When to Plant Cilantro in Zone 10
Coriandrum sativum
Last updated: Apr 29, 2026 · Sources: USDA, NOAA, Cooperative ExtensionAction Plan
Plant Cilantro in Zone 10
- Direct sow: Feb 17 — after last frost (Feb 10)
- First harvest: Apr 13 (45–70 days after planting)
⚠️ Don't plant before last frost (Feb 10) — cold snaps kill young transplants.
Last frost
Feb 10
First frost
Dec 10
Growing season
303 days
Quick Facts
Sunlight
⛅ Partial Sun
Water Needs
💧💧 Moderate
Spacing
8 inches apart
Planting Depth
0.25 inch
Min Soil Temp
50°F
Germination
7–14 days
Days to Maturity
45–70 days
Frost Tolerance
Light frost tolerance
Soil pH
6.2–6.8
Difficulty
Easy
What you'll need — Zone 10
🛒 Cilantro — Seeds & Supplies
- 🌱 Cilantro Seeds (Slow-Bolt Variety)
- 🌱 Herb Garden Window Box
- 🌱 Organic Herb Fertilizer
Search for these at your local garden center or nursery.
Growing Tips
- Sow directly — cilantro bolts quickly after transplanting.
- Succession sow every 3 weeks through spring and fall for continuous harvest.
- Plant in partial shade during warm months to slow bolting.
- Let some plants go to seed (coriander) — the seeds are a spice and will self-sow.
- Harvest by snipping outer stems — don't pull the whole plant.
Common Mistakes
- Transplanting — cilantro hates root disturbance and bolts immediately.
- Planting once and expecting a continuous harvest — sow repeatedly.
- Full sun in summer — will bolt within days in heat.
- Overwatering — cilantro prefers moderate moisture, not wet feet.
Companion Planting
Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.
✓ Good Companions
✗ Avoid Nearby
Fennel
Cilantro Schedule — All Zones
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest Start | Harvest End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | May 22 | Jul 16 | Sep 9 |
| Zone 4 | — | — | May 17 | Jul 11 | Sep 4 |
| Zone 5 | — | — | May 7 | Jul 1 | Aug 25 |
| Zone 6 | — | — | Apr 22 | Jun 16 | Aug 10 |
| Zone 7 | — | — | Apr 12 | Jun 6 | Jul 31 |
| Zone 8 | — | — | Mar 27 | May 21 | Jul 15 |
| Zone 9 | — | — | Mar 7 | May 1 | Jun 25 |
| Zone 10 | — | — | Feb 17 | Apr 13 | Jun 7 |
| Zone 11 | — | — | Jan 22 | Mar 18 | May 12 |
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.