When To Plant Cilantro In Michigan

The best time to plant cilantro in Michigan is in the cool seasons of spring and fall, since this herb bolts quickly once the summer heat rolls in.
 
If you’re wondering when to plant cilantro in Michigan, the short answer is that you should aim for early spring or late summer so your plants can enjoy mild temperatures.
 
Cilantro loves cool weather and absolutely hates the blazing heat of a Michigan July.
 
That’s why so many gardeners here struggle with cilantro that turns leggy and flowers before they get a decent harvest.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly when to plant cilantro in Michigan, how to time your plantings around the state’s climate, and a few tricks to keep that cilantro producing all season long.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When to Plant Cilantro in Michigan

Timing is everything when you plant cilantro in Michigan, and getting it right means the difference between a lush harvest and a sad, bolted plant.
 
Here’s how to nail the timing.
 

1. Early Spring Is Your First Window

Cilantro is a cool-season herb, which means it grows best when temperatures sit between 50°F and 70°F.
 
In Michigan, that sweet spot typically shows up from late April through early June, depending on where you live in the state.
 
If you’re in southern Michigan near Detroit or Kalamazoo, you can often plant cilantro outdoors as early as mid-April.
 
Up in the Upper Peninsula or near Traverse City, you’ll want to wait until late May, once the danger of frost has passed.
 
You can also direct sow cilantro seeds about two to three weeks before your last expected frost date.
 
Cilantro seeds germinate in soil as cool as 55°F, so they don’t mind a little chill.
 

2. Late Summer Offers a Second Chance

One of the best-kept secrets about when to plant cilantro in Michigan is that fall planting often works even better than spring.
 
As the intense summer heat fades in late August, you can sow a fresh round of cilantro seeds.
 
Those seeds will sprout into vigorous plants that thrive through September and October.
 
In fact, many Michigan gardeners say their fall cilantro crop is tastier and more productive than the spring one.
 
Just plant cilantro in Michigan around mid-to-late August to give it enough time to mature before the first hard freeze.
 
In southern parts of the state, you can often keep harvesting cilantro well into November.
 

3. Succession Planting Keeps You in Cilantro

Because cilantro bolts so fast once it warms up, the smartest approach is to plant cilantro in Michigan every two to three weeks during the cool windows.
 
Start your first sowing in spring, then keep sowing seeds every few weeks until early June.
 
Then take a break during the hot months and start again in late August.
 
This way, you’ll always have a fresh patch of cilantro coming up while the older plants are going to seed.
 
Those seeds, by the way, are coriander, so nothing goes to waste.
 

Where to Plant Cilantro in Michigan

Knowing when to plant cilantro in Michigan is half the battle, but location matters just as much.
 
Cilantro prefers a spot that gets full sun in spring and fall but partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
 
If you plant cilantro in Michigan in a spot that bakes all afternoon, it’ll bolt almost immediately.
 
A garden bed that gets morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal.
 
You can also plant cilantro in containers, which lets you move it around as the seasons shift.
 
Just make sure your soil drains well, since cilantro hates soggy roots.
 
Michigan’s loamy soil is actually great for cilantro, but if yours is heavy clay, mix in some compost before you plant.
 

Tips for Growing Cilantro in Michigan

Once you know when to plant cilantro in Michigan, a few simple tips will help you get the most from your crop.
 
First, water consistently but don’t drown the plants.
 
Cilantro likes moist soil, not swampy soil, so aim for about an inch of water per week.
 
Second, mulch around your plants to keep the soil cool, which slows bolting.
 
Third, harvest often.
 
The more you snip those outer leaves, the longer your cilantro will keep producing.
 
And if your cilantro does bolt, don’t panic.
 
Let it flower, because the blossoms attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps that help your whole garden.
 
Then collect the coriander seeds and use them in your cooking.
 

Choosing the Right Cilantro Variety

Not all cilantro is created equal, and picking a slow-bolting variety makes a huge difference in Michigan.
 
Look for types like ‘Santo’ or ‘Calypso’ that are bred to resist bolting in warm weather.
 
These varieties give you a longer harvest window, which is a game-changer when you plant cilantro in Michigan.
 

So, When to Plant Cilantro in Michigan?

You should plant cilantro in Michigan in early spring and again in late summer, avoiding the hot summer months when the plant bolts.
 
Timing your plantings around Michigan’s cool seasons is the key to a steady supply of fresh, flavorful cilantro.
 
Whether you sow seeds in April, August, or both, you now know exactly when to plant cilantro in Michigan for the best results.
 
Grab your seeds, pick a sunny spot with some afternoon shade, and get planting.
 
Happy gardening.