When should I plant cilantro in ZIP 90012?

In ZIP 90012, the main cilantro target is around Jan 6, based on the representative Los Angeles frost station and USDA zone 10b.

When should I start cilantro seeds indoors in 90012?

Cilantro is usually direct-sown for ZIP 90012. Use the Jan 6 planting window instead of starting it indoors.

Is this a guaranteed planting date?

No. GrowZone uses frost-date estimates, hardiness zones, and crop timing rules for planning. Local microclimates and current weather can shift the right date.

ZIP 90012 planting calendar

When to plant cilantro in Los Angeles, CA - Zone 10b

Q: When is the first frost in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles (ZIP 90012) has an average first fall frost around Dec 15, leaving about 329 frost-free days.

In ZIP 90012, plant cilantro around Jan 6; this uses the Los Angeles frost station, USDA zone 10b, and cilantro timing rules.

Your Los Angeles calendar has a 329-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Los Angeles frost station, USDA zone 10b, and cilantro timing rules.

Source: los-angeles-civic-center frost station, USDA zone 10b, last updated 2026-06-28. Verify locally before planting high-value crops because microclimates, current weather, and yard exposure can move the safe date.

USDA zone 10b Los Angeles frost station University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Updated 2026-06-28

Read the method

Answer first

When to start cilantro seeds indoors in Los Angeles

In ZIP 90012, cilantro is usually direct-sown around Jan 6 instead of started indoors.

Cilantro is normally direct-sown in Los Angeles. Use around Jan 6 as the outdoor planting window for ZIP 90012.

Seed starting schedule

Cilantro dates for Los Angeles, CA

Step	Date	How to use it
Direct Sow	January 6, 2026	Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles (ZIP 90012) has an average last spring frost around Jan 20.

First frost

When is the first frost in Los Angeles?

The average first fall frost is around Dec 15, giving about 329 frost-free days.

Season map

Cilantro windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Direct sow

Jan 6

Harvest

Feb 20

Frost watch

Oct 31

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Direct sow cilantroJan 6

Last frost windowJan 20

First cilantro harvest windowFeb 20

Last cilantro sowing targetOct 31

Signal	Value	Why it matters
Last frost estimate	January 20, 2026	Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimate	December 15, 2026	Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length	329 days	Longer seasons can support succession crops.
Spacing	4-6 in	Airflow and root space affect yield.
Soil temperature	45 F+	Seeds and transplants stall in cold soil.

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Local data

Why this date changes by ZIP

Los Angeles frost history and USDA zone 10b shift the safe planting window. GrowZone uses a local representative station instead of one national rule.

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources is the kind of local source to verify against when a crop is expensive, weather is unusual, or your yard has a cold pocket.

Crop note

Cilantro timing notes

Sow small batches often because cilantro bolts in heat. Cilantro prefers sun to part shade, 4-6 in spacing, and soil near 45 F+.

For fall, count backward from Dec 15. A conservative last sowing target is around Oct 31.