Cilantro bolts quickly in heat, so plant it in early spring or fall. Knowing exactly when to plant cilantro can mean the difference between a steady supply of fresh leaves and a garden full of bitter, seedy stalks. This guide walks you through the timing, climate tricks, and simple steps to keep your cilantro harvest going strong.
Cilantro is a cool-weather herb. It loves temperatures between 50°F and 85°F. Once the heat hits, it sends up a flower stalk and goes to seed. That process is called bolting. Bolting ruins the leaf flavor, but it gives you coriander seeds. If you want leaves, you need to plant at the right time.
When To Plant Cilantro By Season
The best planting window depends on your local climate. But the general rule is simple: plant cilantro when the soil is cool and the days are mild. Here is how to break it down by season.
Spring Planting
Spring is the classic time for cilantro. Plant it as soon as the soil can be worked, usually 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost date. Cilantro seeds can handle a light frost. They actually germinate best in soil that is between 55°F and 68°F.
- Check your local frost dates online.
- Start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before transplanting if you want a head start.
- Direct sow seeds in the garden once the soil is workable.
- Succession plant every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
Spring planted cilantro will give you leaves for about 6 to 8 weeks before bolting. Once the daytime temps hit 85°F regularly, the plant will start to flower. Pick leaves often to delay bolting a little, but not forever.
Fall Planting
Fall is actually the best season for cilantro in many regions. The weather is cooling down, and the days are shorter. Cilantro thrives in these conditions. It grows slower in fall, but the leaves are often larger and more flavorful.
- Count back 6 to 8 weeks from your first expected fall frost.
- Direct sow seeds in late summer or early fall.
- Water regularly to keep soil cool during hot spells.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and cool roots.
Fall cilantro can last well into winter in mild climates. In zones 8 and warmer, you can harvest cilantro all winter long. Just protect it from hard freezes with row covers or a cold frame.
Winter Planting In Warm Climates
If you live in USDA zones 9-11, winter is your prime cilantro season. Plant from October through February. The cool, short days are perfect. Cilantro will grow slowly but steadily, and it rarely bolts in winter.
In these warm areas, avoid planting cilantro from May through September. The heat will make it bolt within weeks. Stick to the cooler months for the best results.
When To Plant Cilantro Indoors
Indoor planting gives you more control over temperature. You can grow cilantro year-round if you have a sunny windowsill or grow lights. The key is to keep the room cool, around 60-70°F.
Best Time To Start Indoors
Start cilantro seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost. This gives you strong transplants ready to go outside. You can also start seeds indoors in late summer for fall transplants.
- Use a seed starting mix in small pots or trays.
- Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep.
- Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Place in a cool spot with bright indirect light.
- Transplant outdoors after hardening off for a week.
If you want to keep cilantro indoors permanently, use a deep pot (at least 8 inches). Cilantro has a taproot and needs room. Harvest leaves regularly to keep the plant bushy. Replace plants every 2-3 months because cilantro is an annual and will eventually bolt even indoors.
When To Plant Cilantro By Climate Zone
Your specific climate zone changes the calendar. Here is a simple breakdown for common zones.
Cool Climates (Zones 3-5)
Spring comes late in these zones. Plant cilantro in late April or early May. You can also plant a second crop in late July for a fall harvest. The growing season is short, so succession planting every 2 weeks is critical.
In cool climates, cilantro may bolt less because summer heat is milder. But watch for sudden heat waves. Use shade cloth if temps spike above 85°F.
Temperate Climates (Zones 6-7)
These zones have distinct seasons. Plant cilantro in early spring, around March or April. Then plant again in late August for fall. You might get a third planting in early September if your first frost is late.
Succession planting is key here. Plant a new row every 2 weeks from spring through early fall. This ensures you always have young plants coming up as older ones bolt.
Warm Climates (Zones 8-10)
Spring comes early in these zones. Plant cilantro in February or March. Fall planting is even better, from September through November. In zones 9-10, you can plant all winter long.
Avoid planting in June, July, and August. The heat will make cilantro bolt in 3-4 weeks. If you must have cilantro in summer, grow it in a shaded spot or under a shade cloth.
How To Plant Cilantro For Success
Timing is only half the battle. You also need to plant correctly. Here are the steps for direct sowing and transplanting.
Direct Sowing Seeds
Cilantro does not transplant well because of its taproot. Direct sowing is usually better. Here is how to do it.
- Prepare the soil. Cilantro likes well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Add compost before planting.
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- Keep soil moist until seeds germinate, which takes 7-14 days.
- Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once they have 2-3 leaves.
You can also scatter seeds in a patch and thin later. Cilantro grows well in clumps. Just make sure each plant has enough space for its taproot.
Transplanting Seedlings
If you start seeds indoors, handle transplants carefully. Use biodegradable pots to avoid root disturbance. Plant the whole pot in the ground.
- Harden off seedlings over 5-7 days.
- Plant on a cloudy day or in the evening to reduce shock.
- Space transplants 6 inches apart.
- Water well after planting.
- Mulch to keep roots cool.
Transplanted cilantro may bolt sooner than direct-sown plants. This is because of root stress. For the best results, direct sow whenever possible.
When To Plant Cilantro For Coriander Seeds
If you want coriander seeds instead of leaves, the timing changes. You actually want the plant to bolt and flower. Plant cilantro in late spring or early summer so it matures during hot weather.
The seeds form after the flowers fade. Harvest them when they turn brown and start to dry. Cut the whole seed head and hang it upside down in a paper bag. Shake the bag to release the seeds.
For coriander, you only need one or two plants. Each plant produces hundreds of seeds. Plant them 6-8 inches apart and let them grow without harvesting leaves.
Common Mistakes With Cilantro Timing
Even experienced gardeners make mistakes with cilantro. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them.
Planting Too Late In Spring
Many people wait until after the last frost to plant. That is fine, but if you wait too long, the heat arrives and cilantro bolts fast. Plant as early as the soil is workable, even if frost is still possible.
Cilantro seeds can handle a light freeze. They will germinate when the soil warms up. Early planting gives you more harvest time before summer heat.
Planting Only Once
Cilantro is a short-lived plant. One planting gives you leaves for maybe 6-8 weeks. After that, it bolts. To have cilantro all season, you must succession plant every 2-3 weeks.
Set a reminder on your phone. Every two weeks, sow a new row. This way, you always have young plants coming up as older ones fade.
Ignoring Microclimates
Your garden has hot spots and cool spots. Plant cilantro in the coolest part of your garden. This might be on the north side of a building or under a tree that provides afternoon shade.
Even a few degrees of temperature difference can delay bolting by weeks. Use shade cloth on hot days to extend your harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant cilantro in summer?
You can, but it will bolt quickly. Plant it in a shady spot and keep it well-watered. Expect only 3-4 weeks of leaf harvest before it goes to seed. Succession planting every 2 weeks helps, but summer cilantro is a challenge.
What month is best to plant cilantro?
It depends on your zone. In most areas, March-April for spring and August-September for fall. In warm climates, October-February is best. Check your local frost dates and plant 2-4 weeks before the last frost in spring.
How late can I plant cilantro in fall?
Plant cilantro 6-8 weeks before your first expected frost. In mild climates, you can plant as late as October or November. The plants will grow slowly in cool weather but survive light frosts. Use row covers for extra protection.
Does cilantro grow back after cutting?
Yes, but only if you cut it correctly. Harvest outer leaves first, leaving the center growing point. This encourages new growth. Once the plant bolts, it stops producing leaves. Replace it with a new seedling.
Can I plant cilantro seeds from the grocery store?
Yes, but they may not germinate well. Grocery store coriander seeds are sometimes treated or irradiated. For best results, buy fresh seeds from a garden center. If you try grocery store seeds, soak them overnight first to improve germination.
Tips For Extending Your Cilantro Harvest
Even with perfect timing, cilantro eventually bolts. Here are ways to stretch your harvest longer.
- Harvest leaves frequently. This delays bolting by a few days.
- Pinch off flower buds as soon as they appear. This buys you another week or two.
- Keep soil consistently moist. Dry soil stresses the plant and triggers bolting.
- Use shade cloth on hot afternoons. A 30% shade cloth can lower leaf temperature by 10°F.
- Plant in partial shade. Cilantro does not need full sun. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
Another trick is to plant cilantro in containers. You can move the pots to a cool spot when heat arrives. This gives you more control over the microclimate.
Final Thoughts On Cilantro Timing
Cilantro is a forgiving herb if you respect its love for cool weather. The key is to plant early in spring and again in late summer for fall. Succession planting every 2-3 weeks keeps your supply steady. In warm climates, focus on fall and winter planting.
Remember that cilantro is an annual. It lives its whole life cycle in one season. You cannot stop it from bolting forever, but you can manage the timing. With the right planting schedule, you can enjoy fresh cilantro for months.
Start with a small patch. Experiment with different planting dates. Keep notes on what works in your garden. Over time, you will develop a rhythm that gives you cilantro almost year-round. Happy growing.