How To Plant Cilantro Outside

You can plant cilantro outside pretty much any time after the last frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 50°F.
 
Cilantro is a cool-weather herb, so it actually prefers milder temperatures over the blazing heat of midsummer.
 
If you want to plant cilantro outside successfully, the key is timing it right so it doesn’t bolt too quickly.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to plant cilantro outside step by step, from picking the right spot to keeping it productive for as long as possible.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Plant Cilantro Outside

Learning how to plant cilantro outside is easier than you might think, and it comes down to a few important basics.
 

1. Pick the Right Time of Year

The best time to plant cilantro outside is in early spring or early fall.
 
Cilantro loves cool weather and starts to struggle once temperatures climb above 75°F.
 
If you live in a hot climate, planting cilantro outside in the fall gives it the best chance to thrive.
 
In milder regions, you can plant cilantro outside in spring and again in late summer for a second harvest.
 

2. Choose a Spot With Partial Sun

When you plant cilantro outside, aim for a location that gets about 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day.
 
Full sun in cool weather is fine, but in warmer zones, a little afternoon shade helps slow down bolting.
 
If you plant cilantro outside in a spot that’s too hot, it’ll shoot up a flower stalk before you get a good harvest.
 

3. Prepare Loose, Well-Draining Soil

Cilantro grows best in loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8.
 
Before you plant cilantro outside, mix in some compost to give the soil good texture and nutrients.
 
If your soil is heavy clay, consider planting cilantro outside in a raised bed or container instead.
 
Good drainage matters because cilantro doesn’t like soggy roots.
 

4. Sow the Seeds Directly

Cilantro doesn’t transplant well, so it’s best to plant cilantro outside by sowing seeds directly into the garden.
 
Plant the seeds about a quarter inch deep and space them 6 to 8 inches apart.
 
When you plant cilantro outside, keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 7 to 10 days.
 
You can also plant cilantro outside in succession every 2 to 3 weeks for a steady supply.
 

How to Plant Cilantro Outside So It Thrives

Once your cilantro is in the ground, a little care goes a long way toward keeping it healthy and tasty.
 

1. Water Consistently

After you plant cilantro outside, water it regularly so the soil stays moist but never waterlogged.
 
About an inch of water per week is usually enough, especially in cooler weather.
 

2. Mulch to Keep Roots Cool

Adding a layer of mulch around your cilantro helps keep the soil temperature down.
 
This is especially helpful when you plant cilantro outside in a warmer climate.
 

3. Fertilize Lightly

Cilantro doesn’t need heavy feeding.
 
A light dose of balanced fertilizer once or twice during the season is plenty when you plant cilantro outside.
 
Too much nitrogen can actually make the plant bolt faster.
 

4. Harvest Often to Delay Bolting

The more you snip, the longer your cilantro stays leafy.
 
When you plant cilantro outside, start harvesting the outer leaves once the plant is about 6 inches tall.
 
Regular picking signals the plant to keep producing foliage instead of flowers.
 

5. Watch for Pests and Disease

Aphids and powdery mildew are the most common problems when you plant cilantro outside.
 
Good air circulation and consistent watering help prevent both.
 

Common Mistakes When You Plant Cilantro Outside

Even seasoned gardeners run into trouble when they plant cilantro outside.
 
Here are a few things to avoid.
 

1. Planting in Peak Summer Heat

If you plant cilantro outside in the middle of summer, it will likely bolt within days.
 

2. Letting the Soil Dry Out

Dry soil stresses cilantro fast, so keep an eye on moisture when you plant cilantro outside.
 

3. Overcrowding the Seeds

Planting too close together limits airflow and invites disease.
 
Thin your seedlings so each plant has room to breathe after you plant cilantro outside.
 

So, How Do You Plant Cilantro Outside?

You plant cilantro outside by sowing seeds directly into well-draining soil in a spot with partial sun, ideally in early spring or fall.
 
Keep the soil moist, mulch around the base, and harvest often to keep the plant productive.
 
Now that you know how to plant cilantro outside, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown flavor all season long.