When To Grow Cilantro In South Florida

When to Grow Cilantro in South Florida

The best time to grow cilantro in South Florida is during the cooler months, from October through March.
 
If you’ve been asking when to grow cilantro in South Florida, the short answer is simple: cilantro loves cool weather, and South Florida only gets that from late fall to early spring.
 
Summer heat makes cilantro bolt almost immediately, so timing is everything when you grow cilantro in South Florida.
 
In this post, we’ll look at when to grow cilantro in South Florida, how to plant it, and how to keep it producing longer.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Timing Matters When You Grow Cilantro in South Florida

Cilantro is a cool-season herb, and that’s the main reason you have to be careful about when you grow cilantro in South Florida.
 
So knowing when to grow cilantro in South Florida comes down to understanding what this herb hates: heat.
 

1. Cilantro Bolts in the Heat

When temperatures climb above 75°F, cilantro starts to bolt, meaning it shoots up a flower stalk and stops producing leaves.
 
In South Florida summers, that can happen in a matter of days, which is why you should avoid planting cilantro in South Florida during June, July, or August.
 

2. South Florida’s Growing Seasons Are Flipped

While most of the country plants cilantro in spring, South Florida gardeners plant cilantro in fall and winter.
 
So when you grow cilantro in South Florida, October through March is your sweet spot.
 

3. Frost Is Rarely a Problem

Cilantro can handle a light frost, and South Florida rarely gets one anyway.
 
That means you can grow cilantro in South Florida all winter long without worrying much about cold damage.
 

Best Months to Grow Cilantro in South Florida

If you want a month-by-month answer for when to grow cilantro in South Florida, here’s how it breaks down.
 

1. October and November

October is the ideal month to start cilantro in South Florida.
 
You can grow cilantro in South Florida from seed directly in the ground or in containers once the nights cool off.
 

2. December Through February

These are the best months to grow cilantro in South Florida because temperatures stay mild.
 
Succession plant every two to three weeks so you always have fresh cilantro ready to harvest.
 

3. March

March is your last good window to grow cilantro in South Florida before the heat returns.
 
After that, you’ll need to wait until fall again unless you grow cilantro in South Florida under shade cloth.
 

4. What About Summer?

You technically can grow cilantro in South Florida in summer, but it’s an uphill battle.
 
If you insist on trying, use afternoon shade and keep the soil consistently moist.
 

Tips for Growing Cilantro in South Florida

Once you know when to grow cilantro in South Florida, a few smart habits will keep your plants productive.
 

1. Plant From Seed

Cilantro hates being transplanted, so sow seeds directly where you want them to grow cilantro in South Florida.
 

2. Water Consistently

Dry soil stresses cilantro and speeds up bolting, so water regularly when you grow cilantro in South Florida.
 

3. Harvest Often

Snip outer leaves frequently, because the more you harvest, the longer you can grow cilantro in South Florida before it bolts.
 

4. Use Partial Shade

A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade helps you grow cilantro in South Florida even as spring warms up.
 

So, When to Grow Cilantro in South Florida?

You should grow cilantro in South Florida from October through March, when the weather is cool and mild.
 
If you’ve been wondering when to grow cilantro in South Florida, the answer is simple: plant cilantro in South Florida in fall and winter, not summer.
 
Avoid the heat, water consistently, and harvest often, and you’ll grow cilantro in South Florida like a pro.