When To Plant Cilantro Seedlings Outside

The best time to plant cilantro seedlings outside is when the weather has cooled down and the danger of frost has passed.
 
Unlike most herbs that thrive in the heat of summer, cilantro prefers things on the cooler side.
 
If you’ve been wondering when to plant cilantro seedlings outside so they don’t bolt or turn bitter immediately, you’re in the right place.
 
Planting cilantro seedlings outside at the right moment is the difference between a continuous harvest and watching your plants shoot up flowers overnight.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly when to plant cilantro seedlings outside, how to harden them off, and the best conditions to keep them productive.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Plant Cilantro Seedlings Outside

You should plant cilantro seedlings outside in early spring or early fall, depending on your climate.
 
Cilantro is a cool-season herb, which means it grows best when temperatures are between 50°F and 85°F.
 
Once the mercury climbs consistently above 85°F, cilantro plants will bolt, sending up a flower stalk and turning their leaves bitter.
 
So timing your transplant around the cooler shoulder seasons is critical.
 
Here’s how to figure out the exact window for planting cilantro seedlings outside in your area.
 

1. Plant Cilantro Seedlings Outside in Early Spring

Spring is the classic time to plant cilantro seedlings outside.
 
You want to transplant your cilantro seedlings outside as soon as the soil can be worked and the last frost date has passed.
 
Cilantro seedlings can tolerate a light frost, so you don’t have to wait for perfectly warm weather.
 
In fact, planting cilantro seedlings outside a couple of weeks before your last expected frost is often ideal.
 
The cooler air and soil help the seedlings establish roots without the stress of heat.
 
Just make sure the seedlings have been hardened off first, which we’ll get to in a moment.
 

2. Plant Cilantro Seedlings Outside Again in Early Fall

If your springs heat up too fast, fall is actually the best time to plant cilantro seedlings outside.
 
In many warm climates, autumn planting gives cilantro a much longer harvest window than spring.
 
You’ll want to set your seedlings out about 6 to 8 weeks before your first expected fall frost.
 
This gives the plants time to grow and produce leaves before the cold sets in.
 
In mild winter areas, cilantro planted outside in fall can survive right through the winter.
 
So don’t overlook fall as a prime season for planting cilantro seedlings outside.
 

3. Check Your Soil Temperature Before Planting Cilantro Seedlings Outside

Soil temperature matters more than air temperature when you plant cilantro seedlings outside.
 
Cilantro germinates and grows best when soil is between 55°F and 68°F.
 
If the soil is too warm, your seedlings will struggle and bolt quickly.
 
A simple soil thermometer takes the guesswork out of planting cilantro seedlings outside.
 
Push it about two inches into the ground in the morning for the most accurate reading.
 
If the soil is in that sweet spot, go ahead and transplant.
 

How to Plant Cilantro Seedlings Outside

Knowing when to plant cilantro seedlings outside is half the battle, but how you do it matters too.
 
Cilantro has a delicate taproot, so it resents being disturbed.
 
That means you should transplant your seedlings outside carefully and avoid bare-rooting them.
 
Here are the key steps to get it right.
 

1. Harden Off Seedlings Before Planting Cilantro Outside

Before you plant cilantro seedlings outside, they need to be hardened off.
 
This means gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days.
 
Start by setting them outside in a sheltered spot for a couple of hours a day.
 
Increase their time outdoors each day, and slowly expose them to more sun and wind.
 
Skipping this step can shock your cilantro seedlings when you plant them outside.
 

2. Choose the Right Spot When Planting Cilantro Seedlings Outside

When you plant cilantro seedlings outside, pick a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
 
Full afternoon sun in warm weather will push cilantro to bolt fast.
 
Part shade keeps the plants cooler and extends your harvest.
 
The soil should drain well, since cilantro hates soggy roots.
 
Amend the bed with compost before planting cilantro seedlings outside to give them a good start.
 

3. Space and Depth for Planting Cilantro Seedlings Outside

Plant cilantro seedlings outside at the same depth they were growing in their pots.
 
Space them about 6 to 8 inches apart so air can move between the plants.
 
Water them in gently after planting cilantro seedlings outside to settle the soil.
 
Add a light layer of mulch to keep the soil cool and moist.
 
This helps slow bolting when the weather starts to warm.
 

4. Water and Care After Planting Cilantro Seedlings Outside

After planting cilantro seedlings outside, keep the soil evenly moist but not wet.
 
Water deeply once or twice a week, more often in dry weather.
 
Feed lightly, since too much nitrogen makes cilantro grow leaves fast but weakens flavor.
 
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage more growth.
 
And if you want a steady supply, keep planting cilantro seedlings outside every few weeks.
 

Common Mistakes When You Plant Cilantro Seedlings Outside

A few missteps can ruin your cilantro before it even gets going.
 
Avoid planting cilantro seedlings outside in the heat of summer, which triggers bolting.
 
Don’t let the soil dry out completely, as cilantro has shallow roots.
 
And never skip hardening off, or your seedlings may not survive the transition.
 
Get these right and planting cilantro seedlings outside becomes easy.
 

So, When to Plant Cilantro Seedlings Outside?

You should plant cilantro seedlings outside in early spring or early fall when temperatures are cool.
 
Cilantro thrives between 50°F and 85°F, so timing around those cooler seasons is key.
 
Wait until the last frost passes in spring, or count back 6 to 8 weeks before fall frost.
 
Harden off your seedlings, pick a spot with afternoon shade, and keep the soil moist.
 
Do that and you’ll enjoy fresh cilantro for weeks.
 
Now you know exactly when to plant cilantro seedlings outside for the best harvest.