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You can grow cilantro all summer long if you choose the right variety and manage the plant’s natural life cycle strategically.
The secret is understanding that cilantro is a cool-weather herb that bolts (goes to seed) quickly in heat, so you have to work with its nature, not against it.
If you’ve been asking yourself “how to grow cilantro all summer,” you’re in the right place because it’s totally doable with a few smart tricks.
In this post, we’ll cover how to grow cilantro all summer by picking slow-bolting types, succession sowing, providing shade, and harvesting correctly so you get a continuous supply.
Let’s dig in.
Why Growing Cilantro All Summer Is Challenging
Growing cilantro all summer is tricky because this herb thrives in mild temperatures between 50°F and 85°F.
When the mercury climbs above 85°F, cilantro reacts by bolting, which means it shoots up a flower stalk and stops producing those tasty leaves.
Once cilantro bolts, the leaves turn bitter and the plant puts all its energy into making seeds (coriander).
That’s why growing cilantro all summer in hot climates feels like a race against the sun.
But here’s the good news: if you know how to grow cilantro all summer with the right approach, you can enjoy fresh leaves from June through August.
How to Grow Cilantro All Summer: Choosing the Right Variety
The first step in learning how to grow cilantro all summer is picking a slow-bolting variety.
Not all cilantro is created equal when it comes to heat tolerance.
1. ‘Santo’ Cilantro
Santo is one of the best choices if you want to grow cilantro all summer because it’s specifically bred to resist bolting longer than standard varieties.
It has a robust flavor and performs well in warmer conditions, giving you extra weeks of harvest.
2. ‘Calypso’ Cilantro
Calypso is another slow-bolting superstar that makes growing cilantro all summer much easier.
It’s a hybrid that combines heat tolerance with a zesty, citrusy flavor, so your summer salsas will taste amazing.
3. ‘Slow Bolt’ Cilantro
Sometimes sold simply as “Slow Bolt,” this variety lives up to its name and is perfect when you’re figuring out how to grow cilantro all summer.
It delays flowering significantly compared to standard cilantro, buying you more time to harvest.
4. ‘Leisure’ Cilantro
Leisure is a newer variety designed for warm climates and is ideal for anyone serious about how to grow cilantro all summer.
It stays leafy longer and handles heat stress better than heirloom types.
Succession Sowing: The Secret to Growing Cilantro All Summer
Even with slow-bolting varieties, the best way to grow cilantro all summer is through succession sowing.
This means planting new seeds every two to three weeks instead of all at once.
1. Start Early and Keep Planting
Begin sowing cilantro seeds in early spring and continue every 14 to 21 days through midsummer.
This ensures that when one batch starts to bolt, another is ready to take its place.
That’s how to grow cilantro all summer without gaps in your harvest.
2. Sow Seeds Directly
Cilantro doesn’t transplant well because of its taproot, so always sow seeds directly where you want them to grow.
This is a key tip for how to grow cilantro all summer because disturbed roots stress the plant and speed up bolting.
3. Plant in Partial Shade
Afternoon shade is your best friend when learning how to grow cilantro all summer.
Pick a spot that gets morning sun but is protected from the harsh afternoon heat.
You can also use shade cloth or plant cilantro near taller crops like tomatoes or peppers.
4. Keep Soil Consistently Moist
Dry soil stresses cilantro and triggers bolting faster.
Water deeply and regularly, aiming for about an inch of water per week.
Mulching around your plants helps retain moisture and keep roots cool, which is essential for how to grow cilantro all summer.
Harvesting Tips for Growing Cilantro All Summer
How you harvest makes a huge difference when you want to grow cilantro all summer.
1. Snip Outer Leaves First
Always harvest the outer leaves and let the inner ones continue growing.
This keeps the plant producing longer instead of forcing it to bolt.
2. Never Take More Than One-Third at a Time
Cutting more than a third of the plant at once shocks it and speeds up flowering.
For anyone wondering how to grow cilantro all summer, this rule is non-negotiable.
3. Pinch Off Flower Stalks Immediately
The moment you see a flower stalk forming, pinch it off.
This redirects the plant’s energy back into leaf production, which is crucial for how to grow cilantro all summer.
4. Harvest in the Morning
Morning harvests give you the freshest, most flavorful leaves because the plant is hydrated and sugars are at their peak.
This small habit makes a big difference when you grow cilantro all summer.
So, How to Grow Cilantro All Summer?
You can grow cilantro all summer by choosing slow-bolting varieties, succession sowing every few weeks, providing afternoon shade, keeping soil moist, and harvesting strategically.
Growing cilantro all summer isn’t about fighting the heat, it’s about working smarter with the right variety and timing.
With these tips for how to grow cilantro all summer, you’ll have fresh leaves for salsa, tacos, and guacamole all season long.
Now go plant some cilantro and enjoy the harvest.