When to Plant Cilantro in Santa Clara County, CA
Santa Clara County, California gardeners: here's your May plan
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Santa Clara County, California.
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It's harvest week for cilantro
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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.
Santa Clara County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 287 days.
At an elevation of 455 feet, Santa Clara County receives approximately 15.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Cilantro during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Cilantro successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Santa Clara County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Santa Clara County
How your county's soil matches Cilantro's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Cilantro prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Santa Clara County is excellent for Cilantro — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Cilantro.
How to Plant Cilantro
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Cilantro
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 08.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Cilantro
Cilantro needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cilantro Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Santa Clara County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cilantro Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cilantro Planting Timeline — Santa Clara County, CA
Cilantro Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Direct Sow | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 19 |
| Harvest | March 26 | Mar 26 – May 28 |
| Fall Sowing | October 8 | Oct 8 – Oct 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
287 days in Santa Clara County
Growing Tips for Cilantro in Santa Clara County
Direct sow Cilantro outdoors after February 19 in Santa Clara County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Santa Clara County reach 92°F — grow Cilantro as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 288.0-day season in Santa Clara County allows multiple plantings of Cilantro. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Cilantro in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cilantro in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cilantro in Santa Clara County, CA?
Santa Clara County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 19. Plan your Cilantro planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Santa Clara County, CA?
Santa Clara County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 3.
Your Santa Clara County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Santa Clara County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.