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Learning how and when to plant cilantro comes down to two simple things: timing and technique.
Cilantro grows fast, bolts quickly in heat, and thrives in cool weather, so planting it at the right moment makes all the difference.
If you’ve ever watched your cilantro turn into a tall, leafy stalk with tiny flowers before you got a single harvest, you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll walk through when to plant cilantro, how to plant cilantro step by step, and a few tricks to keep it productive for as long as possible.
Let’s dig in.
When to Plant Cilantro
When to plant cilantro depends mostly on your climate, but the short answer is this: plant it in cool weather.
Cilantro loves temperatures between 50°F and 70°F, which is why spring and fall are the two best windows for planting it.
1. Plant Cilantro in Early Spring
The best time to plant cilantro in most regions is two to three weeks before your last expected frost date.
Cilantro seeds germinate well in cool soil, and the plants grow quickly once they sprout.
If you plant cilantro too late in spring, the rising heat will push it straight into bolting.
2. Plant Cilantro Again in Late Summer
For a second harvest, plant cilantro again in late summer, about six to eight weeks before your first fall frost.
The cooler fall temperatures slow bolting, so your cilantro stays leafy and tender much longer.
This second planting is often the most rewarding one for gardeners in hot climates.
3. Plant Cilantro in Mild Winters
If you live in a warm region like USDA zones 8 through 11, you can plant cilantro in fall or even winter.
Cilantro handles light frost well, so mild winters won’t kill it.
In these areas, winter is actually the ideal season to plant cilantro because the heat never shows up to ruin it.
How to Plant Cilantro
Knowing how to plant cilantro is just as important as knowing when to plant it.
Here’s how to plant cilantro so it germinates evenly and grows strong.
1. Prepare the Seeds First
Cilantro seeds are actually small round fruits that contain two seeds inside.
To plant cilantro faster, gently crush each seed pod with the back of a spoon to split it open.
This simple step speeds up germination and gives you more plants from the same packet.
2. Choose the Right Spot and Soil
Cilantro grows best in full sun to partial shade, with afternoon shade in warmer months.
The soil should drain well and be rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8.
If you plant cilantro in containers, use a pot at least 12 inches deep so the taproot has room.
3. Sow the Seeds Shallowly
When you plant cilantro, sow the seeds about a quarter inch deep and two inches apart.
Cover them lightly with soil and water gently so the seeds don’t wash away.
Keep the soil consistently moist, and you’ll see seedlings emerge in seven to ten days.
4. Thin the Seedlings
Once your cilantro seedlings reach about two inches tall, thin them to six to eight inches apart.
This gives each plant enough room to spread and keeps airflow moving between them.
If you planted cilantro in a pot, snip the extra seedlings with scissors instead of pulling them.
5. Water and Feed Gently
Cilantro needs about an inch of water per week, and it prefers steady moisture over soaking.
Feed your cilantro lightly every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Too much nitrogen makes cilantro grow leaves fast but weakens the flavor, so go easy.
How to Keep Cilantro From Bolting
Cilantro bolts when temperatures climb above 75°F, sending up a flower stalk and turning leaves bitter.
You can’t stop bolting forever, but you can delay it with a few smart habits.
1. Use Shade Cloth
Draping shade cloth over your cilantro during hot afternoons keeps the plant cooler.
This small change can buy you several extra weeks of harvest.
2. Harvest Often
Regular picking encourages cilantro to keep producing fresh leaves instead of flowering.
Snip the outer stems first, and always leave the center of the plant intact.
3. Succession Plant Every Few Weeks
The easiest way to enjoy cilantro all season is to plant cilantro every two to three weeks.
That way, when one batch bolts, the next one is ready to take its place.
So, How and When to Plant Cilantro?
To plant cilantro, sow the seeds in cool weather, keep the soil moist, and give the plants partial shade as temperatures rise.
Plant cilantro in early spring or late summer, and in mild climates, plant cilantro in fall or winter for the best results.
Follow these steps, and you’ll enjoy fresh, flavorful cilantro from your own garden without the frustration of bolting.