When to plant cilantro in Bellingham, WA

Plant cilantro from seed, directly in the garden in Bellingham, Mar 1 – Apr 19. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 27 – Sep 10.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Bellingham's typical last spring frost is March 31. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the west-side valleys, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about March 1.

West-side valleys. The Willamette Valley, Puget Sound and southern Oregon valleys. Long frost-free seasons, but soil stays cold and wet into May, so warm crops wait for warm soil, not just the last frost.

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

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Mar 1 – Apr 19, ¼ inch deep, 4 inches apart.
Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
Plant again Aug 27 – Sep 10 for a fall harvest.
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 Bellingham, WA?

Typically March 31. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 18. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Bellingham International Airport.

Is it too late to plant cilantro in Bellingham?

The spring planting window runs through April 19. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 27 to September 10.

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 Bellingham around the same time

Planting dates for cilantro in nearby areas

Portland, OR Mar 1 – Apr 19
Gresham, OR Mar 1 – Apr 19
Wilsonville and Canby, OR Mar 1 – Apr 19
Salem, OR Mar 1 – Apr 19
Eugene, OR Mar 1 – Apr 19
Roseburg, OR Mar 1 – Apr 19

Full planting calendar for Bellingham · Cilantro in every city