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The best time to grow cilantro from seed is during the cooler months of spring or fall, when temperatures stay between 50°F and 85°F.
If you’ve been wondering when to grow cilantro from seed, the short answer is that cilantro loves mild weather and bolts quickly in the heat.
You can grow cilantro from seed in early spring, late summer, or even indoors year-round with the right setup.
In this post, we’ll look at exactly when to grow cilantro from seed, how to time your planting for a steady harvest, and a few tricks that keep this herb happy and productive.
Let’s dig in.
When to Grow Cilantro From Seed
Cilantro from seed does best when you plant it at the right moment, and that moment depends a lot on your climate.
1. Plant in Early Spring for a First Crop
You can grow cilantro from seed as soon as the soil can be worked in spring.
Ideally, sow your seeds two to three weeks before your last expected frost date.
Cilantro seeds tolerate a bit of chill, and they’ll germinate once the soil warms to around 55°F.
This early start lets you harvest tender leaves before the summer heat kicks in and sends the plant straight to seed.
2. Sow Again in Late Summer for a Fall Harvest
The second best window to grow cilantro from seed opens in late summer.
Once the worst of the summer heat has passed and daytime temps begin to drop, plant another round of seeds.
Aim to sow about six to eight weeks before your first fall frost.
The cooler days of autumn are perfect for cilantro, so the leaves stay sweet and the plant rarely bolts.
3. Skip the Hottest Weeks of Summer
If you try to grow cilantro from seed in midsummer, you’ll likely be disappointed.
Once temperatures climb above 85°F, cilantro bolts, meaning it shoots up a flower stalk and stops producing tasty leaves.
That’s why timing matters so much when you grow cilantro from seed.
You can still plant in summer if you provide shade and keep the soil consistently moist, but the results are often hit or miss.
4. Grow Cilantro From Seed Indoors Any Time
If you’re unsure when to grow cilantro from seed outdoors, consider starting inside instead.
You can grow cilantro from seed indoors all year as long as you give it bright light and cool room temperatures.
A sunny windowsill or a grow light works well, and indoor containers let you control the climate.
Just keep in mind that cilantro has a long taproot, so use a pot that’s at least eight inches deep.
How to Successfully Grow Cilantro From Seed
Once you know when to grow cilantro from seed, a few simple steps make the whole process easier.
1. Prepare the Soil
When you grow cilantro from seed, start with loose, well-draining soil.
Cilantro isn’t picky, but it hates soggy roots.
Mix in some compost before planting so the seedlings get a gentle nutrient boost.
2. Sow Seeds Directly
Cilantro doesn’t transplant well because of its taproot, so you should grow cilantro from seed directly in the garden or its final container.
Plant seeds about a quarter inch deep and space them an inch or two apart.
You can sow a little thicker and thin the seedlings later.
3. Keep the Soil Moist
Germination is the trickiest part when you grow cilantro from seed.
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soaked, and you’ll usually see sprouts in seven to ten days.
Once the seedlings are a couple of inches tall, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
4. Harvest Often
The more you snip, the more leaves your cilantro plant produces.
Start harvesting outer leaves when the plant is about six inches tall.
Frequent cutting also delays bolting, which keeps your cilantro from seed productive for longer.
5. Succession Plant Every Few Weeks
If you want a steady supply, grow cilantro from seed in small batches every two to three weeks during cool weather.
This way, when one patch starts to bolt, the next one is ready to take over.
It’s an easy habit that keeps fresh cilantro on your table all season.
Common Mistakes When You Grow Cilantro From Seed
Even when you nail the timing, a few missteps can trip you up.
1. Planting Too Late in Spring
If you wait until the weather is already warm to grow cilantro from seed, the plants bolt almost immediately.
Get those seeds in the ground early for the best leaf production.
2. Letting the Soil Dry Out
Dry soil stresses cilantro and speeds up bolting.
Water regularly, especially once the weather starts to warm.
3. Overcrowding the Seedlings
When seedlings are packed too tightly, they compete for nutrients and airflow.
Thin them to give each plant room to grow, and you’ll get healthier, tastier leaves when you grow cilantro from seed.
4. Ignoring the Bolting Signal
Once you see flower buds forming, the leaves turn bitter fast.
Pinch off the buds or harvest the whole plant and sow again.
So, When to Grow Cilantro From Seed?
You should grow cilantro from seed in early spring or late summer, when the weather is mild and the plant can thrive without bolting.
If you avoid the summer heat and keep the soil moist, you can grow cilantro from seed almost anywhere.
And with a little succession planting, you’ll enjoy fresh cilantro for months.
So grab your seeds and start planting at the right time, and your cilantro will reward you with armloads of fragrant leaves.