When To Plant Cilantro In Phoenix

The best time to plant cilantro in Phoenix is from October through February, when daytime temperatures stay between 65°F and 75°F.
 
That’s because cilantro is a cool-season herb that absolutely hates the desert heat.
 
If you’ve been wondering when to plant cilantro in Phoenix, the short answer is fall through late winter.
 
Plant it in spring or summer, and you’ll watch it bolt and go to seed before you get a single usable harvest.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly when to plant cilantro in Phoenix, how to work around the brutal summer heat, and a few tricks to keep your plants productive longer.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Plant Cilantro in Phoenix

Knowing when to plant cilantro in Phoenix comes down to one thing: temperature.
 
Cilantro thrives in cool weather and struggles the moment things heat up.
 
So the timing of when you plant cilantro in Phoenix matters way more than almost any other herb you’ll grow here.
 
Here’s how the planting windows shake out across the year.
 

1. Fall Planting (October–November)

Fall is the absolute best time to plant cilantro in Phoenix.
 
Once October rolls around and overnight lows drop into the 60s, cilantro seeds germinate quickly and plants grow vigorously.
 
This is when you’ll get the longest harvest window, often stretching from late fall all the way into early spring.
 
If you only plant cilantro once this year, make it now.
 

2. Winter Planting (December–February)

You can also plant cilantro in Phoenix throughout winter, and it does beautifully.
 
Just keep an eye on frost warnings, since young seedlings can get nipped on the coldest nights.
 
A simple row cover or even an old bedsheet tossed over the plants is usually enough protection.
 
When you plant cilantro in Phoenix during winter, growth slows a bit but the flavor stays sweet and steady.
 

3. Early Spring Planting (Late February–March)

When you plant cilantro in Phoenix in late February or early March, you’re racing the clock.
 
You’ll usually get a decent harvest through April before the heat starts pushing plants to bolt.
 
Choose a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade to stretch that window as far as possible.
 
After March, planting cilantro in Phoenix becomes a losing battle.
 

4. Avoid Planting in Summer

Don’t plant cilantro in Phoenix between May and September unless you’re prepared for disappointment.
 
Temperatures over 85°F cause cilantro to bolt almost immediately, shooting up a flower stalk instead of producing leaves.
 
Even with shade cloth and constant watering, summer-planted cilantro in Phoenix rarely gives you more than a tiny harvest.
 
Save yourself the frustration and wait for fall.
 

Tips for Growing Cilantro in Phoenix

Timing is everything, but a few smart habits will help your cilantro thrive once it’s in the ground.
 
These tips make a real difference in the desert.
 

1. Sow Seeds Directly

Cilantro has a taproot and hates being transplanted.
 
Sow seeds straight into the garden or a container, about a quarter inch deep.
 
Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, usually in 7 to 10 days.
 

2. Give It Afternoon Shade

Even in winter, a spot that catches some afternoon shade helps cilantro in Phoenix stay tender longer.
 
Morning sun plus afternoon shade is the sweet spot for this herb.
 

3. Water Consistently

Dry soil stresses cilantro and speeds up bolting.
 
Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, and mulch around plants to hold moisture in.
 

4. Harvest Often

The more you snip, the more leaves the plant produces.
 
Start harvesting outer stems once plants reach about six inches tall.
 
Frequent cutting also delays bolting, which means a longer season for your cilantro in Phoenix.
 

5. Succession Plant Every Few Weeks

If you want a continuous supply, plant cilantro in Phoenix every three to four weeks from October through January.
 
That way, when one patch starts bolting, the next one is ready to take over.
 

So, When to Plant Cilantro in Phoenix?

The best time to plant cilantro in Phoenix is October through February, when cool temperatures keep this herb happy and productive.
 
Plant cilantro in Phoenix during fall and winter for the longest harvest, and skip the summer months entirely.
 
With a little afternoon shade, steady watering, and frequent harvesting, you’ll have fresh cilantro on hand for months.
 
Now you know exactly when to plant cilantro in Phoenix, so go grab your seeds and get started.