When To Plant Cilantro Seeds Outdoors

The best time to plant cilantro seeds outdoors is in early spring or early fall, depending on your climate.
 
Cilantro is a cool-season herb, so it grows best when the weather is mild and the soil is workable.
 
If you plant cilantro seeds outdoors at the right time, you’ll get a steady supply of fresh leaves for weeks.
 
But if you plant too late, the heat will make your cilantro bolt and go to seed quickly.
 
So when exactly should you plant cilantro seeds outdoors?
 
Let’s break it down so you can time your planting just right and enjoy a healthy harvest.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best time to plant cilantro seeds outdoors, how to do it, and a few tips to keep your cilantro producing longer.
 

When to Plant Cilantro Seeds Outdoors

The short answer is that you should plant cilantro seeds outdoors when soil temperatures are between 55°F and 70°F.
 
That usually means early spring and again in early fall for most gardeners.
 
Here’s a closer look at the timing so you can plant cilantro seeds outdoors with confidence.
 

1. Plant Cilantro Seeds Outdoors in Early Spring

Spring is the classic time to plant cilantro seeds outdoors.
 
As soon as the soil can be worked and the danger of a hard freeze has passed, you can direct sow your seeds.
 
Cilantro actually tolerates a light frost, so you don’t need to wait for perfectly warm weather.
 
In fact, planting cilantro seeds outdoors a few weeks before your last frost date often works well.
 
The cooler temperatures help the seeds germinate evenly, and the plants stay happy before the summer heat arrives.
 
If you live in a region with mild winters, you can even plant cilantro seeds outdoors in late winter.
 

2. Plant Cilantro Seeds Outdoors Again in Early Fall

For many gardeners, fall is actually the best time to plant cilantro seeds outdoors.
 
As summer heat fades and temperatures drop back into the 60s and 70s, cilantro gets a second wind.
 
Planting cilantro seeds outdoors in late summer or early fall gives you a fresh crop that lasts well into autumn.
 
In warmer climates like USDA zones 8 and above, fall planting is often better than spring planting.
 
That’s because the cooler fall weather keeps cilantro from bolting too soon, so you get more leaves.
 

3. Avoid Planting Cilantro Seeds Outdoors in Peak Summer

If you plant cilantro seeds outdoors in the middle of summer, you’ll likely be disappointed.
 
Cilantro is a cool-season herb and it bolts fast when temperatures climb above 80°F.
 
When cilantro bolts, it stops producing leaves and sends up a tall flower stalk.
 
The leaves also turn bitter, which isn’t what you want for your salsa or garnishes.
 
So if you want to plant cilantro seeds outdoors during summer, try a slow-bolt variety and give the plants some afternoon shade.
 

4. Check Your Local Frost Dates Before Planting Cilantro Seeds Outdoors

Your local frost dates are your best guide for when to plant cilantro seeds outdoors.
 
In most areas, you can plant cilantro seeds outdoors about two to three weeks before your last spring frost.
 
For a fall crop, plant cilantro seeds outdoors about eight to ten weeks before your first fall frost.
 
This gives the plants enough time to grow before cold weather slows them down.
 
A quick check with your local extension office or a frost date chart will tell you exactly when to plant cilantro seeds outdoors in your area.
 

How to Plant Cilantro Seeds Outdoors

Once you know when to plant cilantro seeds outdoors, the planting itself is pretty simple.
 
Here are the basics so your seeds get off to a strong start.
 

1. Prepare the Soil

Cilantro likes loose, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
 
Before you plant cilantro seeds outdoors, work some compost into the top few inches of soil.
 
This improves drainage and gives the seedlings nutrients to grow.
 
Cilantro also prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, around 6.2 to 6.8.
 

2. Sow the Seeds Directly

Cilantro doesn’t transplant well, so it’s best to plant cilantro seeds outdoors directly in the garden.
 
Sow the seeds about a quarter inch deep and space them roughly six to eight inches apart.
 
You can also scatter the seeds and lightly cover them with soil.
 
Keep in mind that cilantro seeds are actually whole coriander seeds, so you can gently crush them first to speed up germination.
 

3. Keep the Soil Moist

After you plant cilantro seeds outdoors, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
 
Germination usually takes about seven to ten days.
 
Water gently so you don’t wash the seeds away.
 
Once the seedlings are a couple inches tall, you can thin them so they have room to spread.
 

4. Succession Plant Every Few Weeks

One of the best tricks for a longer harvest is to plant cilantro seeds outdoors every two to three weeks.
 
This way, when one batch starts to bolt, the next one is ready to take over.
 
Succession planting keeps you in fresh cilantro all season long.
 
It’s especially helpful if you love cilantro and use it often in the kitchen.
 

So, When to Plant Cilantro Seeds Outdoors?

The best time to plant cilantro seeds outdoors is in early spring or early fall when the weather is cool and mild.
 
Planting cilantro seeds outdoors in peak summer heat usually leads to bolting and bitter leaves.
 
So stick with cool-season timing, keep the soil moist, and succession plant for a steady harvest.
 
With a little planning, you’ll know exactly when to plant cilantro seeds outdoors and enjoy fresh cilantro for months.