How to Grow Cilantro – An Expert Guide to a Longer, More Flavorful Harvest

Cilantro – known as coriander in some regions – is a versatile, fast-growing annual herb prized in kitchens around the world for its bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic leaves. Unlike most leafy herbs, cilantro offers dual uses: tender, flavorful foliage for fresh use in salsas, curries, and sauces, and later on, aromatic seeds called coriander that are prized as a spice. It’s a staple herb in Mexican, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines, bringing complexity to everything from tacos to chutneys.

Native to the Mediterranean Basin and parts of Western Asia and Northern Africa, cilantro has been cultivated for thousands of years. It adapts well to a range of garden settings, from in-ground beds to containers on sunny patios. As a cool-season herb, it thrives in moderate climates, prefers well-drained soil, consistent moisture, and bright sunshine. It grows best when temperatures stay between roughly 50–85°F (10–29°C).

Cilantro is easy to grow from seed for beginners, though gardeners are often confined to growing in the cooler seasons. This is because cilantro has a propensity to bolt in warm weather – meaning it sends up a flowering stalk prematurely, which impacts flavor. Still, for anyone growing an herb garden, especially those who enjoy international fare, cilantro is definitely a must-grow herb.

Quick Cilantro Facts

What Is Cilantro?

The cilantro plant, as mentioned above, offers two harvests. First, its leaves, which resemble flat leaf parsley and for which it’s often mistaken, are the part of the plant used in culinary applications. Wait for the plant to come into flower and its tiny white blooms become hard, round seeds known as coriander. These seeds can be toasted and/or ground and are also considered a valuable spice.

Types of Cilantro

Cilantro is a fairly uniform herb with few noticeable differences between most cultivated varieties. Seed packets are often just labeled 'Cilantro', though 'Santo' is the most commonly available cultivar, which is slow-bolting and reliable with great flavor. Other slow-to-bolt varieties include ‘Slow Bolt’, ‘Leisure’, and ‘Calypso’. Check out Burpee and Eden Brothers for a range of seeds.

There are also a few specialist cilantro varieties, including 'Confetti' and 'Criollo', which have fern-like foliage, and purple cilantro, which has purple-tinged stems. If you're looking for a better option to grow in the heat, consider Vietnamese cilantro, a different plant but with enough similarities to be used as a substitute in many dishes.

Planting Cilantro

Cilantro grows rapidly, producing a crop in as little as a few weeks. For this reason, it is most often started from seed. The hard, round, little seeds – which are actually the dried fruit of the plant – typically germinate in 1–2 weeks, depending on soil temperature and moisture.

When to Plant Cilantro

As cilantro is a cool-weather crop, planting dates depend on your local climate. It has a tendency to bolt and produce seeds when the soil temperature reaches 75°F (24°C). For best results, sow or transplant as soon as the soil is workable so plants can mature and produce a good crop of leaves before rising temperatures trigger premature flowering.

• In southern climates with mild winters, cilantro performs best as a fall through early spring crop, often continuing to produce through the winter when temperatures stay cool but not freezing.
• In northern climates, where winters are much colder, cilantro is typically grown in spring and fall, avoiding both hard frosts and the heat of summer.

Best Soil for Cilantro

Most common garden soil types are compatible with growing cilantro, provided they are well-draining with a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. However, you'll get a better crop if the soil is loamy and rich in organic matter, as this helps provide nutrients and retain consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. Soil that dries out quickly or holds too much moisture will stress the plant and can lead to poor growth or running to seed.

Prior to planting, incorporate up to 4 inches (10 cm) of lowering or other organic soil amendment into the top 6 inches (15 cm) of the soil to improve both structure and fertility. But take care not to over-fertilize, which can impact flavor.

Cilantro Light Requirements

Cilantro needs a full sun location with at least six hours of bright, direct sunlight each day for best growth, though in warmer climates it benefits from some protection during the hottest part of the day. Ideally, plant cilantro where it will get strong morning or late afternoon sun. Plants in lower light conditions will get leggy and fail to produce enough tasty leaves.

If your goal is to produce coriander seed, then plants must be in full sun to set blooms and seed.

How to Plant Cilantro – Step by Step

Cilantro does not always transplant well, yet it's fast-growing, so it's better to direct sow seeds into prepared garden beds or containers. To ensure a continuous harvest, succession plant every 2–3 weeks, especially in spring.

1. Choose the right time. You can sow seeds outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Cilantro grows best when temperatures stay between 50–75°F (10–24°C).
2. Select a planting site. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. In warmer regions, afternoon shade helps to slow bolting. Cilantro prefers well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture.
3. Prepare the soil. Loosen soil to a depth of about 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) and mix in compost if needed. Avoid heavy or compacted soils, which can stunt growth.
4. Sow seeds directly. Sow seeds ¼–½ inch (6–13 mm) deep, spacing them about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) apart. Rows should be 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) apart. Water gently after planting.
5. Thin seedlings and water. Once they are a few inches tall, thin seedlings to 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

If you opt to start seeds indoors or buy nursery plugs, then transplant seedlings with care, taking as much of the pot soil as possible. Biodegradable pots, like these from Amazon, work best to keep the roots undisturbed. Plant into prepared beds, with seedlings spaced 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart.

Cilantro Care

Cilantro is easy to grow but quick to bolt if conditions aren’t right. Keep plants well-watered, harvest regularly, and grow during cooler periods to enjoy a longer, more productive harvest. Follow these practices to ensure your cilantro plants result in the best harvest possible.

How Often to Water Cilantro

Cilantro plants need consistent, even moisture during the growing season to support good leafy growth and avoid early bolting. Mature plants in full sun tend to dry out more quickly and need watering once a week, if not more frequently. Water deeply so moisture reaches all the roots, then allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry out a little before watering again. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

Using drip irrigation or a soaker hose can help maintain even moisture while keeping foliage dry. This Rain Bird drip irrigation kit can keep herbs and vegetables evenly watered.

Fertilizing Cilantro

Cilantro doesn’t really need fertilizing if the soil is rich in organic matter. If needed, amend the soil with compost before planting. In poorer soils, a light application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or occasional feeding with a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season will be sufficient.

Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen products, as this can lead to excessive leafy growth that is less flavorful, and it may also encourage early bolting. A balanced or slightly lower-nitrogen fertilizer (such as 5-10-10 NPK) works well, like this CZ Garden Organics Tomato & Vegetable Fertilizer, available via Amazon.

Mulching Cilantro

While it's not necessary to mulch cilantro, it is beneficial, particularly in warmer conditions. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, keeps roots cool, and suppresses weeds. It will also help to minimize the risk of premature bolting caused by heat stress.

Lay down a 2-to-3-inch (5–7.5 cm) layer of natural mulching material like straw, shredded leaves, or pine straw. Put this mulch around the base of the plants and avoid direct contact with the stems.

How to Prune Cilantro

Cilantro requires little if any pruning, as most cutting is done during harvest. It can, however, benefit from removing damaged or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy. Do this by snipping the entire leaf stem at the base with clean scissors or hand pruners. Regular harvesting or light trimming can also encourage bushier growth and help delay bolting.

Harvesting Cilantro

Begin harvesting cilantro leaves as soon as plants are 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) tall, typically 30–45 days after planting. Older plants produce woodier stems and less tasty leaves.

Harvest regularly – about once a week or more often at peak growth – to encourage continued leaf production. For the best flavor, harvest cilantro in the morning when its essential oils are most concentrated.

Using sharp, clean pruners or scissors, cut the outer leaves first, and leave a few stems and leaves on the plant so that it can continue to grow. Fiskars' herb garden scissors are perfect for the task, offering precise cuts with minimal fatigue.

Harvesting Coriander Seeds

To harvest coriander seed, stop cutting leaves and allow the plants to flower and set seed. Wait for the seed heads to turn brown and dry out, which means it’s time to harvest them. You can collect them by picking them with your fingers, snipping off whole seed heads, or pulling the plant out of the ground and shaking the seeds into a container.

Cilantro Care Calendar

Overwintering Cilantro

In mild climates, cilantro can survive through winter and continue producing leaves during cool periods. In colder regions, cilantro will not tolerate prolonged freezing, but it can be protected with row covers, like this kit from Amazon. Alternatively, it can be grown in containers and moved to a sheltered location for a short-lived winter harvest.

In most cases, however, it is more reliable to sow fresh seed in early spring or fall rather than trying to carry plants through winter.

Storing Cilantro

After harvesting cilantro, wash and dry the leaves, wrap them in a paper towel, and store them in the refrigerator in a bag for up to a week. Alternatively, place the stems in a glass of water and cover loosely to help keep the leaves fresh.

Because its flavor and scent diminish quickly after harvest, cilantro is best used as soon as possible. If needed, it can be frozen by chopping the leaves and storing them in an airtight container or freezing them in ice cube trays with a little water or oil.

Cilantro can also be dried for longer storage, though the flavor becomes more subtle, making it better suited for cooked dishes. If you grow a lot of herbs, then it's worth investing in a basic dehydrator, like this Elite Gourmet model on Amazon.

Storing Coriander Seeds

Dry the coriander seeds by cutting whole seed heads and placing them in a paper bag or on a tray in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Allow them to dry until the seeds turn light brown and separate easily from the stems. Once fully dry, store them in an airtight glass jar or other container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry, where they will remain flavorful for months.

Lightly toast whole seeds before using, then crush or grind them as needed. Coriander complements cumin, garlic, citrus, and chili, and works in both savory dishes (like roasted vegetables and meats) and some sweet recipes, such as spiced cakes or cookies.

Harvested coriander seeds can also be used to grow another crop of cilantro. Again, be sure to fully dry the seeds before storing them in a container until you are ready to use them.

Propagating Cilantro

Cilantro doesn’t transplant as well as other herbs, so it's best to grow new plants from seed. Sow seeds directly outdoors after the risk of frost has passed, and continue sowing every few weeks to get a continuous harvest.

You can also propagate cilantro from cuttings, though this method is less reliable. To try it, cut a healthy stem about 3 to 5 inches (8–13 cm) long just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and place the cut end in water. Keep the cutting in indirect sunlight in a warm spot, refreshing the water every few days. Roots may begin to form in 2–4 weeks, at which point the cutting can be planted in potting soil.

Because cilantro does not always root successfully from cuttings, using a rooting hormone – like Garden Safe TakeRoot – on the cut stem tip may help improve your chances.

Cilantro Problems

Cilantro is generally easy to grow. However, pests, diseases, and cultural issues can cause problems if growing conditions aren’t ideal.

Pests

There are a few common garden pests that can affect cilantro. All of the below will feed on plant sap and can cause yellowing, curling leaves, or stunted growth.

• Aphids
• Spider mites
• Leafhoppers

Aphids are the most frequent issue and are often controlled with a strong spray of water, insecticidal soap (like this organic Bonide spray), or by encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Diseases

There are a small number of plant diseases to look out for. All of the most common issues are related to excess moisture or poor air circulation.

• Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on cilantro leaves, particularly in warm, dry conditions with poor air circulation.
• Leaf spot on cilantro is a common bacterial disease that causes dark lesions on leaves and can reduce their quality and edibility.
• Damping off affects seedlings, causing stems to rot at the soil line and collapse.
• Root rot occurs in poorly drained soils and is often fatal to plants.

Cilantro Bolting

Beyond pests and disease, the most common growing challenge is cilantro bolting. The plants will flower and go to seed quickly when exposed to heat, long days, or drought. Besides being annoying, bolting also makes the leaves bitter and sparse.

Planting during cool weather, providing afternoon shade, consistent watering, and choosing slow-bolting varieties such as ‘Slow Bolt’ and ‘Calypso’ can help extend the harvest window.

Growing Cilantro in Containers

Cilantro grows very well in containers, so it’s a great option for growing on patios and balconies. Because cilantro develops a long taproot and dislikes waterlogged soils, it’s important to choose a pot that is at least 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) deep and with drainage holes. Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix, like this Rosy Soil Herb Mix, and place the containers where they’ll receive morning sun and some afternoon shade, especially in warm climates.

Containers dry out more quickly than garden beds, so consistent watering is key. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, and check pots frequently during warm or windy weather. They will need some occasional feeding with plant food, but keep in mind that overfertilizing can reduce flavor. Use a water-soluble, diluted plant food at every other watering.

Sowing seeds in a new pot every week or two will help ensure a steady supply of fresh cilantro. Pots can be easily moved to cooler or shadier spots to slow bolting and extend the harvest.

Growing Cilantro Indoors

Growing cilantro indoors is more challenging than outdoors, but if you can provide the right care and conditions, it can still make a productive and rewarding kitchen herb.

The key is to replicate the environment cilantro prefers outdoors – plenty of light, well-draining soil, and moderate temperatures. Of these, light is usually the trickiest aspect to get right. Place it near a sunny, south-facing window where it can get six hours of bright light each day. If natural light is limited, supplement with a grow light, like this GooingTop LED light on Amazon, to keep plants from becoming leggy.

Choose a container with good drainage that fits comfortably on a windowsill, such as the Bloem Trio Flight, available at Home Depot.

Companion Planting with Cilantro

Many of the beneficial insects that destroy the “bad bugs” in your garden are attracted to cilantro’s tiny yet alluring flowers. Plant a few seeds of cilantro for companion planting with various other crops. Cilantro will encourage those beneficial insects to stay in your gardens and help you battle the bad bugs.

Plant cilantro throughout the garden in well-placed locations, such as near tomato and spinach plants or planted in rows bordering fruits and vegetables. This is the one instance in which you want to choose varieties that bolt and produce flowers easily.

Parasitoid wasps and hover flies are just two of the beneficial insects attracted to the garden that contains cilantro. Using cilantro as a companion in the garden, in combination with other small flowering pungent herbs, may provide a pest-free garden or at least keep bad bugs to an acceptable minimum that does not allow for damage to your crops.

Frequently Asked Questions