Rainline Garden

When to plant cilantro in Baker City, OR

Plant cilantro from seed, directly in the garden in Baker City, Apr 20 – Jun 8. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 28 – Aug 11.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Baker City's typical last spring frost is May 25. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the high desert and mountains, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 20.

High desert and mountains. Central and high eastern Oregon. Frost is possible almost any month. Use row covers, wall-o-water or cloches for warm crops, and choose short-season varieties.

Difficulty
Easy
Sun
Full sun; afternoon shade in summer
Spacing
4 inches apart
Planting depth
¼ inch deep
Frost
Handles light frost
First harvest
About 50 days after planting

Step by step

  1. Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant seeds Apr 20 – Jun 8, ¼ inch deep, 4 inches apart.
  3. Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
  4. Plant again Jul 28 – Aug 11 for a fall harvest.
  5. Harvest: Cut leaves once plants are about 6 inches tall. If it bolts, let it go to seed and harvest the coriander.

Varieties that do well here

  • Calypso (slow to bolt)
  • Santo
  • Leisure

Watch out for

Bolting in warm weather. Look for slow-bolt varieties and sow little and often.

Bolts fast in summer heat. Sow a short row every three weeks in spring, and again in late summer for fall.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Baker City, OR?

Typically May 25. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 16. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Baker City Municipal Airport.

Is it too late to plant cilantro in Baker City?

The spring planting window runs through June 8. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 28 to August 11.

How long until I can harvest cilantro?

About 50 days after planting. Cut leaves once plants are about 6 inches tall. If it bolts, let it go to seed and harvest the coriander.

Also plant in Baker City around the same time

Planting dates for cilantro in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Baker City · Cilantro in every city