How To Plant Cilantro Outdoors

To plant cilantro outdoors, you need a spot that gets full sun to partial shade and soil that drains well.
 
The good news is that planting cilantro outdoors is one of the easiest gardening projects you can take on, even if you’re a total beginner.
 
Cilantro grows fast, smells amazing, and gives you fresh leaves in just a few weeks.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to plant cilantro outdoors step by step, including timing, soil prep, sowing, and care.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Plant Cilantro Outdoors: The Basics

When you plant cilantro outdoors, you’re giving this cool-weather herb exactly what it wants.
 
Cilantro loves mild temperatures between 50°F and 85°F, which is why spring and fall are its favorite seasons.
 
If you plant cilantro outdoors in the heat of summer, it’ll bolt quickly and turn bitter.
 
So timing really matters when you plant cilantro outdoors.
 
Here’s what you need to know before you start.
 

1. Pick the Right Time to Plant Cilantro Outdoors

The best time to plant cilantro outdoors is early spring, right after the last frost.
 
You can also plant cilantro outdoors again in late summer for a fall harvest.
 
If you live in a warm climate, planting cilantro outdoors in partial shade during cooler months works best.
 

2. Choose a Sunny Spot With Good Drainage

Cilantro needs at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily.
 
But when planting cilantro outdoors in hotter regions, a little afternoon shade helps it last longer.
 
The soil should drain well because cilantro hates soggy roots.
 

3. Prepare the Soil Before You Plant Cilantro Outdoors

Loosen the soil about 6 to 8 inches deep before you plant cilantro outdoors.
 
Mix in compost to give the herb nutrients and improve drainage.
 
Aim for a soil pH between 6.2 and 6.8 when you plant cilantro outdoors.
 

How to Plant Cilantro Outdoors Step by Step

Now that the prep work is done, here’s how to actually plant cilantro outdoors.
 

1. Sow Seeds Directly

Cilantro doesn’t transplant well, so planting cilantro outdoors from seed is the way to go.
 
Sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and 6 to 8 inches apart.
 
When you plant cilantro outdoors, scatter a few seeds every couple of weeks for a steady supply.
 

2. Water Gently After You Plant Cilantro Outdoors

Give the soil a gentle soak right after you plant cilantro outdoors.
 
Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged.
 
Seeds usually sprout within 7 to 10 days when you plant cilantro outdoors in warm soil.
 

3. Thin the Seedlings

Once your seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them to 6 to 8 inches apart.
 
This gives each plant room to grow after you plant cilantro outdoors.
 
You can eat the thinned seedlings, so nothing goes to waste.
 

Caring for Cilantro After You Plant It Outdoors

Planting cilantro outdoors is only half the job; the other half is keeping it happy.
 

1. Water Consistently

Cilantro needs about an inch of water per week.
 
Water in the morning so leaves dry before evening.
 

2. Fertilize Lightly

Too much fertilizer makes cilantro bolt fast.
 
A light compost tea every few weeks is plenty after you plant cilantro outdoors.
 

3. Harvest Often

Snip outer leaves once the plant is 6 inches tall.
 
Regular harvesting keeps cilantro from bolting too soon.
 

4. Watch for Pests

Aphids and whiteflies love cilantro.
 
A strong spray of water usually knocks them off.
 

So, How Do You Plant Cilantro Outdoors?

You plant cilantro outdoors by sowing seeds in well-drained soil during cool weather, watering gently, and harvesting often.
 
Planting cilantro outdoors is simple, fast, and rewarding.
 
Just remember to time it right, keep the soil moist, and pick leaves regularly.
 
Before you know it, you’ll have more fresh cilantro than you know what to do with.