When To Plant Cilantro Outside

When to plant cilantro outside is one of the most common questions for new gardeners, and the answer is simpler than you might think.

You should plant cilantro outside in the cool weather of early spring or late fall, as this herb thrives in temperatures between 50°F and 70°F.

If you live in a region with mild winters, planting cilantro outside in the fall is a fantastic option, while gardeners in colder climates will want to wait until the last frost has passed in early spring.

Knowing when to plant cilantro outside makes all the difference between a lush, flavorful harvest and a sad, bitter, bolted mess.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the exact timing for planting cilantro outside, the best conditions for success, and tips for extending your harvest.

Let’s dig in and get you growing.

When To Plant Cilantro Outside: The Golden Rule

The single most important thing to remember when deciding when to plant cilantro outside is that this herb hates the heat.

Cilantro is a cool-season annual, which means it wants to grow, flower, and set seed before the summer sun gets intense.

That’s why the ideal window for planting cilantro outside is about two to four weeks before your average last frost date in the spring.

For example, if your area’s last frost is around April 15th, you can safely sow cilantro seeds outside in late March or early April.

If you missed that spring window, don’t worry, as you can also plant cilantro outside in late summer or early fall for a second harvest before winter arrives.

1. Spring Planting Cilantro Outside

For spring planting, you need to watch the soil temperature more than the air temperature.

Cilantro seeds will germinate when the soil is between 55°F and 68°F, which usually aligns with those cool spring days.

You can plant cilantro outside as soon as the ground is workable, even if there’s still a chance of a light frost.

This is because mature cilantro plants can handle a light frost surprisingly well, and the young seedlings are even more resilient.

To get the timing right for planting cilantro outside in spring, check your local frost dates and count backward.

Sow your seeds directly into the garden bed about two weeks before that last expected frost.

As a general rule, if you’re asking when to plant cilantro outside in your zone, aim for soil that’s just starting to warm up but hasn’t gotten hot yet.

2. Fall Planting Cilantro Outside

Fall is arguably the best time to plant cilantro outside in warmer climates.

When you plant cilantro outside in late summer, like August or September, you take advantage of the cooling soil and shorter days.

The key is to sow the seeds about six to eight weeks before your first expected fall frost.

This gives the cilantro enough time to establish and produce leaves before the weather gets too cold.

In zones with mild winters, you can even plant cilantro outside in the winter months for a continuous supply.

The cool nights and moderate days of autumn are absolutely perfect for cilantro, as they mimic its native Mediterranean climate.

3. Succession Planting For A Continuous Harvest

One of the best tricks for knowing when to plant cilantro outside is to use succession planting.

Instead of sowing all your seeds at once, plant a new batch of cilantro every two to three weeks.

This way, you’ll have a steady supply of fresh leaves rather than one big harvest.

For example, you might plant cilantro outside in early March, then again in mid-March, and then again in early April.

Each new sowing will mature at a slightly different time, keeping your kitchen stocked all season long.

When to plant cilantro outside becomes less stressful when you’re not trying to hit one perfect date.

Signs That It’s The Right Time To Plant Cilantro Outside

Beyond just looking at the calendar, you can also watch for natural signs that tell you when to plant cilantro outside.

The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, and the air should feel crisp and cool.

If you plant cilantro outside when it’s too warm, the seeds may fail to germinate completely.

Here are a few practical signs to look for:

1. Soil Temperature Is Below 75°F

Cilantro seeds will simply stop germinating when the soil temperature gets above 75°F.

So, if you’re using a soil thermometer, wait until the readings consistently stay below that threshold.

This is the most reliable way to know when to plant cilantro outside for a successful crop.

2. Nighttime Temps Are In The 40s Or 50s

When the evening temperatures start dipping into the 40s or 50s, it’s a green light.

Those cool nights are exactly what cilantro loves, and they signal that it’s safe to plant cilantro outside.

3. The Forecast Shows No Heat Waves

Check the 10-day forecast before you plant cilantro outside.

If you see any days predicted to hit 80°F or higher, wait a bit longer.

A sudden heat wave right after planting can shock the young seedlings and cause them to bolt early.

How To Plant Cilantro Outside For The Best Results

Once you’ve figured out when to plant cilantro outside, it’s crucial to know how to do it right.

Cilantro has a long taproot and doesn’t like to be transplanted, so direct sowing is always the best method.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started:

1. Choose The Right Spot

Pick a location that gets full sun to partial shade, especially if you’re planting late in the season.

In warmer climates, afternoon shade will help prevent bolting when you plant cilantro outside.

2. Prepare The Soil

Cilantro prefers well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter.

Work in some compost before you plant cilantro outside to give it a nutrient boost.

The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.2 and 6.8.

3. Sow The Seeds Directly

Scatter the seeds about a quarter-inch deep and cover them lightly with soil.

Space the seeds about 1 to 2 inches apart, and thin the seedlings to about 6 inches apart once they sprout.

Keep the soil consistently moist while the seeds are germinating, which usually takes 7 to 10 days.

4. Water Regularly But Don’t Overdo It

When you plant cilantro outside, think of it as a plant that likes even moisture.

Water deeply once or twice a week, and more often if the weather is dry.

Just avoid letting the soil stay soggy, as that can lead to root rot.

So, When To Plant Cilantro Outside?

When to plant cilantro outside really comes down to keeping it cool.

You should plant cilantro outside in the early spring or late fall, focusing on soil temperatures between 55°F and 68°F.

If you’re in a hotter climate, aim for the fall and winter months to achieve the best harvest.

If you’re in a colder climate, the early spring right after the last frost is your golden window.

And if you’re still wondering when to plant cilantro outside, just remember that this herb thrives on cool weather and short days.

So, get those seeds in the ground, keep the soil moist, and you’ll be rewarded with fragrant, delicious cilantro in no time.