When to plant cilantro in Long Beach and Ilwaco, WA

Plant cilantro from seed, directly in the garden in Long Beach and Ilwaco, Mar 25 – May 13. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 27 – Sep 10.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Long Beach and Ilwaco's typical last spring frost is April 6. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. On the coast, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about March 25.

Coast. Mild winters but cool, foggy summers. Frost is rarely the problem; warmth is. Pick early, cool-tolerant varieties of tomatoes and squash.

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 25 – May 13, 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 Long Beach and Ilwaco, WA?

Typically April 6. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 28. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Long Beach.

Is it too late to plant cilantro in Long Beach and Ilwaco?

The spring planting window runs through May 13. 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 Long Beach and Ilwaco around the same time

Planting dates for cilantro in nearby areas

Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA Mar 25 – May 13
Forks, WA Mar 25 – May 13
Port Angeles, WA Mar 1 – Apr 19
Sequim, WA Mar 10 – Apr 28
Port Townsend, WA Mar 1 – Apr 19
Astoria, OR Mar 25 – May 13

Full planting calendar for Long Beach and Ilwaco · Cilantro in every city