When To Plant Cilantro Seeds In Oregon

The best time to plant cilantro seeds in Oregon is from early spring through early summer, and again in late summer for a fall harvest.
 
Cilantro is a cool-season herb, which means it thrives when temperatures are mild and bolts quickly once the heat kicks in.
 
If you’ve been wondering when to plant cilantro seeds in Oregon, the short answer is that timing depends a lot on your specific region within the state.
 
Oregon has wildly different growing zones, from the rainy coast to the high desert, so when to plant cilantro seeds in Oregon can shift by a few weeks depending on where you garden.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly when to plant cilantro seeds in Oregon, how to succession plant for a longer harvest, and a few tips to keep your cilantro from bolting too fast.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Plant Cilantro Seeds in Oregon

Knowing when to plant cilantro seeds in Oregon starts with understanding your local climate.
 
Cilantro germinates best when soil temperatures are between 55°F and 70°F.
 
In most of Oregon, that window opens up around late March or early April.
 
For gardeners in the Willamette Valley, you can plant cilantro seeds in Oregon as early as mid-March if the ground isn’t waterlogged.
 
Along the coast, the cooler weather means you have a longer window to plant cilantro seeds in Oregon, often stretching from March all the way into June.
 
In Central and Eastern Oregon, where spring arrives later, you’ll want to wait until April or even early May to plant cilantro seeds in Oregon.
 
The key is to avoid planting when the soil is still too cold, because your cilantro seeds will just sit there and rot instead of sprouting.
 

1. Spring Planting for a Summer Harvest

Spring is the classic time to plant cilantro seeds in Oregon.
 
Once the danger of a hard freeze has passed, usually by late March in the valley, you can direct sow your cilantro seeds outdoors.
 
Sow them about a quarter inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist.
 
Cilantro seeds germinate in about seven to ten days when conditions are right.
 
If you plant cilantro seeds in Oregon too late in spring, the plants will bolt as soon as the first hot spell hits.
 
So aim for a spring planting that gives your cilantro at least six to eight weeks of cool weather to grow.
 

2. Fall Planting for a Second Crop

One of the best-kept secrets about when to plant cilantro seeds in Oregon is that fall is actually a fantastic time.
 
By late August or early September, the intense summer heat has faded, and cilantro can thrive again.
 
When you plant cilantro seeds in Oregon in late summer, you’ll get a fresh crop that lasts well into October or even November in mild areas.
 
In fact, many Oregon gardeners have better luck with a fall planting than a spring one because the weather stays cool longer.
 
Just be sure to plant cilantro seeds in Oregon at least eight weeks before your first expected frost.
 

3. Succession Planting for a Continuous Supply

If you really want a steady supply of fresh cilantro, you should plant cilantro seeds in Oregon every two to three weeks.
 
This is called succession planting, and it’s the best way to work around cilantro’s tendency to bolt.
 
Start your first sowing in early spring, then keep planting cilantro seeds in Oregon through early summer.
 
Take a break during the hottest part of summer, then resume when to plant cilantro seeds in Oregon becomes favorable again in late summer.
 
This staggered approach means you’ll always have a new batch coming up as the older plants start to flower.
 

Tips for Growing Cilantro in Oregon

Oregon’s climate is actually pretty well-suited for cilantro, as long as you work with the seasons instead of against them.
 
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you plant cilantro seeds in Oregon.
 

1. Choose the Right Spot

Cilantro likes partial shade, especially in the afternoon.
 
In Oregon, where summer afternoons can get surprisingly warm inland, a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal.
 
This helps slow down bolting and keeps your cilantro productive longer.
 

2. Keep the Soil Moist

Cilantro doesn’t like to dry out completely.
 
Water regularly, but make sure your soil drains well so the roots don’t sit in soggy ground.
 
Oregon’s natural rainfall helps a lot in spring, but you’ll still need to water during dry spells.
 

3. Harvest Often

The more you cut your cilantro, the longer it will keep producing leaves.
 
Snip the outer leaves first and let the inner ones keep growing.
 
Once you see flower stalks forming, it’s a sign the plant is done producing leaves, so that’s your cue to plant cilantro seeds in Oregon again for a new round.
 

So, When to Plant Cilantro Seeds in Oregon?

The best time to plant cilantro seeds in Oregon is early spring and again in late summer, with succession plantings every few weeks for a continuous harvest.
 
Timing is everything when you plant cilantro seeds in Oregon, since this cool-season herb bolts fast once the heat arrives.
 
Whether you’re in the Willamette Valley, on the coast, or east of the Cascades, adjusting your planting dates to your local climate is the key to success.
 
So grab your seeds, pick your spot, and get ready to enjoy fresh cilantro all season long.