When to plant cilantro in zone 10a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 10A

Growing SeasonZone 10a

Last frost ~Jan 31First frost ~Dec 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

JANFEBMAR

Start indoors Jan 31 · Sow Jan 31 · First harvest Feb 21 · Wrap by Mar 21

Last spring frostJan 31

Start seeds indoorsJan 31

Direct sowJan 31

First harvestFeb 21

Last harvestMar 21

Fall succession sowNov 3

First fall frostDec 15

Why these dates work in zone 10a

Zone 10a's last spring frost averages Jan 31 and first fall frost Dec 15 — about 318 frost-free days. Cilantro tolerates light frost, so you can sow ahead of the last-frost date and keep harvesting into the cooler fall. Starting seeds indoors 0 weeks ahead gives strong transplants ready the moment the soil warms. There's also room for a fall succession sowing around Nov 3 for a second harvest before frost.

Common questions

How long does cilantro take to grow in zone 10a?

Cilantro matures in about 21–28 days from sowing. In zone 10a that means sowing around Jan 31 and first picking around Feb 21.

Will cilantro survive frost in zone 10a?

Yes — cilantro tolerates light frost. In zone 10a you can sow a little before the last frost (around Jan 31) and keep harvesting past the first fall frost (around Dec 15).

Can I plant a second crop of cilantro in zone 10a?

Yes — in zone 10a there's time for a fall sowing around Nov 3 for a second harvest before frost.

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full cilantro growing guide →