Can You Grow Cilantro In The Summer

Yes, you can grow cilantro in the summer, but it takes a bit of strategy because this cool-season herb bolts quickly once the heat kicks in.
 
Cilantro loves temperatures between 50°F and 85°F, so when summer hits hard, your plants will try to flower and set seed faster than you can say “salsa.”
 
If you’ve been asking yourself “can you grow cilantro in the summer,” the short answer is absolutely yes, as long as you’re willing to work with the weather instead of against it.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through why growing cilantro in summer is tricky, the best tricks to keep it leafy and productive, and how to time your plantings so you’re never without fresh leaves.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Growing Cilantro in Summer Is Challenging

 
Growing cilantro in the summer is possible, but you need to understand what you’re up against.
 

1. Cilantro Is a Cool-Season Herb

 
Cilantro is native to regions with mild temperatures, so it naturally thrives in spring and fall.
 
When the mercury climbs above 85°F, the plant shifts into survival mode and stops producing those tender leaves you want.
 

2. Heat Triggers Bolting

 
Bolting is when cilantro sends up a tall stalk and flowers, signaling the end of its leaf-producing days.
 
Once bolting starts, the leaves turn bitter and the plant puts all its energy into seed production.
 
You can still grow cilantro in the summer, but you’ll be racing against this natural process.
 

3. Long Daylight Hours Make It Worse

 
Summer’s long days tell cilantro it’s time to reproduce, so even if temperatures stay moderate, the extended daylight can push it to bolt.
 
That’s why growing cilantro in the summer in southern states is harder than in cooler northern zones.
 

How to Grow Cilantro in the Summer Successfully

 
The good news is that you can grow cilantro in the summer with a few smart adjustments.
 

1. Choose Slow-Bolting Varieties

 
Some cilantro cultivars are bred to resist bolting longer than others.
 
Look for names like “Slow Bolt,” “Calypso,” or “Santo” when you’re buying seeds.
 
These varieties give you more time to harvest before the heat wins.
 

2. Plant in Partial Shade

 
Full sun is fine in spring, but growing cilantro in the summer demands some afternoon shade.
 
A spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade keeps the soil cooler and slows bolting.
 
You can also use a shade cloth to filter out the harshest rays.
 

3. Water Consistently

 
Dry soil stresses cilantro and speeds up bolting, so keep the ground evenly moist.
 
A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.
 
Aim for about an inch of water per week, more if it’s scorching.
 

4. Sow Seeds Successively

 
Instead of planting one big patch, sow small batches every two to three weeks.
 
This way, when one batch bolts, the next one is ready to take over.
 
You can grow cilantro in the summer continuously with this staggered approach.
 

5. Harvest Often and Early

 
Frequent harvesting encourages new growth and delays bolting.
 
Snip outer leaves first, and never let the plant get too tall before you start cutting.
 
If you see flower buds forming, pinch them off immediately to buy more time.
 

6. Grow in Containers

 
Container gardening gives you control over soil, moisture, and placement.
 
You can move pots to cooler spots during heatwaves, making it easier to grow cilantro in the summer.
 
Just make sure your containers have good drainage and aren’t baking in the sun.
 

7. Use a Row Cover for Shade

 
A floating row cover can shield cilantro from intense sun without trapping too much heat.
 
Drape it loosely over your plants and secure the edges, so you’re essentially creating a microclimate that mimics spring.
 

What to Do When Cilantro Bolts Anyway

 
Even with your best efforts, growing cilantro in the summer often means dealing with bolting at some point.
 

1. Let It Flower for the Bees

 
Cilantro flowers are a magnet for pollinators like bees and beneficial wasps.
 
Letting a few plants bloom supports your garden’s ecosystem and adds beauty.
 

2. Harvest the Seeds as Coriander

 
Those little green seeds turn into coriander spice once they dry.
 
You can collect them and use them in cooking, so your cilantro plant still gives you something useful.
 

3. Save Seeds for Next Season

 
Let some seeds mature fully on the plant, then store them in a paper bag.
 
You’ll have free seeds for your next attempt at growing cilantro in the summer or fall.
 

4. Start a New Batch in Partial Shade

 
Just because one plant bolted doesn’t mean you can’t try again.
 
Sow fresh seeds in a shaded spot and keep them watered, and you’ll be back in business within a few weeks.
 

So, Can You Grow Cilantro in the Summer?

 
Yes, you can grow cilantro in the summer, but it requires a bit of finesse to keep it from bolting too soon.
 
By choosing slow-bolt varieties, providing shade, watering consistently, and sowing in succession, you’ll enjoy fresh cilantro leaves all season long.
 
Embrace a few bolted plants for the bees and coriander seeds, and don’t be afraid to start new batches when the heat takes its toll.
 
With these tips, growing cilantro in the summer becomes not just possible but genuinely rewarding.