How To Grow Cilantro In The Pacific Northwest

You can grow cilantro in the Pacific Northwest with great success if you time your planting right and give it the cool, moist conditions it loves.
 
Cilantro is one of those herbs that thrives in our climate, especially in spring and fall when temperatures stay mild.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to grow cilantro in the Pacific Northwest, you’re in luck because this region is practically tailor-made for it.
 
The key is understanding that cilantro bolts quickly in heat, so you’ll want to work with our seasons rather than against them.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to grow cilantro in the Pacific Northwest, from choosing the right spot to keeping your plants productive all season long.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Growing Cilantro in the Pacific Northwest Works So Well

Growing cilantro in the Pacific Northwest is a natural fit because our climate gives this herb exactly what it craves.
 
Here’s why it works so well here:
 

1. Cool Temperatures Slow Bolting

Cilantro loves temperatures between 50°F and 70°F, which is pretty much our spring and fall weather in a nutshell.
 
When the mercury climbs above 75°F, cilantro sends up a flower stalk and the leaves turn bitter.
 
But in the Pacific Northwest, we get long stretches of cool, mild days that let cilantro grow leafy and tender for weeks.
 
That means you can harvest fresh leaves far longer than gardeners in hotter climates.
 

2. Our Moist Air Keeps Leaves Tender

Cilantro appreciates moderate humidity, and the Pacific Northwest delivers that without the oppressive mugginess of the Southeast.
 
This extra moisture in the air helps the plant stay hydrated and keeps the leaves from turning tough.
 
Just make sure you don’t overwater, because soggy roots are the one thing cilantro won’t forgive.
 

3. Rain Does Half the Watering for You

Our spring and fall rains are gentle and consistent, which means growing cilantro in the Pacific Northwest often requires less hands-on watering.
 
You’ll still need to water during dry spells, but Mother Nature handles a lot of the work.
 

When to Plant Cilantro in the Pacific Northwest

Timing is everything when you’re growing cilantro in the Pacific Northwest, so let’s break it down.
 

1. Start Sowing in Early Spring

You can direct sow cilantro seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked, usually around March or early April in most parts of the Pacific Northwest.
 
Cilantro seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are between 55°F and 68°F, which is right in our wheelhouse.
 

2. Plant Again in Late Summer for a Fall Crop

Once the heat of July and August passes, sow another round of seeds in late August or early September.
 
This fall crop often outperforms the spring one because the weather cools down just as the plants hit their stride.
 

3. Succession Sow Every Two to Three Weeks

Because cilantro bolts fast, the smartest approach is to plant a small patch every couple of weeks.
 
That way, when one batch starts to flower, the next one is ready to take over.
 
This keeps you in fresh cilantro from spring all the way into fall.
 

How to Grow Cilantro in the Pacific Northwest: Step by Step

Now that you know when to plant, here’s how to grow cilantro in the Pacific Northwest from seed to harvest.
 

1. Pick a Spot with Morning Sun and Afternoon Shade

Cilantro doesn’t mind full sun in cool weather, but once things warm up, a little afternoon shade goes a long way.
 
A spot that gets four to six hours of morning sun and shade during the hottest part of the day is ideal.
 

2. Loosen the Soil and Add Compost

Cilantro sends down a taproot, so it wants loose, well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter.
 
Mix in a couple of inches of compost before planting to give those roots room to stretch.
 

3. Sow Seeds Directly and Keep Them Moist

Cilantro doesn’t transplant well because of that taproot, so direct sowing is the way to go.
 
Scatter seeds about a quarter-inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until they sprout in seven to ten days.
 

4. Thin Seedlings to Give Them Space

Once your seedlings are a couple of inches tall, thin them to about six inches apart.
 
This airflow helps prevent disease and gives each plant room to develop.
 

5. Water Deeply but Let the Soil Drain

Aim for about an inch of water per week, whether from rain or your hose.
 
Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot, which is the biggest threat to cilantro in our wet climate.
 

Common Challenges When Growing Cilantro in the Pacific Northwest

Even though our region is great for cilantro, there are a few hurdles to watch for.
 

1. Bolting During Sudden Heat Spikes

We do get occasional heat waves, and cilantro will bolt almost overnight when that happens.
 
Plant in shaded spots and keep the soil cool with mulch to delay flowering.
 

2. Root Rot in Waterlogged Soil

Our rainy springs can leave soil soggy, and cilantro hates wet feet.
 
Raised beds or containers with good drainage solve this problem fast.
 

3. Aphids and Powdery Mildew

Aphids love tender cilantro leaves, and powdery mildew can show up when air circulation is poor.
 
Space your plants well and rinse off pests with a strong spray of water.
 

So, How to Grow Cilantro in the Pacific Northwest?

You can grow cilantro in the Pacific Northwest by planting in cool seasons, choosing a spot with afternoon shade, and keeping the soil moist but well-drained.
 
Our mild temperatures and gentle rains make this region one of the best places to grow cilantro, as long as you succession sow and avoid soggy roots.
 
Follow these tips, and you’ll have more fresh cilantro than you know what to do with.
 
Happy growing.