffalo or Albany have hotter summers and colder springs. Check your specific frost dates before planting.
Last Spring Frost Dates Across New York
- New York City: Around April 1-10
- Long Island: Around April 15-25
- Albany: Around May 1-10
- Buffalo: Around May 10-20
- Rochester: Around May 5-15
- Syracuse: Around May 10-20
These dates are averages. Always watch the weather forecast for unexpected cold snaps. Cilantro can survive light frosts, but hard freezes will kill young seedlings.
Best Time To Plant Cilantro In New York
The best time to plant cilantro in New York is in early spring, about 2 to 4 weeks before your last expected frost date. For most of the state, this means planting between mid-March and late April. You can also plant again in late summer, from mid-August to early September, for a fall harvest.
Let me break this down by region so you can find your exact window.
Spring Planting Windows By Region
- New York City and coastal areas: Plant seeds outdoors from March 15 to April 10.
- Long Island: Plant from March 25 to April 15.
- Hudson Valley and Albany: Plant from April 1 to April 20.
- Western New York (Buffalo, Rochester): Plant from April 10 to May 1.
- Northern New York (Adirondacks): Plant from April 20 to May 10.
If you want to get an even earlier start, you can sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Use small pots or seed trays with good drainage. Transplant the seedlings outside after hardening them off for a week.
Fall Planting Windows By Region
For a fall harvest, plant cilantro seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the first expected frost. Fall temperatures are cooler, so the plants grow slower but stay tender longer.
- New York City: Plant from August 20 to September 10.
- Long Island: Plant from August 15 to September 5.
- Albany and Hudson Valley: Plant from August 1 to August 20.
- Buffalo and Rochester: Plant from July 25 to August 15.
- Adirondacks: Plant from July 15 to August 1.
Fall-planted cilantro often tastes sweeter because the cool weather reduces bitterness. You can extend the harvest with a simple row cover or cold frame.
Step-By-Step Guide To Planting Cilantro In New York
Follow these steps to get your cilantro growing strong. The process is simple, but attention to detail pays off.
1. Choose The Right Location
Cilantro needs full sun in spring and fall. In summer, partial afternoon shade helps prevent bolting. Pick a spot with well-draining soil. Raised beds work great because they warm up faster in spring.
2. Prepare The Soil
Cilantro likes loose, fertile soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Mix in 2 to 3 inches of compost before planting. Avoid heavy clay soils that stay wet. If your soil is clay, use a raised bed or container.
3. Sow The Seeds
Cilantro seeds are actually small fruits containing two seeds each. Plant them about 1/4 inch deep. Space seeds 2 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. You can also scatter seeds and thin later.
Water the soil gently after planting. Keep it moist but not waterlogged. Seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days at soil temperatures between 55°F and 70°F.
4. Thin The Seedlings
When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them to 6 inches apart. This gives each plant room to grow big leaves. You can eat the thinnings in salads.
5. Water Consistently
Cilantro needs about 1 inch of water per week. Water at the base to avoid wetting the leaves, which can cause fungal diseases. Mulch around the plants to keep soil cool and moist.
6. Harvest Regularly
Start harvesting leaves when the plant is 6 inches tall. Cut outer leaves first, leaving the center to keep growing. Harvest often to delay flowering. Once flowers appear, the leaves lose flavor.
If you want coriander seeds, let some plants flower and go to seed. The seeds are ready when they turn brown and dry on the plant.
Common Mistakes When Planting Cilantro In New York
Even experienced gardeners make these errors. Avoid them for a better harvest.
- Planting too late in spring: If you wait until May in most of New York, the heat will cause bolting quickly.
- Planting too early in fall: August heat can still stress young plants. Wait until temperatures cool.
- Overcrowding: Cilantro needs space. Thin seedlings without mercy.
- Letting soil dry out: Dry soil stresses the plant and speeds up flowering.
- Ignoring frost warnings: A hard freeze kills seedlings. Cover them if needed.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
To have cilantro all season, use succession planting. Sow new seeds every 2 to 3 weeks from spring through early fall. This way, you always have young plants ready to harvest.
In New York, you can do 3 to 4 succession plantings in spring and another 2 to 3 in late summer. Stop planting in late September because the days get too short for good growth.
Sample Succession Schedule For New York City
- First planting: March 20
- Second planting: April 5
- Third planting: April 20
- Fourth planting: May 5
- Fall first planting: August 25
- Fall second planting: September 10
Adjust the dates based on your local weather. If a heatwave hits, skip a planting and wait for cooler weather.
Growing Cilantro In Containers
If you have limited space or poor soil, containers work well. Use pots at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes. Fill with quality potting mix.
Place containers where they get morning sun and afternoon shade. This is especially important in New York’s hot summers. Water container plants more often because they dry out faster.
You can move containers indoors if a late frost threatens. This gives you more control over the growing conditions.
Dealing With Pests And Diseases
Cilantro has few pest problems in New York. Aphids and spider mites sometimes appear in hot, dry weather. Spray them off with a strong stream of water. Neem oil works for serious infestations.
Powdery mildew can occur in humid conditions. Space plants well and water at the base to prevent it. If you see white powder on leaves, remove affected parts and improve air flow.
Slugs and snails love young cilantro. Use beer traps or diatomaceous earth around the plants. Hand pick them at night if the infestation is small.
Extending The Season With Cold Frames
Cold frames let you plant earlier in spring and later in fall. In New York, you can start cilantro 2 to 3 weeks earlier with a cold frame. In fall, you can harvest into November.
Build or buy a simple cold frame with a glass or plastic lid. Open it on warm days to prevent overheating. Close it at night to trap heat.
You can also use row covers made of lightweight fabric. They protect from light frosts and wind. Remove them when temperatures stay above 50°F.
Best Cilantro Varieties For New York
Some cilantro varieties handle New York’s conditions better than others. Choose slow-bolting types for a longer harvest.
- Santo: A popular slow-bolting variety. Grows well in cool weather.
- Calypso: Very slow to bolt. Good for spring and fall plantings.
- Leisure: Another slow-bolting option with large leaves.
- Long Standing: Lives up to its name. Stays leafy longer.
- Delfino: Has fine, fern-like leaves. More heat tolerant than others.
Try two or three varieties to see which performs best in your garden. Save seeds from the best plants for next year.
Harvesting And Storing Cilantro
Harvest cilantro in the morning when the leaves are crisp. Use sharp scissors or pruners to avoid damaging the plant. Cut stems about 1 inch above the soil level.
Store fresh cilantro in the refrigerator. Put the stems in a glass of water and cover the leaves with a plastic bag. Change the water every 2 days. It stays fresh for up to 10 days.
You can also freeze cilantro. Chop the leaves and mix with a little water in ice cube trays. Use the cubes in soups and stews. Dried cilantro loses most of its flavor, so freezing is better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant cilantro in the summer in New York?
Summer planting is risky because heat causes bolting. If you try, choose a slow-bolting variety and provide afternoon shade. Water consistently. The harvest will be short.
How late can I plant cilantro in New York for fall?
Plant no later than 6 weeks before the first frost. In most of New York, that means early September. In warmer coastal areas, you can plant until mid-September.
Should I soak cilantro seeds before planting?
Soaking seeds for 24 hours can speed up germination. It softens the seed coat. Drain and plant immediately. This is optional but helpful in cool soil.
Does cilantro come back every year in New York?
Cilantro is an annual. It completes its life cycle in one season. However, it self-seeds easily. If you let some plants go to seed, new plants may appear next spring.
Can I grow cilantro indoors in New York?
Yes, you can grow cilantro indoors year-round. Use a sunny windowsill or grow lights. Keep temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. Harvest leaves regularly to keep the plant bushy.
Final Tips For Success
Planting cilantro at the right time is half the battle. The other half is consistent care. Water regularly, harvest often, and watch for pests. With these steps, you will have fresh cilantro from spring through fall.
Remember that every garden is different. Keep notes on your planting dates and results. Over time, you will learn the perfect timing for your specific spot in New York. Happy growing.