How to Grow Cilantro

Growing guide

Overview

Cilantro is a fast-growing cool-season annual herb whose fresh leaves are used in salsa, curries, and many other dishes. Growers love that it can be cut in as little as 3-4 weeks and that the same plant can produce coriander seed. It needs partial sun and evenly moist, well-drained soil, and it bolts quickly in heat.

Soil & planting prep

Cilantro grows best in loose, well-drained loamy or sandy soil with a pH around 6.2-6.8. Mix in an inch of compost before planting. Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep, and thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart.

When to plant

Direct sow cilantro outdoors 2-4 weeks before your average last spring frost date; it is frost tolerant, so early planting is safe. In hot-summer areas, also sow in late summer so plants grow into cooler weather instead of bolting. For steady leaves, sow a new short row every 2-3 weeks while temperatures stay mild.

How to plant

1. Choose a spot with partial sun, especially morning sun and afternoon shade in warm climates.
2. Loosen the soil 6-8 inches deep and mix in compost; rake the surface smooth.
3. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and about 1-2 inches apart in rows or blocks.
4. Water gently and keep the soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge, usually in 7-10 days.
5. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart when they have 2-3 true leaves, and use the thinnings as cilantro.

5 common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving cilantro in full, hot afternoon sun causes it to bolt early and turn bitter; give it afternoon shade or grow it in the coolest part of the season.
• Making only one sowing gives a brief harvest because cilantro bolts as days warm up; sow a new small patch every 2-3 weeks for steady leaves.
• Overcrowding seedlings stresses plants and speeds bolting; thin them to 6-8 inches apart once true leaves appear.
• Letting soil dry out during warm weather pushes cilantro to flower instead of growing leaves; keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy.
• Waiting too long to harvest lets the central flower stalk take over; start cutting leaves when plants are 4-6 inches tall and pinch off flower stems as soon as they appear.

Harvesting & storage

Cilantro leaves are ready to cut when plants are about 4-6 inches tall, often 3-4 weeks after sowing. Harvest outer stems near the base, leaving the inner growth to continue producing. Store fresh stems in a jar of water in the refrigerator; use leaves fresh because their flavor fades when dried.

Companion planting

Good companions include beans, peas, and leafy greens; cilantro flowers attract beneficial insects. Avoid planting near fennel, which can inhibit growth.

Growing in containers

Cilantro grows well in a container at least 2 gallons with drainage holes. Use a loose potting mix, keep the pot in partial sun, and check soil daily because containers dry out faster than garden beds.

Pro tips

Direct sow every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Bolts in heat — plant in shade in summer or focus on cool seasons. Harvest before it bolts. Let some bolt to collect coriander seeds.