Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
Yes, you can grow cilantro in Arizona, and it’s actually one of the easier herbs to grow here once you understand a few quirks about our climate.
Cilantro grows fast, bolts quickly in the heat, and loves the cooler months, which means Arizona gardeners can grow cilantro successfully with just a bit of timing strategy.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can grow cilantro in Arizona, the short answer is absolutely yes, but the when and where matter a whole lot.
In this post, we’ll cover how to grow cilantro in Arizona, the best time to plant it, and the common mistakes that trip up desert gardeners.
Let’s dig in.
Why You Can Grow Cilantro in Arizona
You can grow cilantro in Arizona because this herb actually thrives in the mild temperatures that our fall, winter, and early spring bring.
The trick is understanding that cilantro is a cool-season herb, not a heat-loving one.
Here’s why growing cilantro in Arizona works so well when timed right:
1. Arizona’s Cool Season Is Perfect for Cilantro
Cilantro grows best when temperatures stay between 50°F and 85°F.
In Arizona, that window falls between October and April, depending on your elevation.
That’s exactly why you can grow cilantro in Arizona so easily during these months.
The mild days and cool nights mimic the conditions cilantro naturally loves.
2. Cilantro Grows Fast From Seed
Cilantro germinates quickly and grows rapidly. Its seed, called coriander, sprouts in about 7 to 10 days.
This fast growth cycle means you can grow cilantro in Arizona in just a few weeks, even in small spaces.
You can plant cilantro in Arizona in pots, raised beds, or directly in the ground, and it’ll reward you with fresh leaves in under a month.
3. Arizona’s Sun Is Manageable With a Little Shade
Cilantro loves full sun in cooler months but appreciates afternoon shade as things warm up.
That means placing your cilantro where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade helps you grow cilantro in Arizona without it bolting too fast.
And if you’re growing cilantro in Arizona during the hotter edges of the season, shade cloth is your best friend.
4. You Can Grow Cilantro in Arizona Almost Year-Round in Some Areas
In higher elevations like Flagstaff or Prescott, cilantro can grow nearly all summer.
In the low desert like Phoenix or Tucson, you can grow cilantro in Arizona from fall through spring with ease.
That’s a long growing season compared to most of the country.
Best Time to Plant Cilantro in Arizona
Timing is everything when you grow cilantro in Arizona.
Here’s when to plant based on where you live:
1. Low Desert (Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma)
Plant cilantro from October through February for a steady harvest.
You can also grow cilantro in Arizona in partial shade during late September and March if you’re careful about watering.
2. Mid-Elevation (Prescott, Payson, Sedona)
Plant cilantro in Arizona from September through April.
You’ll get the longest harvest window if you plant cilantro in Arizona in early fall.
3. High Elevation (Flagstaff, Show Low)
Plant cilantro from May through September.
Here, you can grow cilantro in Arizona all summer long because the heat never gets intense enough to bolt it immediately.
How to Grow Cilantro in Arizona Successfully
Growing cilantro in Arizona takes a few smart moves.
Here’s how to grow cilantro in Arizona so it thrives instead of bolting overnight:
1. Sow Seeds Directly
Cilantro hates transplanting.
If you want to grow cilantro in Arizona, sow seeds straight into the soil or a pot.
Aim for seeds about a quarter inch deep and keep the soil moist until they sprout.
2. Water Consistently
Arizona’s dry air pulls moisture from the soil fast.
If you grow cilantro in Arizona, water deeply but often enough to keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy.
3. Use Mulch to Keep Roots Cool
Mulch helps you grow cilantro in Arizona by keeping soil temperatures down.
That delays bolting and gives you more harvest time.
4. Harvest Often
The more you cut cilantro, the more leaves it produces.
Snip outer leaves regularly, and you’ll keep your cilantro growing in Arizona for weeks longer.
5. Plant Successively
Sow a new batch every two to three weeks.
That way, you can grow cilantro in Arizona continuously even as older plants bolt.
6. Let Some Bolt for Coriander
When cilantro bolts, it produces flowers and then coriander seeds.
If you grow cilantro in Arizona, you can harvest those seeds for cooking, so nothing goes to waste.
Common Mistakes When You Grow Cilantro in Arizona
Even though it’s easy to grow cilantro in Arizona, a few missteps can ruin your crop.
1. Planting in Summer Heat
If you try to grow cilantro in Arizona in June or July, it’ll bolt within days.
2. Overwatering in Heavy Soil
Cilantro likes moisture, but not standing water.
3. Skipping Shade in Warm Months
Afternoon shade is key if you want to grow cilantro in Arizona outside the coolest months.
4. Not Replanting After Bolting
Cilantro bolts fast, so if you want a steady supply, keep sowing new seeds.
So, Can You Grow Cilantro in Arizona?
Yes, you can grow cilantro in Arizona, and it’s one of the most rewarding herbs to plant here.
The key is timing, shade, and consistent watering.
Plant cilantro in Arizona during the cool months, harvest often, and replant every few weeks.
That way, you can grow cilantro in Arizona almost year-round and enjoy fresh leaves whenever you want.