When To Plant Cilantro In Florida

Getting your cilantro planting time right in Florida is the key to a succesful harvest. This guide will cover the optimal timing for planting cilantro in Florida, so you can enjoy fresh leaves and coriander seeds from your garden.

Florida’s unique climate, with its long summers and mild winters, creates a special challenge for cilantro. This cool-season herb bolts quickly in heat. But with the right schedule, you can grow it almost year-round. Let’s break down the best planting windows for your region.

The short answer is you have two main planting seasons: fall and spring. The ideal time is when temperatures are consistently between 50°F and 80°F. Cilantro thrives in cooler conditions and will bolt (flower and set seed) once the weather gets hot.

Fall Planting (The Primary Season)

This is your best and easiest chance for a lush cilantro crop. The cooling temperatures of fall are perfect for slow, steady growth.

North Florida: Plant from late September through November.
Central Florida: Aim for October through early December.
South Florida: You can start as early as October and continue through January.

Fall-planted cilantro often survives the mild winter and provides harvests into early spring before bolting.

Spring Planting (The Tricky Season)

Spring planting is possible but requires perfect timing to beat the heat. You need to get seeds in the ground as soon as the winter chill passes.

North Florida: Plant in February or very early March.
Central Florida: January through February is your window.
South Florida: For spring harvest, you must plant in November or December. A January planting is often to late.

Be prepared for a shorter harvest period in spring before the plant inevitably bolts.

Summer Planting (Generally Not Recommended)

Planting cilantro in the Florida summer heat is usally a recipe for disappointment. The plant will bolt within weeks, if it germinates at all. If you must try, use heat-tolerant varieties and plant in deep, afternoon shade.

Understanding Bolting

Bolting is when the plant rapidly produces a flower stalk. Once this happens, leaf production slows and the flavor changes. It’s triggered by long daylight hours and temperatures above 75°F. You cannot stop it, but planting at the right time delays it.

Choosing the Right Variety

Some cilantro varieties are slower to bolt, giving you a longer harvest window. Consider these for Florida gardens:

‘Slo Bolt’ or ‘Long Standing’: Classic choices bred for delayed flowering.
‘Caribe’ or ‘Santo’: Reliable, standard varieties that perform well in our climate.
‘Delfino’: Has a different, fern-like leaf structure but excellent flavor.

Always check the seed packet for “bolt-resistant” or “heat-tolerant” labels.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps for a succesful start.

1. Site Selection & Soil Prep

Cilantro needs well-draining soil. Florida’s sandy soil is good but needs improvement.

Choose a spot that gets full sun in cooler months (6+ hours). In spring, a location with afternoon shade can help.
Work 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure into the top 6-8 inches of soil. This improves moisture retention and fertility.
Ensure the planting bed drains well; raised beds are an excellent option in Florida.

2. How to Sow Seeds

Cilantro has a taproot and transplants poorly. Direct sowing is best.

Loosen the soil and rake it smooth.
Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart.
Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days.

For a continuous harvest, sow a new batch of seeds every 2-3 weeks during your planting season. This is called succession planting.

3. Watering and Care

Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during germination and in Florida’s dry spells.

Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
Use a light layer of mulch (like pine straw) to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases.

4. Fertilizing

Florida’s soil often lacks nutrients. Feed your cilantro for best growth.

At planting, mix a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer into the soil.
You can side-dress with compost or a liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Don’t over-fertilize with nitrogen, as this can sometimes reduce flavor intensity.

Harvesting Your Cilantro

You can start harvesting leaves once the plant is about 6 inches tall.

Harvest outer leaves first, leaving the inner growth to continue.
Cut leaves with clean scissors about an inch above the soil line.
For coriander seeds, let the plant flower. The seeds will form in green clusters. Harvest them when they turn a light brown color and cut the entire seed head. Dry them completly before storing.

Common Problems in Florida

Watch out for these typical issues:

Bolting: This is your main foe. Accept it as part of the cycle and plant at the coolest times.
Aphids: These small pests cluster on new growth. Blast them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
Leaf Spot/Fungal Issues: Florida’s humidity can cause leaf diseases. Ensure good air circulation, water at the base, and remove affected leaves.

FAQ: Planting Cilantro in Florida

Can I grow cilantro in a pot in Florida?

Absolutely. Container gardening is a great option. Use a pot at least 8-10 inches deep with drainage holes. Place it in a spot with appropriate sun for the season and water more frequently, as pots dry out faster.

What if my cilantro flowers too quickly?

This means it’s bolting. You can pinch off the flower buds to delay it for a short while, but the plant is signaling the end of its leaf cycle. Let it go to seed for coriander, or pull it and replant new seeds if you’re still in the planting window.

Can I plant cilantro in the winter in Florida?

Yes! In most of Florida, cilantro grows wonderfully through the mild winter. In North Florida, protect it from a hard freeze with a frost cloth. Winter is often the most productive season for this herb.

How much sun does cilantro need?

During fall and winter, full sun (6+ hours) is ideal. In the spring, especially in Central and South Florida, a location with morning sun and afternoon shade can help keep it cooler and delay bolting a bit longer.

Timing is everything with cilantro in Florida. By focusing on the fall and early spring windows, you can enjoy a steady supply of this fresh herb. Remember to succession plant for non-stop harvests, and don’t fight the bolt—embrace it for a bonus crop of coriander seeds. With this schedule, you’ll have the answer to when to plant cilantro in Florida for every season.