Rainline Garden

When to plant cilantro in Ellensburg, WA

Plant cilantro from seed, directly in the garden in Ellensburg, Apr 1 – May 20. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 19 – Sep 2.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Ellensburg's typical last spring frost is April 28. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Inland Northwest, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 1.

Inland Northwest. Higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.

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 1 – May 20, 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 Aug 19 – Sep 2 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 Ellensburg, WA?

Typically April 28. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 12. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Ellensburg Bowers Field.

Is it too late to plant cilantro in Ellensburg?

The spring planting window runs through May 20. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 19 to September 2.

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 Ellensburg around the same time

Planting dates for cilantro in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Ellensburg · Cilantro in every city