When to Plant and Harvest Cilantro
Fresh herb with bright, citrusy flavor
Winter survival: Will it survive winter? Not as a perennial. These are cool-season annuals. Finish harvest before hard frost or pot briefly for a short indoor run.
How many to grow for what you cook: Fresh salsa (pico de gallo), Canned tomato salsa. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Non-toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
Best Time and Place to Plant Cilantro
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 10 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Cilantro in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 55F to 75F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | August 1 to August 20 |
| Zone 2 | May 1 to June 10 | August 10 to September 1 |
| Zone 3 | April 20 to June 1 | August 15 to September 15 |
| Zone 4 | April 10 to May 25 | August 20 to September 25 |
| Zone 5 | April 1 to May 20 | August 25 to October 5 |
| Zone 6 | March 20 to May 15 | September 1 to October 15 |
| Zone 7 | March 10 to May 10 | September 10 to October 25 |
| Zone 8 | March 1 to May 1 | September 20 to November 5 |
| Zone 9 | February 15 to April 20 | October 1 to November 20 |
| Zone 10 | February 1 to April 10 | October 15 to December 1 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 12 | Year-round | Year-round |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 6 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 55F to 75F
- Sunlight: 5+ hours
- Watering: Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially in heat
- Days to harvest: 50
Fertilization
- Balanced 10-10-10 synthetic: Light feeding every 4 weeks
- Compost organic: 1 inch worked into soil
Companion Plants
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Beans
Avoid Planting Near
- Fennel
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
Harvest Signs
- Plants are 6 inches tall with full leaves
- Cut outer leaves first, allow center to continue growing
- Harvest before plants bolt in warm weather
- Seeds (coriander) ready when they turn brown
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
FAQs
When should I plant Cilantro?
Cilantro planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 10 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Cilantro?
The best time of year to plant Cilantro is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 55F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 10 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Cilantro?
Plant Cilantro in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 55F to 75F, and enough room for 6 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Cilantro?
Plant Cilantro about 6 inches apart, with rows around 12 inches apart.
What grows well with Cilantro?
Cilantro is commonly paired with Tomatoes, Spinach, Beans.
How long does Cilantro take to grow?
Cilantro is typically ready to harvest in about 50 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Cilantro?
Harvest Cilantro when plants are 6 inches tall with full leaves. Cut outer leaves first, allow center to continue growing Harvest before plants bolt in warm weather