When To Grow Cilantro In Arizona

The best time to grow cilantro in Arizona is during the cooler months, from fall through early spring, depending on your specific region in the state.
 
Cilantro loves mild temperatures and bolts quickly in the Arizona heat, so timing your planting around the weather is everything.
 
If you’ve been wondering when to grow cilantro in Arizona, the short answer is: avoid summer and embrace the shoulder seasons.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly when to grow cilantro in Arizona, region by region, so you can enjoy fresh leaves instead of flowers.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Grow Cilantro in Arizona by Region

Cilantro grows best in Arizona when temperatures stay between 50°F and 85°F.
 
Arizona has several distinct growing zones, so when to grow cilantro in Arizona depends heavily on where you live.
 
Here’s how to time it right in each area.
 

1. Low Desert (Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma)

In the low desert, the best time to grow cilantro in Arizona is from October through March.
 
You can plant cilantro seeds directly in the garden in October and keep succession planting every two to three weeks until February.
 
By late March, the heat kicks in, and cilantro bolts almost overnight.
 
If you want a fall crop, start seeds indoors in September and transplant in early October.
 

2. Mid-Elevation (Prescott, Payson, Sedona)

For mid-elevation areas, when to grow cilantro in Arizona shifts slightly earlier in fall and later in spring.
 
Plant cilantro from September through November for a fall harvest.
 
You can also plant again in late February through April for a spring crop.
 
Summers here are still too warm for cilantro, so avoid June through August.
 

3. High Country (Flagstaff, Show Low, Greer)

In the high country, when to grow cilantro in Arizona means planting from late April through June.
 
You can also plant in August and September for a fall harvest before the first frost.
 
Cilantro actually thrives in these cooler mountain temperatures during the summer months.
 

Why Cilantro Bolts in Arizona Heat

Cilantro is a cool-season herb, and Arizona heat is its worst enemy.
 
When temperatures climb above 85°F, cilantro stops producing leaves and sends up a flower stalk instead.
 
This process is called bolting, and once it happens, the leaves turn bitter and the plant stops being useful for cooking.
 
That’s why when to grow cilantro in Arizona matters so much.
 
If you plant at the wrong time, you’ll get flowers instead of foliage.
 

1. Bolting Is Triggered by Heat and Long Days

Cilantro bolts when days get longer and temperatures rise.
 
In Arizona, both happen fast, especially in the low desert.
 
That’s why fall and winter planting is your best bet for a steady supply of leaves.
 

2. Shade Cloth Can Extend the Season

If you want to push your cilantro a little longer into spring, use a 30% shade cloth.
 
This reduces heat stress and delays bolting by a few weeks.
 
It’s not a permanent fix, but it helps when you’re trying to grow cilantro in Arizona during borderline months.
 

3. Succession Planting Keeps You in Leaves

Instead of planting one big crop, plant small patches every two to three weeks.
 
This way, when one batch starts to bolt, the next one is ready to harvest.
 
It’s the smartest strategy for when to grow cilantro in Arizona because it works with the climate instead of against it.
 

Best Practices for Growing Cilantro in Arizona

Once you know when to grow cilantro in Arizona, a few simple habits will keep your plants productive.
 
Here’s what to keep in mind.
 

1. Plant in Well-Draining Soil

Cilantro hates soggy roots, and Arizona’s heavy clay soil can hold too much water.
 
Mix in compost or plant in raised beds to improve drainage.
 
Good drainage also helps prevent root rot during cooler, wetter months.
 

2. Water Consistently but Don’t Overwater

Cilantro needs steady moisture, especially in Arizona’s dry air.
 
Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on your soil and the weather.
 
Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings to avoid fungal issues.
 

3. Harvest Often to Encourage New Growth

The more you cut cilantro, the more it produces, as long as it hasn’t bolted.
 
Snip outer leaves first, and always leave the inner crown intact.
 
Frequent harvesting also delays bolting, which is a win when you’re growing cilantro in Arizona.
 

4. Consider Cilantro Varieties That Bolt Slower

Some cilantro varieties, like ‘Slow Bolt’ or ‘Santo’, resist bolting better than others.
 
These are great choices when you’re trying to stretch your growing window in Arizona.
 
They won’t last through summer, but they’ll give you a few extra weeks of harvest.
 

So, When to Grow Cilantro in Arizona?

The best time to grow cilantro in Arizona is fall through early spring in the low desert, and late spring through early fall in the high country.
 
Avoid planting in the heat of summer unless you’re in the mountains.
 
By timing your planting right and using shade cloth and succession planting, you can enjoy fresh cilantro for months.
 
Whether you’re in Phoenix or Flagstaff, knowing when to grow cilantro in Arizona makes all the difference between a bitter, bolted mess and a thriving herb garden.
 
Happy planting.