California’s diverse microclimates allow cilantro planting from March through May in coastal areas, and from February through April inland. Knowing the best time to plant cilantro in california can mean the difference between a lush harvest and a sad, bolted mess. This guide walks you through exactly when and how to plant cilantro for your specific region.
Cilantro loves cool weather. It grows fast in spring and fall. In California, the timing depends on where you live. The coast stays mild. Inland areas get hot fast. You need to match your planting to your local climate.
Understanding California’s Climate Zones For Cilantro
California has many microclimates. The coast, valleys, mountains, and deserts all have different weather. Cilantro does best in temperatures between 50°F and 85°F. Above 85°F, it bolts quickly. Bolting means it flowers and goes to seed. The leaves become bitter.
Here are the main zones:
- Coastal areas: San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego. Cool, foggy summers. Mild winters.
- Inland valleys: Sacramento, Fresno, San Jose. Hot summers, cold winters.
- Desert regions: Palm Springs, Death Valley. Extreme heat.
- Mountain areas: Lake Tahoe, Big Bear. Short growing season.
Your zip code matters. Check your local frost dates. Cilantro can handle light frost. Heavy frost kills it.
Best Time To Plant Cilantro In California By Region
Here is a simple breakdown for each region:
- Coastal: Plant from March to May for spring harvest. Plant again from September to November for fall harvest.
- Inland valleys: Plant from February to April for spring. Plant again from August to October for fall.
- Desert: Plant from October to February. Avoid summer planting.
- Mountains: Plant from May to July. Use a short season variety.
These are general guidelines. Your exact dates may vary by a few weeks. Always watch your local weather.
Best Time To Plant Cilantro In California
Now let’s get specific. The exact best time to plant cilantro in california depends on your goal. Do you want a spring crop? A fall crop? Or both? Cilantro is a cool-season herb. It grows best when days are mild and nights are cool.
For most of California, the ideal planting windows are:
- Spring: 2-4 weeks before the last frost date.
- Fall: 6-8 weeks before the first frost date.
In coastal areas, you can plant almost year-round. Inland, you have two main windows. Desert growers have a winter window. Mountain growers have a short summer window.
Let’s break it down by region in more detail.
Coastal California: March Through May And September Through November
Coastal areas like San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have mild weather. Cilantro can grow almost all year. But the best times are spring and fall.
Spring planting: March to May. Soil temperatures are above 50°F. Days are warm but not hot. Cilantro grows fast. Harvest in 4-6 weeks.
Fall planting: September to November. Cooler weather returns. Cilantro grows slower but tastes sweeter. Harvest until December.
In coastal areas, you can also plant in winter. But growth is slow. Use a cold frame or row cover for protection.
Inland Valleys: February Through April And August Through October
Inland valleys like Sacramento, Fresno, and San Jose get hot summers. Spring comes early. Fall comes late.
Spring planting: February to April. Soil warms quickly. Plant as soon as the ground is workable. Harvest before June heat.
Fall planting: August to October. Wait for temperatures to drop below 85°F. Plant in late August for a fall harvest.
Inland growers must watch for heat waves. If a heat wave hits, your cilantro will bolt. Plant in partial shade. Use shade cloth if needed.
Desert Regions: October Through February
Desert areas like Palm Springs and Death Valley are extremely hot. Summer is impossible for cilantro. Winter is the best time.
Plant from October to February. Soil stays warm. Days are mild. Nights can be cold. Cilantro can handle light frost. Protect from hard freeze.
Harvest from December to March. Stop planting by March. Heat arrives fast.
Mountain Areas: May Through July
Mountain areas like Lake Tahoe and Big Bear have short growing seasons. Snow lasts into spring. Frost comes early in fall.
Plant from May to July. Wait until soil thaws. Use fast-growing varieties. Harvest in 4-5 weeks.
Mountain growers can also plant in August for a fall crop. But frost may come early. Use a cold frame.
How To Plant Cilantro For Best Results
Planting cilantro is easy. Follow these steps for success.
Step 1: Choose The Right Variety
Some cilantro varieties bolt slower than others. Look for these:
- Slow Bolt: Resists bolting in heat.
- Calypso: Compact, slow to bolt.
- Leisure: Good for coastal areas.
- Santo: Popular, reliable.
For California, Slow Bolt and Calypso are best. They give you more harvest time.
Step 2: Prepare The Soil
Cilantro likes well-draining soil. Loosen the soil to 6-8 inches deep. Mix in compost or aged manure. Soil pH should be 6.2 to 6.8.
Add a balanced fertilizer before planting. Use a 10-10-10 formula. Follow package directions.
Step 3: Sow Seeds Directly
Cilantro does not transplant well. Sow seeds directly in the garden. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep. Space seeds 2 inches apart. Rows should be 12 inches apart.
Water gently after planting. Keep soil moist until seeds germinate. Germination takes 7-10 days.
Step 4: Thin Seedlings
When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them. Space plants 4-6 inches apart. Thinning gives each plant room to grow. You can eat the thinned seedlings.
Step 5: Water Consistently
Cilantro needs consistent moisture. Water 1-2 inches per week. Do not let soil dry out. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture. Use straw or shredded leaves.
Step 6: Harvest Regularly
Harvest leaves when plants are 6-8 inches tall. Cut outer leaves first. Leave the center to grow. Harvest every 1-2 weeks.
Do not let plants flower. Once flowers appear, leaves become bitter. If you want seeds, let some plants flower. Collect coriander seeds later.
Common Problems And Solutions
Cilantro is easy to grow. But problems happen. Here are common issues and fixes.
Bolting Too Fast
Bolting is the biggest problem. Heat triggers bolting. To prevent it:
- Plant in cool weather.
- Provide afternoon shade.
- Use slow-bolt varieties.
- Mulch to keep soil cool.
- Water consistently.
If bolting starts, harvest all leaves immediately. Or let it go to seed for coriander.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves mean stress. Causes include:
- Overwatering: Let soil dry slightly between waterings.
- Underwatering: Water more often.
- Nutrient deficiency: Add balanced fertilizer.
- Pests: Check for aphids or spider mites.
Fix the cause quickly. Yellow leaves will not recover. Remove them.
Pests
Aphids and spider mites attack cilantro. Use insecticidal soap. Spray in the morning. Repeat every 5-7 days.
Slugs and snails also eat cilantro. Use beer traps or diatomaceous earth. Hand pick at night.
Disease
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew occur in humid conditions. Prevent by:
- Watering at soil level.
- Spacing plants for air flow.
- Using disease-resistant varieties.
- Removing infected leaves.
If mildew appears, use a fungicide. Follow label instructions.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
Cilantro grows fast and finishes quickly. To have a steady supply, use succession planting.
Plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks. This gives you a continuous harvest. In coastal areas, you can plant from March to May and again from September to November. Inland, plant from February to April and August to October.
Here is a sample schedule for coastal California:
- March 1: First planting.
- March 15: Second planting.
- April 1: Third planting.
- April 15: Fourth planting.
- May 1: Last spring planting.
- September 1: First fall planting.
- September 15: Second fall planting.
- October 1: Third fall planting.
- October 15: Fourth fall planting.
- November 1: Last fall planting.
Adjust for your region. Inland, start earlier in spring and later in fall. Desert, plant in winter. Mountains, plant in summer.
Growing Cilantro In Containers
Container growing is great for small spaces. Use a pot at least 8 inches deep. Fill with well-draining potting mix.
Place the container in a sunny spot. Cilantro needs 4-6 hours of sun daily. In hot areas, provide afternoon shade.
Water more often in containers. Soil dries faster. Check daily. Fertilize every 2 weeks with a liquid fertilizer.
Container cilantro bolts faster than in-ground. Use slow-bolt varieties. Harvest often to delay bolting.
Harvesting And Storing Cilantro
Harvest cilantro correctly to extend the season. Use sharp scissors or snips. Cut leaves at the base. Do not pull the plant.
Store fresh cilantro in the refrigerator. Wrap in a damp paper towel. Place in a plastic bag. Use within 5-7 days.
For longer storage, freeze cilantro. Chop leaves and place in ice cube trays. Cover with water. Freeze. Use cubes in soups and stews.
You can also dry cilantro. Hang bunches upside down in a dark, dry place. Crumble leaves when dry. Store in an airtight jar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant cilantro in Southern California?
In Southern California, plant cilantro from March through May for spring, and September through November for fall. Coastal areas can plant almost year-round.
Can I plant cilantro in summer in California?
Summer planting is risky in most of California. Heat causes bolting. If you must plant in summer, choose a slow-bolt variety and provide shade. Inland areas should avoid summer planting.
How late can I plant cilantro in California?
In coastal areas, you can plant as late as November for a winter harvest. Inland, plant no later than October. Desert areas can plant through February. Mountains should plant by July.
Does cilantro need full sun in California?
Cilantro prefers full sun in cool weather. In hot areas, partial shade is better. Afternoon shade helps prevent bolting. In coastal areas, full sun works well.
What is the best month to plant cilantro in Northern California?
In Northern California, plant cilantro in March or April for spring. For fall, plant in August or September. Coastal Northern California can plant through May.
Final Tips For Success
Cilantro is a rewarding herb. It grows fast and adds fresh flavor to meals. The key is timing. Plant at the right time for your region.
Here are final tips:
- Check your local frost dates.
- Use a soil thermometer. Plant when soil is above 50°F.
- Water consistently. Do not let soil dry out.
- Harvest often to encourage new growth.
- Plant in partial shade in hot areas.
- Use succession planting for continuous harvest.
- Grow slow-bolt varieties for longer harvest.
With these tips, you can enjoy fresh cilantro from your garden for months. Start planning your planting schedule today. Your taste buds will thank you.
Cilantro is also great for beginners. It germinates quickly. It grows in many conditions. Even if you make mistakes, you can try again. The growing season is long in California.
Remember, the best time to plant cilantro in california is not a single date. It is a window. Use the guidelines here. Adjust for your microclimate. Watch the weather. Your cilantro will thrive.
Happy gardening. Enjoy your fresh cilantro.