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The best time to plant cilantro in Washington state is from late March through early September, depending on which side of the mountains you call home.
If you’ve been asking when to plant cilantro in Washington state, the short answer is: plant it in spring once the soil hits about 50°F, then keep replanting every few weeks so you always have a fresh supply.
Cilantro is a cool-season herb, which means it loves the mild, damp weather Washington is famous for, but it also bolts fast once the heat arrives.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly when to plant cilantro in Washington state, how the timing changes from Seattle to Spokane, and how to keep that cilantro coming all season long.
Let’s dig in.
When to Plant Cilantro in Washington State
When to plant cilantro in Washington state really comes down to your local climate, because the state has wildly different growing zones from coast to Cascades.
Here’s how to time it right.
1. West of the Cascades (Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia)
If you garden west of the Cascades, you can plant cilantro as early as late March or early April.
The maritime climate keeps spring soil workable early, and cilantro seeds germinate once soil temperatures reach around 50°F.
For a steady harvest, sow seeds every two to three weeks from April through August.
You can even plant cilantro again in September for a fall crop, since the mild autumn gives it a second wind.
2. East of the Cascades (Spokane, Yakima, Tri-Cities)
East of the mountains, when to plant cilantro in Washington state shifts a bit later because spring arrives slower and summers hit hotter.
Wait until mid-April to early May, once the risk of hard frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
The flip side is that intense summer heat makes cilantro bolt quickly, so aim for an early spring planting and a late-summer planting.
That late crop planted in August or early September often performs beautifully as temperatures cool down.
3. Coastal and Lowland Areas
Along the coast and in lowland valleys, cilantro can go in the ground from April through September.
These areas rarely see hard freezes after March, and the steady moisture keeps cilantro happy without much fuss.
Just make sure your beds drain well, because soggy roots will rot faster than you can harvest.
How to Plant Cilantro in Washington State
Knowing when to plant cilantro is only half the battle, so let’s talk about how to actually get it growing.
1. Start From Seed, Not Transplants
Cilantro hates being transplanted because it develops a taproot that resents disturbance.
Direct sowing is the way to go, whether you’re planting cilantro in Washington state in spring or late summer.
Scatter seeds thinly, cover with a quarter inch of soil, and keep the bed moist until sprouts appear in seven to ten days.
2. Give It Sun and Good Drainage
Cilantro wants full sun in spring and fall but appreciates a little afternoon shade during the hottest weeks.
Raised beds or containers work great in Washington, especially where clay soil holds too much water.
Good drainage is key, so mix in compost before you plant cilantro to give those roots room to breathe.
3. Keep It Watered and Mulched
Consistent moisture keeps cilantro from bolting too early.
Water deeply once or twice a week, and add a light layer of mulch to hold that moisture in.
This is especially important when you plant cilantro in eastern Washington, where summer afternoons get toasty.
4. Succession Plant for a Longer Harvest
The secret to never running out of cilantro is succession planting.
Rather than planting one big patch, sow a small amount every two to three weeks.
That way, when one batch bolts, the next is already coming up, and you can plant cilantro right through the season.
Common Cilantro Planting Mistakes in Washington
Even when you know when to plant cilantro in Washington state, a few missteps can ruin your harvest.
1. Planting Too Late in Summer
Cilantro in the ground during peak July heat will bolt within days.
If you plant cilantro in mid-summer east of the Cascades, expect flowers before leaves.
Stick to spring and early fall for the best results.
2. Letting the Soil Dry Out
Dry soil stresses cilantro and triggers bolting fast.
Keep the bed evenly moist, and your cilantro will reward you with tender stems and leaves.
3. Ignoring Your Local Frost Dates
Washington’s frost dates vary by region, so check yours before you plant cilantro.
Coastal gardeners can push the envelope, while inland growers should play it safe until May.
So, When to Plant Cilantro in Washington State?
The best time to plant cilantro in Washington state is spring through early fall, with late March to early September working well in most areas.
West of the Cascades, start in late March and succession plant through August.
East of the Cascades, wait until mid-April and lean on a fall crop to dodge the summer heat.
Wherever you garden, plant cilantro in small batches, keep the soil moist, and give it a little shade when the sun turns up.
Do that, and you’ll have fresh cilantro from spring right up until the frost rolls in.