When to Plant Cilantro in USDA Zone 11b
Cilantro is a dual-purpose herb providing fresh leaves (cilantro) and dried seeds (coriander). It bolts quickly in heat, producing flowers beloved by beneficial insects.
In Zone 11b, the average last spring frost is around January 1 and the first fall frost is around December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Zone 11b
Where Is USDA Zone 11b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 11b. Click any state to see the Cilantro planting schedule for that location.
Cilantro Planting Calendar — Zone 11b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 4 | Dec 4 – Dec 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | December 25 | Dec 25 – Jan 8 |
| Direct Sow | December 11 | Dec 11 – Jan 1 |
| Harvest | February 5 | Feb 5 – Apr 9 |
| Fall Sowing | November 5 | Nov 5 – Nov 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Harvest |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
Free Zone 11b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 11b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
40–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
45°F to 50°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
364 days (Zone 11b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Cilantro in Zone 11b
Sow every 4.6 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Zone 11b
Zone 11b offers a long growing season (~364 days). You can plant Cilantro earlier and may get multiple harvests.
Succession sow every 2-3 weeks. Provide afternoon shade in warm weather. Harvest leaves before flowering or allow some plants to go to seed for coriander and self-sowing.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Saving Cilantro Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Reduce heat stress and sun scorch in hot climates with UV-stabilized shade cloth.
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Related Plants
Cilantro in Other Zones
Cilantro by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cilantro in Zone 11b?
In Zone 11b, plan your Cilantro planting around the average last frost date of January 1. Start seeds indoors around December 4. Direct sow outdoors around December 11. Transplant seedlings around December 25.
Can Cilantro grow in Zone 11b?
Yes, Cilantro can grow well in Zone 11b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 11b. Zone 11b has a growing season of approximately 364 days, which is sufficient for Cilantro (40-60 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Cilantro in Zone 11b?
In Zone 11b, expect to harvest Cilantro from February 5 – April 9. Cilantro takes 40-60 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 11b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 11b is around January 1, and the first fall frost is around December 31. This gives a growing season of approximately 364 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Cilantro?
Good companion plants for Cilantro include Tomatoes, Peppers, Spinach. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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