If you’re wondering when to plant cilantro in Oregon, you’ve come to the right place. Oregon’s ideal planting season for this fresh herb is generous, thanks to our cool springs and falls.
Cilantro is a cool-season crop that bolts, or goes to seed, quickly in summer heat. Getting the timing right is the key to a long harvest of flavorful leaves. This guide will walk you through the best dates, methods, and tips for growing cilantro successfully in our state.
When To Plant Cilantro In Oregon – Oregons Ideal Planting Season
Oregon’s climate is perfect for cilantro. The key is to plant it during cool periods. For most of the state, this means two main planting windows: early spring and late summer.
Your goal is to have cilantro maturing when temperatures are between 50°F and 70°F. This keeps it happy and delays bolting.
Spring Planting in Oregon
Spring is your first chance to get cilantro in the ground. You can start seeds directly in your garden bed or container.
- Western Valleys (Portland, Salem, Eugene): Plant from late March through mid-May. You can succession sow every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Central & Eastern Oregon (Bend, Ontario): Wait until the soil is workable, typically from mid-April to late May. Frosts are less a concern for seeds than summer heat here.
- Coastal Regions: You can often start a bit earlier, in mid-March, and continue planting through the summer due to cooler maritime temperatures.
Fall Planting for a Longer Harvest
Fall planting is often even more successful than spring. The cooling temperatures are ideal.
- Western Valleys: Plant from late August through the end of September. This gives plants time to establish before winter.
- Central & Eastern Oregon: Aim for early August through early September. The earlier date helps ensure maturity before hard freezes.
- Overwintering Potential: In mild winter areas (like the Willamette Valley and coast), cilantro planted in September often survives winter under a light mulch. It will bounce back vigorously for an very early spring harvest.
Understanding Your Microclimate
Oregon has many microclimates. Your specific location matters alot.
- Watch Your Thermometer: Soil temperature is a great indicator. Cilantro seeds germinate best in soil temps of 55-70°F.
- Sun Exposure: In spring and fall, choose a full sun location. For summer plantings (attempted in cooler spots), opt for partial afternoon shade to delay bolting.
- Use the Frost Date as a Guide: For spring, plant 2-3 weeks before your last average frost date. For fall, count back 8-10 weeks from your first average frost date.
How to Plant Cilantro Seeds Successfully
Cilantro has a taproot and dosn’t transplant well. Direct sowing is always best.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
- Prepare the Soil: Choose a spot with well-draining soil. Work in some compost. Cilantro likes fertile ground but doesn’t require it.
- Sow the Seeds: Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Space them about 1-2 inches apart in rows, or scatter them in a wide row or container.
- Water Gently: Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which takes 7-14 days.
- Thin Seedlings: Once they’re a few inches tall, thin plants to 4-6 inches apart. You can eat the thinnings!
- Mulch: Apply a light mulch to retain moisture and keep soil cool.
Tips for Preventing Early Bolting
Bolting is when cilantro sends up a flower stalk. The leaves become less flavorful. Here’s how to fight it in Oregon.
- Choose Slow-Bolt Varieties: Varieties like ‘Slow Bolt’, ‘Calypso’, and ‘Leisure’ are bred to handle warmer weather longer.
- Water Consistently: Don’t let the soil dry out completely. Stress from drought triggers bolting.
- Harvest Frequently: Regularly snipping outer leaves encourages the plant to produce more foliage and delays its reproductive cycle.
- Plant in Succession: This is the most important tip. Sow a small patch of seeds every 2-3 weeks during the cool seasons. You’ll always have young plants coming in.
Growing Cilantro in Containers
Containers are a fantastic option for Oregon gardeners. You can move them to follow the sun or shade.
- Use a pot at least 8-12 inches deep to accommodate the taproot.
- Ensure it has excellent drainage holes.
- Use a quality potting mix. Container plants need more frequent watering than in-ground ones.
- You can grow cilantro on a sunny patio or balcony with ease.
From Cilantro to Coriander: Embracing the Entire Plant
When your cilantro bolts, don’t pull it out! The plant’s next phase is a gift.
- The flowers attract beneficial insects like hoverflies and parasitic wasps to your garden.
- Once flowers fade, they form coriander seeds. Let the seed heads turn brown and dry on the plant.
- Cut the stalks, place them in a paper bag, and shake to collect the seeds. You can use them in cooking or save them to plant next season.
Common Pests and Problems in Oregon
Cilantro has few serious pests, but here’s what to watch for.
- Aphids: Blast them off with a strong spray of water from your hose.
- Leafhoppers: These can spread disease. Row covers can provide protection for young plants.
- Powdery Mildew: Improve air circulation by proper thinning and avoid overhead watering in the evening.
- Slugs and Snails: A major Oregon pest. Use beer traps, copper tape, or iron phosphate bait around your cilantro patch.
FAQ: Growing Cilantro in Oregon
Can I plant cilantro in summer in Oregon?
It’s challenging in most areas due to heat. If you try, choose a slow-bolt variety and plant it in partial shade. Success is more likely on the coast or with careful container placement.
How often should I water cilantro?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Aim for consistent moisture, about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Containers may need water every day during hot spells.
Can I start cilantro indoors?
It’s not recommended because of its sensitive taproot. If you do, use deep, biodegradable pots and transplant very carefully to avoid disturbing the root.
What are good companion plants for cilantro in my Oregon garden?
Cilantro grows well with other cool-season crops like lettuce, spinach, and peas. It’s flowers also attract insects that help pollinate vegetables or prey on pests.
My cilantro is always thin and spindly. What am I doing wrong?
This usually means not enough sun or overcrowding. Ensure plants get at least 6 hours of direct sun and are thinned to 4-6 inches apart. Also, soil that is to rich in nitrogen can cause leggy growth.
When is it to late to plant cilantro for fall?
In western Oregon, you can plant up until about mid-October for a late fall harvest, though growth will slow. East of the Cascades, aim to have plants established by early September for best results.
By following these timing guidelines and tips, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown cilantro for much of the year in Oregon. The simple act of getting the seeds in the ground at the right cool moment makes all the difference. Remember, succession planting is your best strategy for a steady supply of this flavorful herb.