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California Gardening

Cilantro in winter in Bay Area? Also, question on frost covers

13 years ago

Hi,

I tried to grow cilantro past couple of summers from seeds but it quickly set blossoms and went ahead to seed. Once the flowering begins, leaf production goes down and so effectively I ended up growing coriander seeds and not cilantro leaves as I had desired! :-)

Have any of you tried growing cilantro in winter here in Bay Area/mid-peninsula area? My guess is that flowering will be limited and I can hope to get a decent leaf crop. I searched through and found cilantro listed as winter crop in one post, regarding winter crops in this region; but I wanted confirmation.

Also while on this topic --- had another question on winter-protecting tender plants. Got a "Frost blanket" that claims to protect frost sensitive crops. There, I found a similar looking "early season starter" that claimed to get summer crops producing earlier in the season. Has anyone tried it? I was thinking of using it to produce Jalapenos and tomatoes amongst others. Any experiences doing this?

Thanks in advance!

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Comments (5)

gardenguru1950
13 years ago
Cilantro is a cool season crop. It "bolts" when stressed by warm weather. It "bolts" when stressed by all kinds of things including when it's planted from transplants instead of direct sown from seed.

"Frost Blanket" is a specially-woven polymer fabric that is created with a gazillion little air pockets throughout it hence it provides an insulation layer between cold air and the plant.

I don't know about early season starter.

Joe
renataka
13 years ago
Your guess is correct. Cilantro will bolt when the temps get higher than about 75, I think. I've just thrown some seeds down in my yard. I also throw seeds into the ground around late Feb. Now is also a good time for other leafy greens like lettuces, parsley, fenugreek, and I always start my snow peas around halloween. I live in the Bay Area, just north of San Jose.

I think you will have problems trying to grow tomatoes/peppers even under a frost blanket unless you live in Los Angeles or farther south. The ground temp is just too cold for them, and their blossoms won't set (heck, they won't even bloom) when the nighttime temps get much lower than 50. Now, there -are- "winter" tomatoes, some Siberian varieties. Google around for Steve Goto, who is a tomato expert - if anyone grows tomatoes in Ca in the winter, it'll be him.
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dicot
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rosecats
13 years ago
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Over-wintering tomatoes & peppers: I'm assuming you just want them to live over till next year & get a jump on next summer's crop, rather than trying for a winter crop? I've had pepper plants live over w/ only a significant leaf mulch for protection (in mild winters, mind you). I've set up a low tunnel for peppers & eggplants this year in hopes that a number of them will carry over till next year & produce really well. I've heard of over-wintered hot peppers producing an early crop in May & another at the more typical time.
homey_bird
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks, everyone. I planted my cilantro seeds today after getting this encouraging confirmation.

Rosecats: yes, my intent is only to help the plants survive till weather improves. It's great to know it's worth trying! I have some excess Dupont Frost Blanket fabric and I will post my experience next year if it's worthwhile!

Thanks again, all who replied!

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