Knowing when to plant cilantro in California is the key to a steady, year-round harvest. This guide gives you the optimal planting times for your specific region, so you can enjoy fresh leaves and coriander seeds with ease.
Cilantro is a cool-season herb that thrives in California’s diverse climates. But it has a trick—it bolts quickly in hot weather. Timing your planting right is everything. Let’s break it down by season and region.
When to Plant Cilantro in California – Optimal Planting Times for
California’s size means planting times vary. The general rule is to plant cilantro during the cool parts of the year. For most areas, this means two main planting windows: spring and fall.
Spring Planting Across California
Spring planting aims to harvest cilantro before the summer heat arrives. You need to get seeds in the ground early.
- Coastal & Southern California (Zones 9-11): Plant from late February through April. The mild coastal fog extends your season.
- Northern California & Inland Valleys (Zones 8-9): Sow seeds as soon as the soil is workable, typically from March to early May.
- Mountain & Cold-Winter Areas (Zones 6-7): Wait until after the last frost, usually from April to June.
Fall Planting for a Longer Harvest
Fall is often the best and easiest time to grow cilantro in California. Cooling temperatures and shorter days prevent bolting.
- Coastal & Southern California: Plant from September through November. You can often harvest straight through winter.
- Northern California & Inland Valleys: Aim for August through October. This gives plants time to establish before any hard frost.
- Mountain Areas: Plant in mid to late summer, around July or August, for a fall harvest before frost.
Winter Planting in Mild Regions
In frost-free coastal and southern zones, you can plant cilantro year-round. Winter planting (November to January) is very successful. Growth is slower, but the leaves are tender and bolting is minimal.
Understanding Bolting: The Cilantro Challenge
Bolting is when the plant sends up a flower stalk. Once it bolts, leaf production stops. Heat and long daylight hours trigger it. The secret to beating the bolt is choosing the right time and the right varieties.
Step-by-Step: How to Plant Cilantro Successfully
Follow these simple steps for a great start.
- Choose a Location: Pick a spot that gets full sun to light afternoon shade, especially in hotter areas.
- Prepare the Soil: Cilantro likes well-draining soil. Mix in some compost before planting. The soil pH should be between 6.2 and 6.8.
- Sow Seeds Directly: Cilantro has a taproot and doesn’t transplant well. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spaced about 2 inches apart. You can thin them later.
- Water Gently: Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which takes 7-10 days.
- Thin Seedlings: Once they’re a few inches tall, thin plants to 6-8 inches apart so they have room to grow bushy.
Choosing the Best Cilantro Varieties for California
Some varieties are slower to bolt, a huge advantage in our climate.
- ‘Slo Bolt’ or ‘Long Standing’: Excellent choices for spring and early summer plantings.
- ‘Leisure’: Another reliable, slow-bolting type.
- ‘Caribe’ or ‘Santos’: Good for their flavor and relative heat tolerance.
- Vietnamese Coriander: Not a true cilantro, but offers a similar flavor and thrives in heat.
Cilantro Care Tips for Every Season
Proper care keeps your plants producing longer.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Consistent moisture helps delay bolting. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases.
- Mulching: A layer of mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture and keeps roots cool in warmer weather.
- Fertilizing: If your soil is decent, cilantro doesn’t need much. A light feeding with a balanced fertilizer halfway through the growing season is plenty.
- Succession Planting: This is the golden rule for continuous harvest. Every 2-3 weeks, plant a new small patch of seeds. This way, you always have young plants coming up.
Harvesting Your Cilantro and Coriander
You can harvest both the leaves and the seeds.
- For Leaves (Cilantro): Begin harvesting when stems are 6-8 inches long. Cut outer leaves near the base of the plant, leaving the inner core to continue growing. Never harvest more than one-third of the plant at once.
- For Seeds (Coriander): Let some of your plants bolt and flower. The flowers will fade and form green seeds. Harvest these seed clusters when they turn a light brown color. Cut the stalks and hang them upside down in a paper bag to dry; the seeds will fall off when ready.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Cilantro is fairly trouble-free, but here’s what to watch for.
- Bolting Too Early: This is usually due to heat. Use shade cloth in late spring, choose slow-bolt varieties, and focus on fall planting.
- Yellowing Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check your soil moisture.
- Aphids: These small pests sometimes gather on new growth. A strong spray of water from the hose usually knocks them off.
- Leaf Spot or Mildew: Ensure good air circulation and water at the base of the plant, not on the leaves.
FAQ: Your California Cilantro Questions Answered
Can I grow cilantro in pots in California?
Absolutely. Use a pot at least 12 inches deep to accommodate the taproot. Ensure it has drainage holes. Container plants may need water more frequently, especially on hot days.
Why did my cilantro go to seed so fast?
This is bolting, triggered by temperatures above 75°F and long days. It’s the plant’s natural cycle. Using the timing and varieties discussed above is the best defense.
What is the best month to plant cilantro in Southern California?
For a fall/winter crop, October is ideal. For a spring crop, late February or March works well. The mild winters mean you can often plant from October through March with success.
Can I plant cilantro from cuttings?
No, cilantro is best grown from seed. It does not root reliably from cuttings like some other herbs do. Stems placed in water might sprout some roots, but they rarely develop into strong plants.
How do I get cilantro to grow bushy?
Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth. Pinch or cut the top central stem when the plant is young to promote side shoots. Also, make sure plants aren’t too crowded.
Is it better to plant cilantro in sun or shade?
In cooler coastal areas, full sun is fine. In hotter inland valleys, provide light afternoon shade to help keep the plants cooler and delay bolting.
With the right timing, cilantro is a simple and rewarding herb to grow in your California garden. By aligning your planting with the cool seasons in your region and using succession planting, you can enjoy its fresh, distinctive flavor for many months of the year. Remember, the secret is in the seed – sow a little, and often, for the best results.