Cilantro. It’s one of those herbs that people either love or absolutely hate. If you’re on the love side, you know the punch of fresh, citrusy, slightly spicy flavor it adds to everything from tacos to salads to curries. But here’s the twist: for some, it tastes like soap. Yep, soap. Genetic magic at work, I guess. And hey, it’s super healthy!
But for those of us who crave it, cilantro is the herb you can’t live without. It’s ridiculously easy to grow, too. Just a little sunshine, some regular watering, and boom—you’re in cilantro business. And the best part? You can start snipping off leaves in just a couple of weeks! Harvest it young for that super fresh, vibrant taste. But if you let it go too long? It bolts and flowers, and you’ll be stuck with a bunch of bitter seeds (hello, coriander), so keep an eye on it.
Cilantro is one of those plants that thrives in cooler weather, which means it’s perfect for spring and fall gardens. It doesn’t like the heat—too much sun and it’ll turn on you and bolt out of there like it’s trying to escape a sauna. So, in the summer, maybe give it a little afternoon shade, or plant it in a spot that gets some relief in the hotter months.
And as for the plant? It’s got this wild, feathery, almost fern-like vibe that makes it a fun addition to any garden. Plus, it’s a natural pest repellent—bugs can’t stand the smell, so it’s like a little herbal bodyguard for your other plants. What’s not to love?
How to Grow Cilantro
Growing cilantro can be an exciting experience, as it’s a versatile herb used in many culinary dishes. Below are some steps and tips to help you grow cilantro successfully.
Planting Cilantro
- Timing: Cilantro is a cool-weather herb, so plant it in early spring or fall. It does not do well in hot, summer weather.
- Location: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade. Cilantro grows well in garden beds or containers.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Cilantro prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.2 to 6.8).
- Spacing: Sow seeds directly in the ground, about 1/4 inch deep, and thin them to 6-8 inches apart once they sprout. This gives each plant enough space to grow.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Growing Cilantro
- Germination: Seeds typically germinate in 7-10 days. Once sprouted, thin the seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
- Maintenance: Cilantro grows quickly, so monitor it regularly. Weed the area around the plants to reduce competition for nutrients.
- Bolting: Cilantro can bolt (flower and go to seed) quickly in hot weather. To delay bolting, plant in cooler weather or use shade cloths during hot days.
- Successive Planting: For a continuous harvest, plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks.
Harvesting Cilantro
- Harvesting Leaves: Cilantro leaves can be harvested when they are about 6 inches tall. Cut the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
- Using Leaves: Fresh cilantro is best used immediately for its flavor. It can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, with stems in water and covered with a plastic bag.
- Harvesting Seeds (Coriander): If you allow cilantro to flower, it will produce seeds known as coriander. Once the seeds turn brown, cut the seed heads and place them in a paper bag. Let them dry for a week before storing the seeds.
- Using Coriander: Coriander seeds can be ground into spice or used whole in cooking. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Cilantro Growing Zone
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), also known as coriander, grows best in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 12. It is a cool-season herb that prefers temperatures between 50°F and 85°F (10°C to 29°C).
In warmer climates, cilantro tends to bolt quickly, so it’s often grown in the cooler months or in partial shade during hot summers.
For regions with very cold winters, cilantro is typically grown as an annual and replanted each year.
Growing Cilantro FAQ
Cilantro prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
Yes, cilantro can be grown indoors with sufficient light. Place it near a south-facing window or use grow lights to provide the needed light exposure.
Harvest cilantro leaves when they are 4-6 inches tall. Cut the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. For a continuous supply, sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks.
Bolting occurs when cilantro flowers and goes to seed, often due to heat or stress. To prevent bolting, plant cilantro in cooler weather, provide partial shade during hot days, and keep the soil consistently moist.
Yes, store-bought seeds are suitable for growing cilantro. Look for seeds labeled as “coriander,” as cilantro seeds are also known as coriander seeds.
Cilantro typically takes 3-4 weeks to grow from seed to harvestable size, though this can vary depending on growing conditions.
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