Calypso Cilantro Seeds

Our Calypso variety of cilantro is bulky and full of the tasty foliage you love! Cilantro grows best in the coolest months of the year in Southern California. Continual harvest will slow its desire to go to flower. Allow beneficial insects to enjoy the plant once it goes to flower. Use shade cloth to extend the season.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Cilantro is a cool season plant that can be grown from fall until late spring in Zones 9 and 10. Its growing season can be extended by using shade cloth or row cover. Cilantro will naturally want to flower and go to seed as the days get longer.

Zones 2-8

• Direct sow in spring after the threat of frost is gone.

Planting Cilantro Seeds

• Cilantro is most easily direct sown into the garden. Plant seeds in debris-free, well-worked soil that has been deeply watered. Cover with 1/4″ of finely sifted soil.
• Once the seedlings have germinated and have the first set of true leaves be sure to fertilize regularly with an organic liquid fertilizer.
• Cilantro grows well thickly sown; it does not need to be thinned.

Growing Cilantro

• Keep cilantro weed-free by pulling any weeds that may compete with your crop.

Succession Planting Cilantro

• If you enjoy large amounts of cilantro, succession planting is a good idea. Start a new round of seeds every 14 days.

Growing Cilantro in Containers

• Cilantro is an excellent container crop. Make sure your container is at least 10″ deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture.

Harvesting Cilantro

• The key to happy cilantro is to use it! Trimming cilantro back often will slow its desire to flower and go to seed. Harvest by cutting the top 1/4″ of the plant.

Southern California Pro-tips

• In areas of Zones 9 and 10, cilantro is an easy crop that will give you delicious foliage through late spring. As the days get longer it will want to go to flower. Allow to flower if you have space; beneficial insects love cilantro flowers!
• Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much. Compost added to the soil at the time of planting will help retain moisture in the soil during hot, dry weather.
• During our hottest months of August, September, and October, plants can suffer from the heat. Using shade cloth can help protect the plants from extreme heat.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Cilantro is an herb that is also ornamental when it goes to flower. Interplanting cilantro with flowers is a great way to utilize space and create a beautiful and edible garden. Cilantro looks particularly beautiful when planted with alyssum and nasturtium.

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for pests that can be an issue to cilantro at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.