Rainline Garden

When to plant cilantro in Olympia, WA

Plant cilantro from seed, directly in the garden in Olympia, Mar 18 – May 6. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 26 – Sep 9.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Olympia's typical last spring frost is April 29. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 6 weeks before that.

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

  1. Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant seeds Mar 18 – May 6, 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 26 – Sep 9 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 Olympia, WA?

Typically April 29. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 15. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Olympia Airport.

Is it too late to plant cilantro in Olympia?

The spring planting window runs through May 6. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 26 to September 9.

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 Olympia around the same time

Planting dates for cilantro in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Olympia · Cilantro in every city