Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in California

You either love it or your genetics say no. For the cilantro lovers, it's an essential herb that bolts fast in heat.

The Short Answer

California's diverse climates create vastly different cilantro seasons. Coastal gardeners grow it year-round — the fog-cooled conditions prevent bolting. Inland gardeners follow the cool-season calendar. California's massive Hispanic and Asian food communities make cilantro one of the most culturally important herbs in the state.

California Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of California you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern California Mountains 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b May 1 - May 25 Sep 20 - Oct 15
Central Valley 9a, 9b Feb 10 - Mar 1 Nov 15 - Dec 5
Southern California Coast 10a, 10b, 11a Jan 1 - Feb 1 Dec 10 - Jan 1
Bay Area 9b, 10a Jan 20 - Feb 15 Nov 25 - Dec 15

Cilantro Planting Schedule for California

Northern California Mountains (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b)

Average last frost: May 1 - May 25 · Average first frost: Sep 20 - Oct 15

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Central Valley (Zones 9a, 9b)

Average last frost: Feb 10 - Mar 1 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 5

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Southern California Coast (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Jan 1 - Feb 1 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 1

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Bay Area (Zones 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 20 - Feb 15 · Average first frost: Nov 25 - Dec 15

Direct Sow
2 wks before frost
Fall Planting
6 wks before first frost

Growing Cilantro in California

State-Specific Growing Tips

Coastal/Bay Area: grow year-round — cilantro never bolts in San Francisco's cool climate. Central Valley: sow September through March. Inland Southern California: October through March. Mountain: spring and fall. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.

Recommended Varieties for California

Santo for slow bolting. Any variety works on the coast. California seed companies often carry cilantro seed in bulk for heavy planting.

Common Challenges in California

Bolting in inland heat. Aphids. In coastal areas, slugs on seedlings. The crop is remarkably trouble-free in California's cool zones.

Growing Tips

Bolts quickly in heat — succession plant every 3 weeks and grow in partial shade during summer. Let some bolt for coriander seeds.

Companion Planting

Plant cilantro alongside these companions for better growth:

Beans Peas Tomatoes

Keep cilantro away from:

Fennel

The Bottom Line

Cilantro can be grown successfully in California with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — Northern California Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around May 1 - May 25, while Bay Area sees frost end around Jan 20 - Feb 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Cilantro Growing Guide National planting guide with all states California Planting Calendar All plants for California Cilantro in Alabama Alabama planting dates Cilantro in Alaska Alaska planting dates Cilantro in Arizona Arizona planting dates Cilantro in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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