When to plant cilantro in Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland), WA

Plant cilantro from seed, directly in the garden in Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland), Mar 20 – May 8. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 23 – Sep 6.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland)'s typical last spring frost is April 27. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about March 20.

Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys. Hot, dry summers and quick spring warm-up. Warm crops go in earlier than west of the Cascades, and irrigation matters more than rain.

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 20 – May 8, 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 23 – Sep 6 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 Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland), WA?

Typically April 27. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 10. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Pasco Tri-Cities Airport.

Is it too late to plant cilantro in Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland)?

The spring planting window runs through May 8. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 23 to September 6.

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 Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland) around the same time

Planting dates for cilantro in nearby areas

Pendleton, OR Mar 20 – May 8
The Dalles, OR Mar 20 – May 8
Yakima, WA Mar 27 – May 15
Wenatchee, WA Mar 20 – May 8
Walla Walla, WA Mar 20 – May 8
Moses Lake, WA Mar 20 – May 8

Full planting calendar for Tri-Cities (Pasco, Kennewick, Richland) · Cilantro in every city