How To Grow Cilantro In Northern California

You can grow cilantro in Northern California just about year-round if you work with the seasons instead of against them.

 

That’s one of the best things about gardening here, since our mild climate gives you a huge head start compared to colder parts of the country.

 

If you’ve been wondering how to grow cilantro in Northern California without it bolting on you overnight, you’re in the right place.

 

We’ll cover the best planting window, the right spot in your garden, and a few simple tricks to keep your cilantro producing fresh leaves for months.

 

Let’s dig in.

 

How to Grow Cilantro in Northern California

Learning how to grow cilantro in Northern California really comes down to timing, because this herb loves cool weather and hates the heat.

 

Here in NorCal, that actually works in your favor for most of the year.

 

1. Plant in the Right Season

The best time to grow cilantro in Northern California is spring and fall, with fall being the clear winner.

 

Plant seeds from late February through April for a spring crop, then again from late August through October for a fall and winter harvest.

 

In mild areas near the coast, you can honestly grow cilantro almost all year long.

 

Inland spots like Sacramento or Santa Rosa get hotter, so a fall planting will reward you with the longest harvest window.

 

2. Give It the Right Light

Cilantro grows best in full sun during cool months but appreciates partial shade once the weather warms up.

 

If you’re growing cilantro in Northern California during spring, aim for about six hours of sun.

 

Once May rolls around, afternoon shade keeps the plant from bolting too fast.

 

A spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade is pretty much perfect.

 

3. Use Well-Draining Soil

Cilantro doesn’t like soggy roots, so loose, well-draining soil is a must.

 

Mix in compost before planting to give your cilantro the nutrients it needs to grow steadily.

 

Aim for soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8, which is right where most NorCal garden soil naturally falls.

 

If you’re growing in containers, use a quality potting mix instead of heavy garden soil.

 

Best Way to Plant Cilantro in Northern California

Getting cilantro to grow in Northern California starts with how you plant it, since this herb hates being transplanted.

 

1. Direct Sow the Seeds

Always direct sow cilantro seeds right where you want them to grow.

 

Transplanting stresses the taproot, and a stressed cilantro plant bolts almost immediately.

 

Sow seeds about a quarter inch deep and space them six to eight inches apart.

 

 

2. Sow Every Few Weeks

Since cilantro has a short life span, succession planting is your best friend.

 

Sow a small batch every two to three weeks so you always have fresh leaves coming.

 

This is the secret to how to grow cilantro in Northern California without running out mid-season.

 

3. Keep the Soil Moist

Water regularly so the soil stays evenly moist but never waterlogged.

 

A light daily watering works well in cool weather, and a deeper soak every few days works better once it warms up.

 

Mulch around the base to hold in moisture and keep the roots cool.

 

How to Keep Cilantro From Bolting in Northern California

Bolting is the biggest complaint for anyone growing cilantro in Northern California, but a few tricks keep it in check.

 

1. Harvest Often

Snip the outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth and delay flowering.

 

The more you harvest, the longer your cilantro stays in the leafy stage.

 

2. Pinch Off Flower Stalks

If you see a flower stalk forming, pinch it off right away.

 

This buys you a few more weeks of fresh cilantro leaves before the plant gives up.

 

3. Shade and Water During Heat Waves

When temps climb above 85°F, shade cloth and consistent watering slow bolting down.

 

Even then, don’t fight it too hard because you can always let it flower and collect the coriander seeds.

 

So, Can You Grow Cilantro in Northern California?

You can grow cilantro in Northern California, and honestly, our climate makes it one of the easiest herbs to keep going here.

 

The key is planting in the right season, keeping the soil moist, and harvesting often so the plant stays leafy instead of bolting.

 

Whether you’re growing cilantro in a backyard bed, a raised planter, or a simple pot on the patio, a little timing is all it takes.

 

Plant a batch this fall, and you’ll have fresh cilantro on hand for salsa, tacos, and everything in between.