When to Plant Cilantro in California
In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 26 – Jan 9. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 8 in San Mateo and as late as May 6 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Oct 23 – Nov 6. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
Cool-season, bolts in heat; direct sow 1-3 weeks before last frost, succession sow through spring.
Cilantro Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow | Fall planting |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| San Diego | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| San Jose | Dec 12 – Dec 26 | Oct 30 – Nov 13 |
| San Francisco | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Fresno | Dec 24 – Jan 7 | Oct 19 – Nov 2 |
| Sacramento | Dec 22 – Jan 5 | Oct 21 – Nov 4 |
| Long Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Oakland | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Bakersfield | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Oct 13 – Oct 27 |
| Anaheim | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Riverside | Dec 19 – Jan 2 | Oct 30 – Nov 13 |
| Santa Ana | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Stockton | Jan 15 – Jan 29 | Oct 13 – Oct 27 |
| Chula Vista | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Irvine | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Fremont | Dec 17 – Dec 31 | Oct 27 – Nov 10 |
| San Bernardino | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Oct 24 – Nov 7 |
| Fontana | Dec 20 – Jan 3 | Nov 7 – Nov 21 |
| Modesto | Jan 10 – Jan 24 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
| Oxnard | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Moreno Valley | Jan 6 – Jan 20 | Oct 24 – Nov 7 |
| Huntington Beach | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Glendale | Dec 12 – Dec 26 | Oct 31 – Nov 14 |
| Santa Clarita | Dec 18 – Jan 1 | Nov 6 – Nov 20 |
| Santa Rosa | Feb 4 – Feb 18 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
| Oceanside | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Garden Grove | Frost-free: year-round planting | |
| Rancho Cucamonga | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Nov 4 – Nov 18 |
| Ontario | Dec 14 – Dec 28 | Nov 4 – Nov 18 |
| Elk Grove | Jan 12 – Jan 26 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 530 California cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all California cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant cilantro in California?
In a typical California location, sow outdoors Dec 26 – Jan 9. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Dec 8 in San Mateo and as late as May 6 in Big Bear City. For a fall crop, plant around Oct 23 – Nov 6. 103 cities in California are essentially frost-free and can plant on a year-round schedule.
When is the last frost in California?
The average last spring frost in California ranges from January 1 in Palm Springs to December 31 in Sunland, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do cilantro take to grow?
Cilantro typically take 45–70 days from planting to harvest. Cool-season, bolts in heat; direct sow 1-3 weeks before last frost, succession sow through spring.
Other Crops in California
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant cilantro in other states