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The best time to plant cilantro in Arizona is during the cooler months, specifically from late September through early April in the low deserts and from spring through early fall in the high country.
If you’ve ever wondered when to plant cilantro in Arizona, the answer really depends on where you live in this diverse state.
Arizona’s intense heat is the main challenge for cilantro growers because cilantro bolts, or goes to seed, when temperatures climb above 85°F.
So planting cilantro in Arizona at the right time means working around the heat rather than fighting it.
In this post, we’ll cover when to plant cilantro in Arizona, the best regions and seasons for planting cilantro in Arizona, and tips to keep your cilantro growing strong.
Let’s dig in.
When to Plant Cilantro in Arizona
Knowing when to plant cilantro in Arizona starts with understanding the state’s two main growing climates.
The low desert regions like Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma have scorching summers, while the high country areas like Flagstaff and Prescott experience cooler temperatures and even snow.
Because of this, the timing for planting cilantro in Arizona shifts depending on your elevation.
Here’s how to figure out the best window for planting cilantro in Arizona where you live.
1. Low Desert Areas (Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma)
If you live in the low desert, plant cilantro in Arizona from late September through early April.
This is when daytime temperatures stay between 60°F and 80°F, which is the sweet spot for cilantro.
Fall plantings of cilantro in Arizona are especially rewarding because the plants grow steadily through winter.
You can succession plant every two to three weeks for a continuous harvest of cilantro.
2. High Country Areas (Flagstaff, Prescott, Payson)
In higher elevations, when to plant cilantro in Arizona looks a lot different.
Plant cilantro in Arizona from April through early September in these areas.
The cooler mountain air means cilantro won’t bolt as quickly, so you get a longer harvest window.
Just watch for frost in early spring and late fall, since cilantro is sensitive to freezing temperatures.
3. Transition Zones (Sedona, Kingman, Nogales)
Transition zones fall somewhere in between, so planting cilantro in Arizona here works best in spring and fall.
Aim for March through May and September through November for the best results.
These areas get hot enough in summer to stress cilantro but cold enough in winter to slow its growth.
Best Conditions for Growing Cilantro in Arizona
Once you know when to plant cilantro in Arizona, you need to get the growing conditions right.
Cilantro in Arizona thrives when you give it the right soil, water, and sunlight.
1. Sunlight and Shade
Cilantro loves full sun in cooler months but needs afternoon shade as temperatures rise.
In Arizona, planting cilantro where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade can extend your harvest significantly.
2. Soil and Drainage
Cilantro grows best in loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Arizona’s native soil is often alkaline and clay-heavy, so amend it with compost before planting cilantro.
Good drainage matters because cilantro hates sitting in soggy soil.
3. Watering Wisely
Consistent moisture keeps cilantro happy, but don’t drown it.
Water deeply once or twice a week, and more often during hot, dry spells.
Mulching around your cilantro helps retain moisture and keeps the soil cool.
Tips to Keep Cilantro from Bolting in Arizona
The biggest frustration with growing cilantro in Arizona is bolting, which happens when heat triggers the plant to flower and set seed.
Once cilantro bolts, the leaves turn bitter and the plant stops producing usable foliage.
1. Choose Slow-Bolting Varieties
Varieties like ‘Santo’ and ‘Calypso’ are bred to resist bolting longer.
These are excellent choices when planting cilantro in Arizona’s warmer months.
2. Harvest Frequently
Regular harvesting encourages cilantro to keep producing leaves instead of flowers.
Snip outer leaves often, and pinch off any flower buds the moment you see them.
3. Use Shade Cloth
A 30% to 50% shade cloth can drop temperatures enough to keep cilantro productive.
This simple trick makes a huge difference for cilantro in Arizona during shoulder seasons.
So, When to Plant Cilantro in Arizona?
The best time to plant cilantro in Arizona depends on your elevation, but generally falls between fall and early spring in the low desert and spring through summer in the high country.
Planting cilantro in Arizona during cooler months gives you the best chance of a long, flavorful harvest.
Avoid midsummer planting in hot regions, water consistently, and harvest often to keep your cilantro from bolting.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be enjoying fresh cilantro from your Arizona garden in no time.