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You can grow cilantro in Seattle successfully, even with our gray skies and cool drizzle.
Cilantro actually loves the mild temperatures we get here, especially in spring and fall.
It’s a cool-season herb that thrives when the weather is between 50°F and 85°F.
The trick to growing cilantro in Seattle is timing your planting around our unique climate.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to grow cilantro in Seattle from seed to harvest, including the best time to plant, where to put it, and how to keep it producing.
How to Grow Cilantro in Seattle: The Basics
Growing cilantro in Seattle is mostly about understanding our growing seasons.
Unlike hot places where cilantro bolts in days, Seattle’s cooler temps let you enjoy fresh leaves for weeks.
Here’s what you need to know to grow cilantro in Seattle without frustration.
1. Start at the Right Time
To grow cilantro in Seattle, plant seeds in early spring or late summer.
Our springs are cool and wet, which is perfect for cilantro germination.
You can also plant in August for a fall harvest that lasts until the first hard frost.
Avoid planting in the heat of July because cilantro will bolt quickly.
2. Choose a Sunny but Cool Spot
Cilantro in Seattle needs at least 4 to 6 hours of sun.
But it also appreciates a little afternoon shade when the sun does come out.
A spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal for growing cilantro in Seattle.
If you’re using containers, you can move them around to chase the right light.
3. Use Well-Draining Soil
Seattle’s rain means soggy soil is a real risk.
Cilantro hates wet feet, so plant it in raised beds or pots with good drainage.
Mix in compost to give it nutrients and help water drain away.
A pH between 6.2 and 6.8 is perfect for cilantro.
How to Plant Cilantro in Seattle
Planting cilantro in Seattle is simple once you have the right setup.
Here’s how to get those seeds in the ground.
1. Sow Seeds Directly
Cilantro doesn’t transplant well because of its taproot.
So direct sow seeds where you want them to grow.
Scatter seeds lightly and cover with a quarter inch of soil.
Keep the soil moist until sprouts appear in 7 to 10 days.
2. Space Them Properly
Thin seedlings to about 6 to 8 inches apart.
This gives each plant room to grow cilantro leaves without competition.
If you’re growing cilantro in Seattle for cut-and-come-again harvests, you can sow densely and harvest young.
3. Water Consistently
Seattle rain helps, but you still need to water during dry spells.
Aim for about an inch of water per week.
Don’t let the soil dry out completely, or cilantro will bolt.
But don’t drown it either, because root rot is a killer.
Caring for Cilantro in Seattle
Once your cilantro is up, a little care goes a long way.
Growing cilantro in Seattle is low-maintenance if you stay on top of these tasks.
1. Mulch to Keep Moisture Even
A light layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down.
Use straw or shredded leaves around your cilantro plants.
This is especially helpful in Seattle’s unpredictable weather.
2. Fertilize Lightly
Cilantro doesn’t need much food.
If your soil is poor, side-dress with compost or a diluted fish emulsion every few weeks.
Too much nitrogen makes cilantro grow leaves but lose flavor.
3. Watch for Bolting
Bolting is when cilantro sends up a flower stalk and stops making leaves.
In Seattle, bolting happens when the weather heats up or days get long.
To delay bolting, choose slow-bolt varieties like ‘Santo’ or ‘Calypso’.
You can also sow seeds every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous supply.
4. Harvest Often
Frequent harvesting encourages more leaf growth.
Snip outer leaves first, leaving the center to keep producing.
Growing cilantro in Seattle means you can harvest from spring through fall if you keep picking.
Common Problems When Growing Cilantro in Seattle
Even in our ideal climate, growing cilantro in Seattle has a few challenges.
Here’s how to handle them.
1. Aphids
Aphids love tender cilantro leaves.
Blast them off with water or use insecticidal soap.
Planting cilantro near dill or fennel can help confuse pests.
2. Powdery Mildew
Our humid summers can bring powdery mildew.
Space plants for airflow and water at the base, not on the leaves.
Remove affected leaves to stop it from spreading.
3. Root Rot
Seattle’s wet winters can rot cilantro roots if drainage is poor.
Always use raised beds or pots with drainage holes.
If growing cilantro in Seattle over winter, protect it with a cloche or cold frame.
So, How to Grow Cilantro in Seattle?
To grow cilantro in Seattle, plant in cool seasons, use well-drained soil, and harvest often.
Our mild climate is actually perfect for cilantro if you avoid the hottest weeks.
Whether you grow cilantro in Seattle in pots or garden beds, you can enjoy fresh leaves for months.
Just remember to water consistently, watch for bolting, and pick regularly.
With these tips, growing cilantro in Seattle will become a rewarding part of your garden routine.