Herb

When to Plant Cilantro in Florida

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

Cilantro is strictly a cool-season herb in Florida — plant from October through February and harvest before spring warmth triggers instant bolting. The good news: Florida's mild cool season produces fast, productive cilantro with excellent flavor.

Florida Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Florida 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 15 - Mar 10 Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida 9a, 9b, 10a Jan 15 - Feb 10 Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida 10a, 10b, 11a Rare Rare

Cilantro Planting Schedule for Florida

North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

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

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

Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)

Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5

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

South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)

Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare

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

Growing Cilantro in Florida

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Florida: sow October through January. Central/South Florida: November through January. The window is narrow but productive. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks. Florida's sandy soils grow cilantro with compost amendment. Partial shade extends the season slightly.

Recommended Varieties for Florida

Santo and Calypso for slow bolting — essential in Florida's brief window. Vietnamese cilantro (Persicaria odorata) is a warm-season alternative for summer cilantro flavor. UF/IFAS provides herb growing guides.

Common Challenges in Florida

Bolting once temperatures exceed 75°F consistently. The window is very short. Aphids. For year-round cilantro flavor, grow Vietnamese cilantro as a warm-season companion crop.

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 Florida with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Florida gardeners work with a last frost around Feb 15 - Mar 10, while South Florida sees frost end around Rare. 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 Florida Planting Calendar All plants for Florida 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

Ready to Start Planting?

Enter your zip code and pick your plant. We'll tell you exactly when to plant, start seeds, and harvest — based on where you live.

Find Your Planting Dates