Will Cilantro Grow In Winter

Cilantro will grow in winter, but only if you give it the right conditions.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether cilantro will grow in winter, the short answer is yes, but it’s not as simple as tossing seeds in the ground and walking away.
 
Cilantro is a cool-weather herb at heart, which means it actually prefers the milder temperatures of spring and fall over the blazing heat of summer.
 
That natural preference is exactly why cilantro can grow in winter with a little help from you.
 
The key is understanding what cilantro needs and then recreating those conditions, whether you’re growing indoors, in a greenhouse, or in a lucky warm climate outdoors.
 
In this post, we’ll cover whether cilantro will grow in winter, the best ways to make it happen, and the common mistakes that stop cilantro from thriving in the cold.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Will Cilantro Grow in Winter? Here’s Why It Can

Cilantro will grow in winter because it’s a cool-season herb that actually thrives when temperatures drop.
 
Here’s why cilantro has such a good shot at growing in winter:
 

1. Cilantro Loves Cool Temperatures

The ideal temperature range for cilantro is between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C).
 
That’s pretty much exactly what winter feels like in many mild climates.
 
While summer heat makes cilantro bolt and turn bitter fast, cool winter air keeps cilantro growing steadily and producing tender leaves for much longer.
 
So if you’ve ever struggled to keep cilantro alive in July, winter might actually be your best friend.
 

2. Cilantro Is Frost Tolerant (to a Point)

Cilantro can survive light frosts without much trouble.
 
Established cilantro plants handle temperatures down to about 25°F (-4°C) for short periods, especially if they’re sheltered.
 
That means in USDA zones 7 and above, cilantro will often grow in winter outdoors with minimal protection.
 
In colder zones, cilantro will still grow in winter, but you’ll need to bring it indoors or use a greenhouse, cold frame, or row cover to keep it happy.
 

3. Cilantro Grows Fast From Seed

One of the best things about cilantro is how quickly it grows.
 
From seed to harvestable leaves takes only about three to four weeks in cool weather.
 
That short timeline means you can sow cilantro in winter and still get a usable crop before the season ends.
 
Even if you start late, cilantro will grow in winter fast enough to reward you with fresh leaves for your soups, tacos, and salsas.
 

How to Grow Cilantro in Winter

If you want cilantro to grow in winter, you’ve got a few solid options depending on your climate and space.
 
Here’s how to make cilantro grow in winter successfully:
 

1. Grow Cilantro Indoors on a Sunny Windowsill

The easiest way to get cilantro to grow in winter is to grow it indoors.
 
Fill a pot with well-draining potting mix and sow cilantro seeds about a quarter inch deep.
 
Place the pot on a south-facing windowsill where cilantro gets at least four to six hours of bright light daily.
 
If your window is dim, a simple grow light will help cilantro grow in winter without stretching or turning leggy.
 
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and you’ll see cilantro sprouting within seven to ten days.
 

2. Use a Cold Frame or Greenhouse Outdoors

If you live in a colder zone but still want cilantro to grow in winter outdoors, a cold frame or unheated greenhouse works wonders.
 
These structures trap warmth during the day and protect cilantro from freezing nights.
 
Inside a cold frame, cilantro will grow in winter as long as daytime temperatures stay above freezing.
 
Just crack the lid on sunny days to prevent overheating, since cilantro can still bolt if it gets too warm.
 

3. Choose the Right Cilantro Variety

Not all cilantro is built the same when it comes to cold tolerance.
 
Slow-bolting varieties like ‘Santo’ or ‘Calypso’ tend to perform better when you want cilantro to grow in winter.
 
There’s also a perennial type called ‘Vietnamese cilantro’ that isn’t true cilantro but handles cold differently.
 
Stick with standard cilantro varieties bred for leaf production, and cilantro will grow in winter with more consistency.
 

4. Water and Feed Carefully

Cilantro growing in winter needs less water than summer cilantro because evaporation slows down.
 
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid letting cilantro sit in standing water.
 
A diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks keeps cilantro growing in winter without pushing it to bolt.
 
Don’t overfeed, though, because too much nitrogen makes cilantro grow leaves at the expense of flavor.
 

Common Mistakes When Growing Cilantro in Winter

Even though cilantro will grow in winter, a few missteps can ruin your chances.
 
Here’s what to avoid:
 

1. Letting Cilantro Dry Out Completely

Cilantro has shallow roots, so it dries out faster than you’d think, even in winter.
 
If the soil goes bone dry, cilantro will stop growing and start wilting.
 
Check moisture every couple of days and water lightly when needed so cilantro keeps growing in winter.
 

2. Giving Too Much Heat Indoors

Indoor heating can make the air around your cilantro hot and dry.
 
That stress can cause cilantro to bolt or turn yellow instead of growing lush leaves.
 
Keep cilantro away from radiators and vents, and mist the leaves occasionally so cilantro will grow in winter without drying out.
 

3. Skipping Enough Light

Short winter days mean less natural sunlight, and cilantro needs good light to grow.
 
Without enough light, cilantro will grow thin, pale, and spindly.
 
A grow light for eight to twelve hours a day solves this and helps cilantro grow in winter like it’s peak season.
 

So, Will Cilantro Grow in Winter?

Cilantro will grow in winter as long as you give it cool temperatures, steady moisture, and enough light.
 
Whether you grow cilantro indoors on a windowsill or outdoors in a protected spot, cilantro can absolutely grow in winter and reward you with fresh, flavorful leaves.
 
Just remember that cilantro prefers the cold over the heat, so winter is actually one of the best times to grow cilantro.
 
Pick a slow-bolting variety, keep the soil lightly moist, and give cilantro the light it craves.
 
Do that, and cilantro will grow in winter without much fuss at all.