Cool-season crop
Cilantro Planting Windows for Cool Weather
Plan direct-sown cilantro from spring and fall freeze context, with depth, spacing, fast maturity, succession sowing, and bolting limits.
Reviewed by Garden By ZIP Editorial Review ·
- Spacing
- 2–6 in
- Seed depth
- 0.25–0.5 in
- Typical maturity
- 40–55 days
Quick answer
Direct-sow cilantro about 2 weeks before to 1 week after the last spring freeze reference. For fall, count back about 4–6 weeks from the first fall freeze reference. The planting calendar shows both local ranges.
Planting methods
Direct sowing is preferred because cilantro develops a taproot. Small repeated sowings are more useful than one large planting where heat shortens leaf production.
Spacing, depth, and maturity
Sow 1/4–1/2 inch deep and thin plants 2–6 inches depending on whether leaves or seed are the goal. Leaf harvest commonly begins in 40–55 days.
Worked local-calendar example
With an April 19 last spring freeze reference, the spring range falls in early to late April. With an October 23 first fall freeze reference, sow in September. This example does not remove bolting risk during heat.
Common mistakes
- Transplanting mature seedlings and damaging the taproot.
- Expecting one sowing to supply leaves all season.
- Confusing cilantro leaf timing with coriander seed maturity.
Limitations
Heat, day length, cultivar, moisture, and harvest goal alter the schedule. The frost-relative rule cannot predict bolting by itself.