Rainline Garden

When to plant cilantro in Yakima, WA

Plant cilantro from seed, directly in the garden in Yakima, Mar 27 – May 15. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 16–30.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Yakima's typical last spring frost is May 8. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop can go in about 6 weeks before that.

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

  1. Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant seeds Mar 27 – May 15, 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 16–30 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 Yakima, WA?

Typically May 8. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 27. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Yakima Air Terminal.

Is it too late to plant cilantro in Yakima?

The spring planting window runs through May 15. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 16 to August 30.

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 Yakima around the same time

Planting dates for cilantro in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Yakima · Cilantro in every city