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The best time to plant cilantro outdoors is in the cool weather of early spring or late summer, roughly two to four weeks before your last expected frost date in spring, or six to eight weeks before your first expected frost date in autumn.
Timing your cilantro planting outdoors is all about beating the heat, since this herb thrives in temperatures between 50°F and 70°F.
If you plant cilantro outdoors too late in the spring, the warmer temperatures will cause it to bolt, meaning it will quickly go to seed and turn bitter.
In this post, we’ll dig into the exact windows for when to plant cilantro outdoors, how to adjust for your specific climate, and tips to keep your harvest going strong.
Let’s get your cilantro patch started right.
When to Plant Cilantro Outdoors for the Best Growth
When you’re figuring out when to plant cilantro outdoors, the golden rule is to aim for cool, consistent temperatures.
Cilantro is a cool-season annual, which means it absolutely loves the mild conditions of spring and fall.
The key is to get your seeds or seedlings into the ground when the soil has warmed just enough to germinate, but the air is still cool.
For most gardeners, this translates to a few weeks before the last frost in spring, because mature cilantro can actually handle a light frost without much damage.
Let’s break down the seasons for when to plant cilantro outdoors in more detail.
1. Early Spring: The Prime Window for Planting Cilantro Outdoors
If you want a big, lush harvest before summer’s heat arrives, early spring is your answer for when to plant cilantro outdoors.
Aim to sow your seeds directly into the garden about two to four weeks before your last average frost date.
This timing works because cilantro seeds germinate best in soil that is between 55°F and 68°F.
You can even plant cilantro outdoors when the soil is still a touch cold, as long as it’s not frozen solid.
The seedlings are quite hardy and will tolerate a light frost, so don’t be afraid to get them in the ground a little early.
By planting at this time, you’ll be able to harvest fresh leaves for six to eight weeks before the temperatures start climbing.
2. Late Summer and Early Fall: Your Second Chance to Plant Cilantro Outdoors
You might think spring is the only time to plant cilantro outdoors, but fall is actually a fantastic season for this herb.
As the intense summer heat fades, you can start planning to plant cilantro outdoors again in late summer.
Aim for about six to eight weeks before your first expected fall frost.
The trick here is that the soil is still warm from summer, which helps with germination, but the air temperatures are dropping into that ideal 50°F to 70°F range.
This fall crop often tastes even sweeter and more tender than spring cilantro because the shorter days and cooler nights slow down growth, concentrating the flavors.
For many gardeners, this fall planting can produce leaves well into the winter months, especially with a little bit of protection like a row cover.
3. How to Determine Your Exact Date to Plant Cilantro Outdoors
Knowing the general season is helpful, but you need a specific date to plant cilantro outdoors.
Start by finding your local frost dates from a reliable gardening resource or your local extension office.
For your spring planting, count backward two to four weeks from your last spring frost date.
For your fall planting, count forward from your first fall frost date by about six to eight weeks.
If you live in a region with mild winters, like the southern United States or the Pacific Northwest, you might even be able to plant cilantro outdoors during the winter months for a continuous harvest.
The most important thing is to avoid planting when daytime temperatures regularly exceed 75°F, as this will lead to instant bolting.
Factors That Change When to Plant Cilantro Outdoors
While the frost dates are a great baseline, a few other key factors can shift your perfect window for when to plant cilantro outdoors.
Let’s look at how to tweak your timing for your specific garden.
1. Your Growing Zone and Climate
Your USDA hardiness zone will heavily influence when to plant cilantro outdoors.
Gardeners in cooler northern zones (like zones 3-5) have a very narrow spring window and will need to start planting early to get a harvest before the summer heat spikes.
They also get a great fall crop because their autumns are long and cool.
In contrast, gardeners in hot southern zones (like zones 8-10) often find that spring is too short, so their best time to plant cilantro outdoors is actually in the late fall and winter.
If you’re in a very hot climate, you’ll want to keep your cilantro in partial shade and water consistently to prolong its life.
2. Soil Temperature and Preparation
The soil temperature is just as important as the air temperature when you plant cilantro outdoors.
Cilantro seeds prefer soil that is consistently cool, but not frigid.
To get a head start, you can warm the soil by covering your garden bed with black plastic a couple of weeks before you plan to plant cilantro outdoors.
Make sure your soil is rich in organic matter and drains well, as cilantro doesn’t like soggy feet.
Work in some compost before planting to give your cilantro the nutrients it needs for strong leafy growth.
3. Succession Planting for a Continuous Supply
Instead of planting all your cilantro seeds at once, you can use a technique called succession planting to extend your harvest.
When you plant cilantro outdoors, sow a new batch of seeds every two to three weeks.
This way, as one batch matures and starts to bolt, you’ll have a younger, tender batch coming up right behind it.
This is an excellent way to ensure you always have fresh cilantro on hand, even as the weather begins to change.
By staggering your plantings, you can sidestep the biggest problem with cilantro, which is that it all goes to seed at the same time.
Tips for Planting Cilantro Outdoors for a Strong Start
Once you’ve nailed down the timing of when to plant cilantro outdoors, you’ll want to give your seeds the best possible start.
Here are a few simple tips to boost your success rate.
1. Plant Seeds Deep Enough
Cilantro seeds are actually little fruits that contain two seeds each.
To help them germinate, sow them about a quarter to a half inch deep in the soil.
You can also gently crush the seeds before planting, as this can help speed up germination.
Space your seeds about two inches apart, and then thin the seedlings to about six to eight inches apart once they’re a couple of inches tall.
2. Keep the Soil Consistently Moist
Cilantro hates to dry out, especially when it’s young.
After you plant cilantro outdoors, keep the top inch of soil consistently moist until you see sprouts.
You might need to water daily during dry spells, but avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent fungal issues.
Using a soaker hose or drip irrigation is a great way to keep the soil evenly hydrated.
3. Provide Afternoon Shade in Warmer Spots
If you’re planting at the edge of your ideal window, your cilantro will appreciate a little shade.
Choose a spot that gets full sun in the morning but partial shade in the hot afternoon.
This small adjustment can add several extra weeks to your harvest by keeping the soil cool and preventing the plant from bolting too quickly.
So, When Should You Plant Cilantro Outdoors?
You should plant cilantro outdoors in the early spring or late summer to avoid bolt-inducing heat.
This timing ensures the plant grows in its ideal cool temperature range.
Your exact calendar date depends on your local frost dates and climate zone.
The key takeaway is to never let your cilantro hit that 80°F mark for long.
With the right timing and a little planning, you’ll be harvesting fresh, fragrant cilantro for months.
Happy planting, and enjoy the freshest salsa and guacamole from your own garden.