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You can grow cilantro in Seattle successfully if you work with the climate instead of against it.
Seattle’s cool, damp weather is actually a big plus for cilantro because this herb hates the heat.
If you’ve ever watched cilantro bolt in a matter of days during a hot summer elsewhere, you’re going to love how it behaves here.
In this post, we’ll cover how to grow cilantro in Seattle, the best timing for planting, how to deal with our short daylight swings, and the tricks that keep your plants producing flavorful leaves for months.
Let’s dig in.
Why Growing Cilantro in Seattle Works So Well
Growing cilantro in Seattle is easier than in many other parts of the country, and here’s why.
1. Cilantro Loves Cool, Mild Weather
Cilantro is a cool-season herb that thrives between 50°F and 70°F.
Seattle’s spring and fall temperatures sit right in that sweet spot for weeks on end.
That means growing cilantro in Seattle gives you a longer window of tender, leafy growth before the plant decides to flower.
2. Our Damp Air Slows Bolting
Bolting is when cilantro shoots up a flower stalk and the leaves turn bitter.
Heat and dryness trigger it fast, but Seattle’s humidity and cloud cover keep things gentle.
When you grow cilantro in Seattle, that natural moisture helps the plant stay in leaf production mode much longer.
3. Seattle’s Rain Cuts Down on Watering Chores
Cilantro needs consistent moisture, not soggy roots.
Our regular drizzle does a lot of the work for you when growing cilantro in Seattle.
Just make sure your soil drains well so those roots never sit in a puddle.
When to Plant Cilantro in Seattle
Timing is everything when you grow cilantro in Seattle, so let’s talk dates.
1. Start in Early Spring
Direct sow cilantro seeds from late March through May in Seattle.
Soil temperatures around 55°F get seeds germinating in about 7 to 10 days.
If you plant cilantro in Seattle too late, the first warm stretch will push it straight to flower.
2. Plant Again in Late Summer
Your best cilantro in Seattle often comes from an August or early September sowing.
As the days cool down, plants grow steadily and give you leaves well into fall.
Many Seattle gardeners keep a fall crop going under row cover until the first hard freeze.
3. Succession Sow Every 2 to 3 Weeks
The smartest way to grow cilantro in Seattle is to sow small patches repeatedly.
Instead of one big planting that bolts all at once, you get a steady supply.
This staggered approach is how you grow cilantro in Seattle without ever running out.
How to Grow Cilantro in Seattle: Soil, Sun, and Care
Getting the growing conditions right makes all the difference when you plant cilantro in Seattle.
1. Give It Rich, Well-Draining Soil
Cilantro grows best in loose soil with plenty of compost worked in.
Seattle’s native soil tends to be heavy clay, so amend raised beds with organic matter.
Good drainage is critical because cilantro roots rot quickly in waterlogged ground.
2. Aim for Partial Sun
Cilantro in Seattle does best with 4 to 6 hours of sun, ideally morning sun and afternoon shade.
On those rare 85°F days, a little shade keeps plants from bolting overnight.
If you’re growing cilantro in Seattle on a sunny patio, consider a spot that cools off in the afternoon.
3. Water Consistently but Lightly
Keep the soil evenly moist, never bone dry and never swampy.
Aim for about an inch of water per week, counting rainfall.
When you grow cilantro in Seattle, most weeks the sky handles part of that for you.
4. Fertilize Sparingly
Too much nitrogen makes cilantro grow fast and weak, which speeds up bolting.
A light compost top-dressing is usually all cilantro in Seattle needs.
5. Harvest Often and Early
Snip outer leaves once plants reach 6 inches tall.
Frequent harvesting keeps cilantro in Seattle productive and delays flowering.
Never take more than a third of the plant at once so it can keep regrowing.
Common Problems When You Grow Cilantro in Seattle
Even in our favorable climate, a few issues pop up when growing cilantro in Seattle.
1. Bolting Anyway
A surprise heat wave can still trigger flowering.
Shade cloth and consistent watering help, but replanting is often the fastest fix.
2. Aphids
Aphids love tender cilantro leaves.
A strong spray of water knocks them off, and ladybugs usually finish the job.
3. Root Rot
Poor drainage is the main killer of cilantro in Seattle.
If leaves yellow and wilt despite moist soil, check your drainage before anything else.
So, Can You Grow Cilantro in Seattle?
You can absolutely grow cilantro in Seattle, and our cool, damp climate makes it one of the best herbs for this region.
Plant cilantro in Seattle in early spring and again in late summer, succession sow every few weeks, and keep the soil moist but well drained.
With a little shade during warm spells and regular harvesting, growing cilantro in Seattle rewards you with fresh leaves from spring all the way into fall.
So grab some seeds, pick a sunny-ish spot, and start growing cilantro in Seattle this season.