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 the fall, and it’s actually one of the best seasons to plant this herb in many climates.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can grow cilantro in the fall without it bolting too quickly, the answer is a resounding yes.
Fall’s cooler temperatures and shorter days create the perfect environment for cilantro to thrive.
In fact, cilantro grown in the fall often produces more flavorful leaves than spring plantings because the plant isn’t stressed by heat.
This makes fall one of the ideal times to grow cilantro for a steady harvest of fresh leaves.
In this post, we’ll explore why you can grow cilantro in the fall, how to plant it, and tips to keep it productive all season long.
Let’s dig in.
Why You Can Grow Cilantro in the Fall
You can grow cilantro in the fall for several reasons, and understanding them will help you get the best results.
1. Cilantro Prefers Cool Weather
Cilantro is a cool-season herb that naturally thrives when temperatures are between 50°F and 85°F.
When you grow cilantro in the fall, the dropping temperatures reduce the risk of bolting, which is when the plant shoots up a flower stalk and stops producing tasty leaves.
This means you’ll get a longer harvest window compared to a hot summer planting.
2. Shorter Days Slow Down Bolting
Cilantro bolts quickly when days are long and hot.
In the fall, daylight hours shrink, which signals the plant to focus on leaf growth rather than reproduction.
So if you grow cilantro in the fall, you can enjoy fresh leaves for weeks instead of days.
3. Soil Stays Moist Longer
Fall rains and cooler air mean the soil doesn’t dry out as fast.
Cilantro needs consistent moisture to grow tender leaves, so this natural moisture boost makes fall planting easier.
Just avoid waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot when you grow cilantro in the fall.
How to Grow Cilantro in the Fall
Growing cilantro in the fall isn’t complicated, but a few key steps will set you up for success.
1. Choose the Right Time to Plant
You can grow cilantro in the fall by sowing seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before your first expected frost.
In milder climates, you can plant as late as early October.
If you live in a cold region, start seeds indoors or use a cold frame to extend the season.
2. Pick a Spot with Partial Sun
Cilantro appreciates full sun in cool weather but benefits from afternoon shade in warmer fall areas.
When you grow cilantro in the fall, a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade works best.
This keeps the plant from overheating on unseasonably warm days.
3. Use Well-Draining Soil
Cilantro hates soggy roots.
Before you grow cilantro in the fall, amend your soil with compost or sand to ensure good drainage.
Raised beds are an excellent choice because they drain better and warm up faster in cool weather.
4. Sow Seeds Directly or Transplant Carefully
Cilantro has a taproot and doesn’t like being moved.
If you grow cilantro in the fall, direct sowing is best.
Scatter seeds thinly, cover with a quarter-inch of soil, and keep the area moist.
If you must transplant, do it when seedlings are very small.
5. Water Consistently but Gently
Aim for about an inch of water per week.
When you grow cilantro in the fall, rainfall may handle some of that, but check the soil regularly.
Water in the morning so leaves dry before evening, which helps prevent fungal issues.
6. Feed Lightly
Cilantro isn’t a heavy feeder.
If you grow cilantro in the fall, a diluted liquid fertilizer every three weeks is plenty.
Too much nitrogen can cause weak, floppy growth, so go easy.
7. Harvest Often to Keep It Productive
The more you cut, the more cilantro grows.
When you grow cilantro in the fall, snip outer leaves first, leaving the center to keep producing.
If you see flower buds forming, pinch them off immediately to prolong leaf harvest.
Common Challenges When You Grow Cilantro in the Fall
Even though fall is ideal, growing cilantro in the fall has a few hurdles.
1. Early Frost
A sudden frost can kill tender cilantro.
If you grow cilantro in the fall, keep row covers or old sheets handy.
You can also grow cilantro in containers and move them indoors on cold nights.
2. Bolting Still Happens
Warm spells can trigger bolting even in fall.
When you grow cilantro in the fall, choose slow-bolt varieties like ‘Calypso’ or ‘Santo’.
Harvest frequently and shade plants during heat spikes.
3. Pests and Diseases
Aphids and powdery mildew can show up.
If you grow cilantro in the fall, inspect plants weekly and spray aphids off with water.
Improve air circulation to avoid mildew.
So, Can You Grow Cilantro in the Fall?
You can grow cilantro in the fall, and it’s often easier than growing it in spring or summer.
The cooler weather and shorter days help cilantro produce tender leaves for longer without bolting.
Just plant at the right time, choose a good spot, and harvest often.
Whether you grow cilantro in the fall for salsa, soups, or fresh garnishes, you’ll be rewarded with a generous crop.
So go ahead and plant those seeds—you can grow cilantro in the fall with confidence.