Cilantro is the fresh, citrusy herb for salsas, curries, Thai dishes and tacos — and it is also one of the quickest herbs to grow, ready in 45–60 days. The trick in Zone 8 is that cilantro loves cool weather and bolts to seed in summer heat, so the calendar matters: sow in the cool of spring and again in autumn, and treat summer as the off-season. This guide covers when to plant cilantro in Zone 8 and how to keep a steady supply.
Zone 8 at a glance
Zone 8 covers parts of the southern United States, the Pacific Northwest coast and parts of California, where average winter lows run 10 to 20°F. The average last spring frost falls Mar 1–15 and the average first autumn frost Nov 15–Dec 1. Those are USDA zone averages drawn from NOAA frost records, not exact dates for any one garden — frost dates vary by microclimate, elevation and year, so always check your local extension service and the forecast before planting. Use the frost date calculator for your own averages, and browse the planting calendar hub for the full Zone 8 year.
When to plant cilantro in Zone 8
| Step | Timing in Zone 8 |
|---|---|
| Spring sowing | February to March, direct sown |
| Succession sowings | Every 2 to 3 weeks through spring |
| Summer | Not suitable — bolts in heat |
| Autumn sowing | September to November, for autumn and winter leaves |
| Harvest | 45–60 days after sowing, picking outer leaves |
Cilantro is hardy and prefers cool weather, so it is a spring and autumn crop in Zone 8, not a summer one. Sow in February to March, as in the Zone 8 March guide, and again from September to November; plants sown in May will bolt within weeks. The autumn sowing often gives the longest, mildest harvest. Use the seed starting calculator to work out dates for your own garden.
How to start cilantro
Direct sow where it is to grow — cilantro dislikes transplanting. Sow seed thinly in drills, cover lightly, and keep the seedbed moist until germination in 7–14 days. Sow little and often, every 2 to 3 weeks through spring, so a bolting patch is always followed by a fresh one. Thin seedlings to 6–8 inches apart. In Zone 8's warm springs, give cilantro a spot with afternoon shade to slow bolting.
Soil, spacing and sun
Cilantro likes part shade in Zone 8 — morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal — and rich, moisture-holding soil. Fork in compost and aim for a soil pH of 6.0–7.0. Space plants 6–8 inches apart. It grows well in containers, which can be moved into shade as the weather warms, extending the season by weeks.
| Fact | Range |
|---|---|
| Sun | part shade |
| Days to germination | 7–14 |
| Days to maturity | 45–60 |
| Spacing | 6–8 in |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Sowing method | direct sow |
| Cold tolerance | hardy |
All figures are broad published ranges from standard horticultural references, and they vary by variety, soil and weather. Check your local extension service for advice on your own garden.
Watering and feeding
Water needs are moderate: keep the soil evenly moist, because drought stress makes cilantro bolt even faster. Water deeply once or twice a week and mulch to keep the roots cool. In containers, check daily in warm weather — a dry pot bolts within days.
Companion planting
Tomatoes, peppers, marigolds and cabbage are listed companions, and cilantro earns its place in the vegetable bed: its flowers attract hoverflies and other beneficial insects. It also grows well among lettuce and other cool-season crops. Avoid planting cilantro beside fennel, which can cross with it and spoil both. The companions listed for cilantro in standard references are tomatoes, peppers, marigolds, cabbage.
Pests and problems
Carrot rust fly, aphids and wireworms are the listed pests — cilantro is in the carrot family, so it shares their enemies. Fleece over young plants helps against rust fly, and aphids can be washed off with water. The bigger problem is usually bolting, not pests: keep plants cool, moist and shaded in the afternoon. The pests most often listed for cilantro are carrot rust fly, aphids, wireworms. Inspect plants weekly, act early while numbers are small, and encourage natural predators such as ladybirds and hoverflies.
Harvest and storage
Harvest 45–60 days after sowing, picking the outer leaves first and leaving the centre to grow. Cut leaves in the morning, when their flavour is strongest, and use them fresh — cilantro loses its flavour when dried. If plants bolt, let them: the flowers attract beneficial insects, and the seeds are coriander, a spice in its own right. Let a few plants self-seed and you will have volunteers next season.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant cilantro in Zone 8?
Direct sow in February to March for spring, and again in September to November for autumn and winter. Cilantro prefers cool weather and bolts in summer heat, so avoid May to August sowings.
Why does my cilantro bolt so fast?
Heat, drought and long days all trigger bolting. Sow in cool seasons, give afternoon shade, keep the soil moist and mulched, and sow little and often so there is always a young patch coming on.
Can I grow cilantro in summer in Zone 8?
It is very difficult — plants bolt within weeks. Grow it in deep shade with plenty of water, or switch to a heat-tolerant substitute for summer and return to cilantro in September.
Is coriander the same plant as cilantro?
Yes — cilantro is the leaves and coriander is the seed of the same plant. Let bolted plants flower and set seed, then harvest the dry seeds for cooking or for sowing.
For the full year, browse the planting calendar hub. Compare with Cilantro in Zone 7, and see also Parsley in Zone 8.