When To Plant Cilantro In Northern California

The best time to plant cilantro in Northern California is in early spring or early fall, depending on your microclimate.

 

Cilantro is a cool-season herb, which means it thrives when temperatures are mild and bolts (goes to seed) when the heat kicks in.

 

If you’ve been wondering when to plant cilantro in Northern California, the short answer is: plant it in March through April for a spring harvest, or August through September for a fall crop.

 

In this post, we’ll break down exactly when to plant cilantro in Northern California, how the region’s unique climate affects your planting schedule, and a few tips to keep your cilantro happy and productive.

 

Let’s dig in.

 

When to Plant Cilantro in Northern California

Cilantro loves cool weather, and Northern California gives you two solid windows to work with.

 

Here’s how to think about planting cilantro in Northern California based on the season.

 

1. Early Spring Planting (March to April)

Spring is the classic time to plant cilantro in Northern California.

 

Once the danger of hard frost has passed and soil temperatures hover around 50–55°F, cilantro seeds will germinate readily.

 

In most parts of Northern California, that means you can direct sow cilantro seeds starting in early March in the warmer inland valleys, or late March to April if you’re closer to the coast.

 

The goal is to get your cilantro growing before the real heat arrives, because once daytime temps consistently hit the 80s, your cilantro will bolt fast.

 

2. Early Fall Planting (August to September)

For many gardeners in Northern California, fall is actually the better time to plant cilantro.

 

The summer heat has faded, but the soil is still warm enough for quick germination.

 

Planting cilantro in Northern California in late August through September gives you a long, slow growing season well into November.

 

Fall-planted cilantro tends to be leafier and slower to bolt because the days are getting shorter and cooler rather than longer and hotter.

 

If you live in a foggy coastal area like San Francisco or Half Moon Bay, you can often stretch your cilantro planting window even further.

 

3. Coastal vs. Inland Timing

Northern California isn’t one climate, and that matters when you’re figuring out when to plant cilantro.

 

If you’re near the coast, your summers are mild, so you can plant cilantro almost any time except the coldest winter weeks.

 

Inland areas like Sacramento, Chico, or the Santa Clara Valley get much hotter, so your spring window is shorter and your fall window becomes your best friend.

 

In those hot inland zones, planting cilantro in Northern California in late summer and early fall is the smartest move for a steady harvest.

 

How to Plant Cilantro in Northern California

Knowing when to plant cilantro is half the battle, but how you plant it matters too.

 

Here are a few things that make a big difference in Northern California gardens.

 

1. Sow Seeds Directly

Cilantro doesn’t transplant well because of its taproot.

 

That means you should direct sow your cilantro seeds right where you want them to grow.

 

Scatter seeds about a quarter inch deep and keep the soil moist until they sprout, usually in 7 to 10 days.

 

2. Succession Plant Every 2–3 Weeks

Cilantro bolts quickly, so if you want a continuous supply, plant small batches every two to three weeks during your planting window.

 

This is one of the best tricks for extending your cilantro harvest in Northern California.

 

3. Give It Partial Shade in Warm Spots

If you’re planting cilantro in Northern California in a spot that gets hot afternoon sun, add some shade cloth or plant it near taller crops.

 

A little shade slows bolting and keeps the leaves tender and flavorful.

 

4. Keep the Soil Consistently Moist

Cilantro likes moist, well-draining soil.

 

Dry soil stresses the plant and pushes it to bolt faster, so water regularly, especially during warm spells.

 

Common Cilantro Planting Mistakes to Avoid

Even when you know when to plant cilantro in Northern California, a few easy mistakes can ruin your crop.

 

1. Planting Too Late in Spring

If you wait until May or June, the heat will cause your cilantro to bolt before you get a decent harvest.

 

2. Skipping the Fall Crop

Many gardeners only plant in spring and miss out on the best cilantro-growing season of the year.

 

3. Letting the Soil Dry Out

Inconsistent watering is a fast track to bolting, so stay on top of moisture levels.

 

So, When to Plant Cilantro in Northern California?

The best time to plant cilantro in Northern California is early spring or early fall, with fall being the sweet spot for most gardeners in the region.

 

Whether you’re planting cilantro in Northern California along the coast or inland, timing your crop around the cool seasons will give you the tastiest, most productive harvest.

 

Get your seeds in the ground during those mild windows, keep the soil moist, and you’ll have fresh cilantro on hand for months.