When To Plant Cilantro In Washington State

The best time to plant cilantro in Washington state is in early spring, right after the last frost has passed, and again in late summer for a fall harvest.
 
When to plant cilantro in Washington state really comes down to working with the state’s cooler, maritime climate rather than against it.
 
Cilantro is a cool-season herb that bolts quickly when the weather turns hot.
 
So if you’re wondering when to plant cilantro in Washington state for the best leafy harvest, timing is everything.
 
In this post, we’ll dive deep into when to plant cilantro in Washington state across different regions, plus tips to keep your plants happy and productive.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Plant Cilantro in Washington State: The Core Window

The general rule for when to plant cilantro in Washington state is to sow seeds directly outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked in spring.
 
That usually falls between mid-March and early May, depending on your specific elevation and proximity to the coast.
 
For western Washington, think the Seattle–Tacoma corridor, you can often start around late March because winters are mild.
 
For eastern Washington, like Spokane or Yakima, you’ll want to wait until mid-April or even early May to avoid late frosts.
 
And for a second crop, the best time to plant cilantro in Washington state is late July through early September.
 
This fall planting takes advantage of cooler temperatures so cilantro doesn’t bolt as quickly.
 
Understanding when to plant cilantro in Washington state also means paying attention to soil temperature.
 
Cilantro seeds germinate best when soil is between 55°F and 68°F.
 
If you plant too early in cold, wet soil, seeds may rot.
 
If you plant too late, the heat will cause the plant to flower and go to seed fast, which is great for coriander but not for fresh leaves.
 
So when to plant cilantro in Washington state really is a balance of frost dates and heat avoidance.
 

1. Western Washington: Mild and Wet

In western Washington, when to plant cilantro in Washington state leans earlier because of the mild, marine-influenced climate.
 
You can safely sow cilantro seeds outdoors in late March or early April.
 
The soil warms up quickly enough, and the cool, damp spring keeps cilantro lush.
 
If you’re on the Olympic Peninsula or near the Puget Sound, you might even get away with a February sowing if you use a cold frame.
 
But for most gardeners, late March is the sweet spot for when to plant cilantro in Washington state in this region.
 

2. Eastern Washington: Hotter Summers, Colder Springs

Eastern Washington has a more continental climate, meaning colder springs and hotter summers.
 
So when to plant cilantro in Washington state on this side is later, usually mid-April to early May.
 
Waiting for the last frost date, which can be as late as May 10 in some zones, is crucial.
 
If you plant cilantro too early here, a hard freeze can kill young seedlings.
 
And because summer heat arrives fast, you’ll want to plant as early as possible after the frost clears.
 
For eastern Washington, when to plant cilantro in Washington state for fall is also earlier, think early August, to beat the first frosts.
 

3. High Elevation and Mountain Areas

For gardeners in the Cascades or other high-elevation spots, when to plant cilantro in Washington state shifts even later.
 
You may not plant until late May or even early June.
 
The growing season is short, so consider starting seeds indoors and transplanting after the frost.
 
But cilantro has a taproot, so transplanting can be tricky.
 
If you can, direct sow once the soil is workable.
 
In these areas, when to plant cilantro in Washington state for a fall crop might be too short, so focus on spring only.
 

How to Plant Cilantro for Success in Washington

Once you know when to plant cilantro in Washington state, proper planting technique matters just as much.
 
Cilantro prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.2 to 6.8.
 
Sow seeds about a quarter-inch deep and space them two to three inches apart.
 
Cilantro doesn’t like root disturbance, so direct sowing is best.
 
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until germination.
 
Seeds usually sprout in 7–14 days.
 
Thin seedlings to about six inches apart so they have room to grow.
 
Remember, cilantro bolts quickly in heat, so providing afternoon shade can extend your harvest.
 

1. Succession Planting Extends Your Harvest

Instead of planting cilantro once, sow new seeds every two to three weeks.
 
This staggered approach keeps you in fresh leaves for months.
 
When to plant cilantro in Washington state becomes less about a single date and more about a rolling schedule.
 
Start in early spring and continue every couple weeks until late May.
 
Then pause during the hottest part of summer.
 
Resume in late July or August for a fall crop.
 

2. Harvesting Leaves vs. Letting It Bolt

If you want fresh cilantro leaves, harvest often.
 
Pinch off the outer leaves and stems when the plant is about six inches tall.
 
Don’t cut more than a third of the plant at once.
 
If you let it flower, you’ll get coriander seeds instead.
 
Some gardeners let a few plants bolt just for the seeds.
 
Just know that once it bolts, the leaves lose their punch.
 

Common Mistakes When Planting Cilantro in Washington

Even with perfect timing, a few errors can ruin your cilantro crop.
 
Let’s look at the most common pitfalls.
 

1. Planting Too Late in Spring

If you plant in June, the summer heat will make cilantro bolt within a week.
 
You’ll get a tiny harvest before it goes to flower.
 
That’s why knowing when to plant cilantro in Washington state is so critical.
 
Stick to the early spring window.
 

2. Letting Soil Dry Out

Cilantro hates dry soil.
 
It will bolt faster under drought stress.
 
Mulch around the plants to retain moisture.
 
Water deeply once or twice a week, more during hot spells.
 

3. Ignoring Your Specific Microclimate

Washington state has many microclimates.
 
Coastal areas are cooler; inland valleys are hotter.
 
Your exact when to plant cilantro in Washington state date might differ from a neighbor a few miles away.
 
Keep a garden journal to track your own frost dates and temperatures.
 

So, When to Plant Cilantro in Washington State?

The best time to plant cilantro in Washington state is early spring, from late March to early May, and again in late summer for the fall.
 
So when to plant cilantro in Washington state really comes down to your region, but these windows work for most of the state.
 
Cilantro thrives in the cool, damp conditions that Washington is known for.
 
Just avoid planting in the hottest months of July and August for leaf production.
 
With proper timing and a bit of care, you can enjoy fresh cilantro from spring through fall.
 
Happy planting, and may your salsa always be full of fresh, homegrown flavor.