How to Grow Cilantro That Yields a Steady Supply of Fresh Herbs

Growing your own cilantro guarantees the freshest herbs you can get. It's true that not everyone loves cilantro, thanks to a genetic variation that makes the herb taste like soap. But for cilantro fans, you'll want to have a continuous supply in your garden to use in your favorite recipes or to make a heaping bowl of guacamole. Cilantro is easy to grow from seed and doesn't require a lot of space. 

Ready to start growing cilantro? We spoke with gardening experts about how to grow cilantro, its care needs, best practices for harvesting, and how to save seeds for the next season. 

When to Plant Cilantro 

Cilantro prefers cooler weather and doesn't fare well when temperatures begin to soar. Typically, cilantro is planted in the spring and in the fall when temperatures are lower.

When the weather is too warm outside or too cold, you can grow cilantro indoors so you can have fresh cilantro all year. "This lovely zesty herb is a delight to grow all year round," says Kim Stoddart, author of The Climate Change-Resilient Vegetable Garden. "It’s actually easier to grow during cooler weather, and it is hardier than you might otherwise imagine, which makes it a viable option indoors over winter—in a hoop tunnel or on a kitchen windowsill." Cilantro is hardy in zones 2 through 12.

How to Grow Cilantro

Cilantro has delicate leaves and roots, so sowing seeds directly is preferred. "Cilantro is best grown from seeds rather than transplants, as it has a taproot that doesn’t like to be disturbed," says Tony O’Neill, author of Simplify Vegetable Gardening.

1. Sow seeds directly into your garden or raised bed, about 1/4 inch deep.
2. Space the seeds or seedlings about 6 inches apart
3. When the seeds begin to germinate and grow, thin the seedlings when they are about 2 inches tall

If you want to have cilantro throughout the season, sow seeds often. "To ensure a continuous harvest, sow seeds every two to three weeks throughout the growing season," O’Neill. "This is especially useful as cilantro bolts [goes to seed] quickly in warm weather."

Growing Cilantro Indoors

A versatile herb, cilantro can be grown in small spaces, like a patio container garden or an indoor herb garden. If you grow in containers, O'Neill recommends choosing a pot at least 8 inches deep to accommodate the root system. Make sure the container has drainage holes, and you use quality potting soil so the water can easily drain. Follow the below steps for growing cilantro indoors.

1. Sow 3 to 5 seeds into good quality, well-draining potting mix or soil. You'll want to sow them about 1/4 inch deep or one to three times deeper than the size of the seed.
2. When the seeds begin to germinate and grow, thin the seedlings when they are about 2 inches tall. Keep the most robust, healthy seedling.

Cilantro Plant Care

To ensure your cilantro grows well, take heed of these care requirements.

Soil 

Choosing quality, well-draining soil is important to successfully grow cilantro. "Cilantro thrives in well-draining soil, rich in organic matter," says O’Neill. "Aim for a pH between 6.2 and 6.8." Consider adding mulch to the top layer of the soil, which acts as a protective blanket. "This helps to regulate soil temperatures and retain moisture during dry spells," says Ashlie Thomas, author of How to Become A Gardener.

Sun

Cilantro likes the sun. Choose a sunny spot or an area that receives an ample amount of light for most of the day. "To grow optimally, cilantro seeks about 6 hours of full sun but can tolerate light shade," says Thomas. "Whether growing indoors or outdoors, find a spot that mirrors this need—perhaps a corner that catches the morning light but provides shade when the sun climbs, as too intense sun can burn the foliage." If you're growing cilantro in a hot climate, placing it in an area with afternoon shade may prevent bolting.

Temperature

Although cilantro needs plenty of sunlight to grow, this herb prefers cooler temperatures. "Cilantro grows best in cooler weather, ideally between 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 29 degrees Celsius)," says O'Neill. It tends to bolt quickly in hot weather; the plant can also wilt when there's too much heat.

Watering

Cilantro prefers moist soil. "Cilantro does best with regular watering, especially during dry spells," says O’Neill. "Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged."  A way to avoid overwatering is to assess the soil with your finger before giving cilantro another drink. "Water when the top inch of soil feels dry," says Thomas. The seasons will also influence how much water cilantro needs. When temperatures increase, you'll likely need to increase the frequency of your watering, says Thomas.

Fertilizing 

Cilantro doesn't necessarily need fertilizer, especially when grown in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. "Cilantro is pretty low-maintenance and does not require much fertilizer, but a monthly feeding with general-purpose fertilizer will keep the foliage and the roots healthy and lush," says Thomas.

Types of Cilantro 

There are several types of cilantro that you can grow at home. Here are a few our experts recommend.

• Confetti: Confetti has feathery leaves, similar to a fern, making this variety stand out. This one is often used as a garnish for many dishes and requires less chopping than other varieties.  
• Cruiser: A popular choice, Cruiser is resistant to bolting in warmer weather. Leaves are large with sturdy stems. 
• Santo: Santo has large leaves and is slow to bolt as well.
• Vietnamese cilantro: This variety will stand firm and not bolt, says Stoddart. "It has a spicier flavor and attractive colored leaves." 

When to Harvest Cilantro

Cilantro doesn't take too long to reach maturity, typically around a month and a half to two months. The size of the plant will guide you on when you can begin enjoying some of the leaves for your recipes. "Begin harvesting cilantro leaves once the plants are about 6 inches tall," says O'Neill. When young, cut the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing, he says.

To harvest cilantro, you can use garden shears, scissors, or even your hands. "Cut or pinch off the outer mature leaves to encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing new leaves inward for a fuller plant," says Thomas. If you want the plant to keep on giving, make sure to harvest carefully and kindly. "Be mindful to avoid taking more than a third of the plant at one time," she says. 

Saving Seeds

When the weather becomes too warm, the herb will bolt. "If the cilantro plant begins to bolt, you can also pinch off the flower to delay the plant from producing seeds too soon," says Thomas. But there are times when you won't mind that the plant continues its lifecycle and produces seeds because you can save them. When cilantro bolts, "it will produce small white flowers followed by seeds. Harvest the seeds when they turn brown and dry," says O'Neill. These seeds are known as coriander seeds, and they are delicious. They can be stored away for the following season or you can place them in a jar and add them to your spice rack to use for cooking. 

How to Propagate Cilantro 

The best way to propagate cilantro is by sowing seeds. "The key is to only save seeds from plants that have displayed the best traits," says Stoddart. "Choosing the best traits (slower bolting tendencies) will help create a better breed of cilantro." 

1. Once the plant goes to seed, let the stems become brown and dry. "Cut dry, brown flower stems and collect the seeds in a container or bag," says Thomas. 
2. Spread the seeds out, allowing them to dry.
3. Once the seeds are dry, place them in a glass jar and store them in a cool, dark place. 
4. Label the container with the name of the seed, the variety, and the date they are stored. 

When you save seeds, you're also choosing plants that do best in your garden's microclimate. "Seed saving is exciting … you can create a plant that is more adapted to your own growing space and more resilient as a result," says Stoddart. Plus, you save money by not having to buy seeds year after year. 

Commons Pests and Diseases 

Cilantro typically doesn't have many pests or diseases that you have to be concerned about. "Cilantro is relatively pest-free but can be susceptible to aphids and fungal diseases," says O'Neill.

An easy way to reduce pests is to water properly and give cilantro plants sufficient space. "Ensure good air circulation around plants and avoid overhead watering to minimize these issues," O'Neill says.