Can Cilantro Grow In The Summer

Cilantro can grow in the summer, but it comes with a few challenges you’ll need to work around.
 
The heat makes cilantro bolt quickly, which means it shoots up a flower stalk and turns bitter before you get a good harvest.
 
Still, if you plant it right and give it some shade, you can absolutely grow cilantro in the summer and enjoy fresh leaves all season long.
 
In this post, we’ll look at whether cilantro can grow in the summer, why hot weather makes it tricky, and the best tricks to keep your cilantro happy and productive.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Can Cilantro Grow in the Summer?

Yes, cilantro can grow in the summer, but it needs a bit of extra care compared to spring or fall planting.
 
Cilantro is a cool-season herb at heart, so when temperatures climb above 75°F, it starts to feel stressed.
 
Let’s break down why summer is a challenge and how you can still make it work.
 

1. Heat Triggers Bolting

The number one reason cilantro struggles in the summer is bolting.
 
When the mercury rises, cilantro thinks its life cycle is ending, so it sends up a tall stalk to produce flowers and seeds.
 
Once that happens, the leaves turn bitter and the plant stops producing the tender foliage you actually want.
 
So while cilantro can grow in the summer, the heat pushes it to bolt faster than at any other time of year.
 

2. Cilantro Prefers Cool Soil and Mild Air

Cilantro thrives when the soil stays moist and the air is mild.
 
Summer heat dries out the ground quickly, and that stress adds to the bolting problem.
 
If you want cilantro to grow in the summer, you’ll need to keep the soil consistently cool and damp.
 
A layer of mulch can help hold moisture and keep the roots from baking.
 

3. Longer Days Also Play a Role

It’s not just the heat—long summer days with lots of sunlight also signal cilantro to bolt.
 
The plant senses the extended daylight and shifts into reproduction mode.
 
That combo of heat and long days is what makes growing cilantro in the summer a real test of patience.
 
Still, with the right setup, you can slow the process down and get a decent harvest.
 

How to Grow Cilantro in the Summer Successfully

You can grow cilantro in the summer successfully if you give it the conditions it craves.
 
Here are the most effective strategies to keep your cilantro productive when it’s hot outside.
 

1. Plant in Partial Shade

Cilantro doesn’t need full sun to grow, especially in the summer.
 
In fact, afternoon shade is your best friend here.
 
If you can plant cilantro where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade, it’ll stay cooler and bolt much slower.
 
You can also use a shade cloth to filter out the harsh midday rays.
 

2. Water Consistently

Cilantro growing in the summer needs steady moisture.
 
Don’t let the soil dry out completely, but don’t drown the roots either.
 
Aim for evenly moist soil, and water in the morning so the plant has time to absorb it before the heat sets in.
 
Mulching around the base helps lock in that moisture and keeps the soil temperature down.
 

3. Succession Plant Every Few Weeks

Since cilantro bolts fast in the summer, don’t rely on one big planting.
 
Instead, sow a small patch of cilantro every two to three weeks.
 
That way, when one batch starts to bolt, the next one is ready to take over.
 
This is hands-down the smartest way to keep cilantro growing in the summer without gaps in your harvest.
 

4. Choose Slow-Bolt Varieties

Some cilantro varieties are bred to resist bolting longer than others.
 
Look for types labeled “slow bolt” or “long-standing” if you want to grow cilantro in the summer.
 
These varieties still appreciate shade and water, but they’ll give you more time before they go to seed.
 

5. Harvest Often and Early

The more you cut cilantro, the more it keeps producing leaves instead of flowers.
 
Snip the outer leaves regularly, and pinch off any flower buds the moment you see them.
 
This tells the plant to keep focusing on foliage, which is exactly what you want when growing cilantro in the summer.
 

What to Do If Your Cilantro Bolts Anyway

Even with perfect care, cilantro can grow in the summer and still bolt on you.
 
Don’t panic—bolting isn’t the end of the world.
 
You can let the flowers bloom, which actually attracts beneficial insects like bees and hoverflies to your garden.
 
And once those flowers turn into seeds, you’ve got coriander, a spice you can harvest and use in your kitchen.
 
So a bolted cilantro plant still gives you something worthwhile.
 

So, Can Cilantro Grow in the Summer?

Cilantro can grow in the summer, but it takes shade, steady watering, and a little planning to keep it from bolting too fast.
 
The heat and long days push cilantro to flower quickly, so succession planting and slow-bolt varieties are your best tools.
 
With the right care, you can absolutely grow cilantro in the summer and enjoy fresh leaves straight from your garden.
 
Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to let a few plants go to seed for coriander.