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Cilantro will grow in winter, but whether it thrives depends on where you live and how you protect it.
If you’re asking will cilantro grow in winter, the short answer is yes, cilantro can grow in winter in many climates as long as you give it the right conditions.
In milder regions, cilantro grows through winter with very little fuss, while in colder areas you’ll need to shelter it or bring it indoors.
Either way, you can absolutely enjoy fresh cilantro from your garden or windowsill during the coldest months, as long as you understand a few key things about this cool-season herb.
In this post, we’ll cover whether cilantro will grow in winter, the ideal conditions it needs, and the easiest ways to keep it thriving when temperatures drop.
Let’s dig in.
Will Cilantro Grow in Winter? Here’s the Answer
Cilantro will grow in winter because it actually prefers cooler weather over the heat of summer.
In fact, cilantro is a cool-season herb that bolts (goes to seed) quickly when temperatures climb above 75°F.
That means winter can be one of the best times to grow cilantro, especially in USDA zones 8 through 11.
Here’s why cilantro grows so well in winter:
1. Cilantro Loves Cool Temperatures
Cilantro grows best when temperatures stay between 50°F and 70°F.
That’s exactly why cilantro will grow in winter in many regions where summer heat makes it bolt within weeks.
Cool air keeps the plant focused on producing leaves instead of flowers, which means more of the tasty foliage you actually want to harvest.
If winters in your area stay mild, cilantro will grow almost effortlessly outdoors.
2. Cilantro Is Frost-Tolerant (To a Point)
Cilantro can survive light frosts and even temperatures down to about 10°F once established.
That’s surprisingly hardy for such a delicate-looking herb.
However, hard freezes and prolonged icy conditions will damage or kill cilantro, so protection matters in colder zones.
This frost tolerance is a big reason cilantro will grow in winter across a wider range of climates than most people expect.
3. Cilantro Grows Fast From Seed
Cilantro germinates quickly in cool soil, often sprouting within 7 to 10 days.
Because it matures so fast, you can succession plant cilantro through winter and keep a steady supply coming.
Even if a cold snap kills your current crop, a new round of seeds will grow in winter just fine as long as the soil isn’t frozen solid.
That quick turnaround makes cilantro one of the most rewarding herbs to grow in the colder months.
4. Cilantro Grows Well Indoors Too
If your winters are brutal, cilantro will grow in winter indoors on a sunny windowsill.
A south-facing window with at least 6 hours of bright light is ideal.
You can also supplement with a grow light if natural sunlight is limited.
Indoor cilantro grows in winter reliably as long as you keep the soil moist and the room temperature moderate.
Best Ways to Help Cilantro Grow in Winter
How do you make sure cilantro will grow in winter instead of struggling or dying?
The key is giving it the right conditions by doing the following:
1. Plant in a Sheltered Spot
If you’re growing cilantro outdoors in winter, choose a spot that gets morning sun and protection from harsh winds.
A south-facing wall or raised bed near your home retains heat and shields plants from frost.
This simple trick helps cilantro grow in winter even when nighttime temperatures dip.
2. Use Row Covers or Cloches
Floating row covers, cloches, or cold frames trap warmth and keep frost off the leaves.
On sunny days, crack them open for airflow so mildew doesn’t set in.
With this protection, cilantro will grow in winter in zones as cold as 6 or 7.
3. Water Sparingly
Cilantro needs less water in winter because cool air slows evaporation.
Overwatering is one of the fastest ways to kill cilantro in winter, since soggy soil leads to root rot.
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry, and always water in the morning.
4. Harvest Often
Regular harvesting encourages cilantro to keep producing new leaves instead of bolting.
Snip outer stems first and leave the inner growth to mature.
The more you harvest, the longer cilantro will grow in winter without going to seed.
5. Succession Plant Every Few Weeks
Since cilantro has a relatively short life cycle, plant new seeds every 2 to 3 weeks.
This guarantees a continuous supply even if one batch starts to bolt or succumbs to cold.
Succession planting is the easiest way to ensure cilantro will grow in winter all season long.
Common Mistakes That Stop Cilantro From Growing in Winter
Even though cilantro will grow in winter fairly easily, a few mistakes can sabotage your efforts.
Avoid these pitfalls:
1. Letting Soil Dry Out Completely
While you shouldn’t overwater, bone-dry soil will stress cilantro and stop growth.
Check moisture every few days, especially in indoor containers near heating vents.
2. Skipping Frost Protection
Cilantro is frost-tolerant, but not invincible.
A sudden deep freeze without any cover can wipe out your crop overnight.
Always keep row covers handy when a cold snap is coming.
3. Planting in Full Shade
Cilantro needs at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily, even in winter.
Too much shade leads to leggy, weak plants that never fill out.
4. Using Hot, Dry Indoor Air
Indoor heating dries out the air and the soil fast.
Mist your indoor cilantro occasionally or place it near a humidifier, and keep it away from radiators.
So, Will Cilantro Grow in Winter?
Yes, cilantro will grow in winter, and in many climates it actually grows better in winter than in summer.
Cilantro thrives in cool temperatures between 50°F and 70°F, tolerates light frost, and grows quickly from seed.
As long as you protect it from hard freezes, avoid overwatering, and give it enough sunlight, cilantro will grow in winter whether outdoors in a sheltered spot or indoors on a sunny windowsill.
With a little planning and succession planting, you can harvest fresh cilantro all winter long.