When should I plant cilantro in ZIP 94612?

In ZIP 94612, the main cilantro target is around Jan 18, based on the representative Oakland frost station and USDA zone 10a.

When should I start cilantro seeds indoors in 94612?

Cilantro is usually direct-sown for ZIP 94612. Use the Jan 18 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 94612 planting calendar

When to plant cilantro in Oakland, CA - Zone 10a

Q: When is the first frost in Oakland?

Oakland (ZIP 94612) has an average first fall frost around Dec 1, leaving about 303 frost-free days.

In ZIP 94612, plant cilantro around Jan 18; this uses the Oakland frost station, USDA zone 10a, and cilantro timing rules.

Your Oakland calendar has a 303-day estimated frost-free season. This estimate uses the representative Oakland frost station, USDA zone 10a, and cilantro timing rules.

Source: oakland-intl frost station, USDA zone 10a, 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 10a Oakland 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 Oakland

In ZIP 94612, cilantro is usually direct-sown around Jan 18 instead of started indoors.

Cilantro is normally direct-sown in Oakland. Use around Jan 18 as the outdoor planting window for ZIP 94612.

Seed starting schedule

Cilantro dates for Oakland, CA

Step	Date	How to use it
Direct Sow	January 18, 2026	Sow seed outside when the crop and soil can handle the window.

Last frost

When is the last frost in Oakland?

Oakland (ZIP 94612) has an average last spring frost around Feb 1.

First frost

When is the first frost in Oakland?

The average first fall frost is around Dec 1, giving about 303 frost-free days.

Season map

Cilantro windows by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Direct sow

Jan 18

Harvest

Mar 4

Frost watch

Oct 17

Reminder workflow

Every date has a next action

Direct sow cilantroJan 18

Last frost windowFeb 1

First cilantro harvest windowMar 4

Last cilantro sowing targetOct 17

Signal	Value	Why it matters
Last frost estimate	February 1, 2026	Warm-season transplant risk starts falling after this window.
First frost estimate	December 1, 2026	Fall planting counts backward from this date.
Season length	303 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

Oakland frost history and USDA zone 10a 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 1. A conservative last sowing target is around Oct 17.