How to Grow and Care for Cilantro (Coriander)

Reviewed by Julie Thompson-AdolfReviewed by Julie Thompson-Adolf

Cilantro is a great addition to any herb garden because it is a relatively easy plant to grow and its parts and seeds are useful in cooking. The name cilantro refers to the plant's thin, green stems and flat, lacy leaves, which are best eaten fresh. Its other common name, coriander, refers to the seeds, which are used as a common cooking spice, especially in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines. Cilantro is best planted in the early spring but also can be started in the fall. It grows quickly, often yielding its first harvest of leaves within 30 days. Its seeds will be ready for harvest closer to three months from planting.

How to Plant Cilantro

When to Plant

Plant cilantro in cool weather, either in early spring after the last frost or in the fall once temperatures have consistently cooled down to 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're not planning for a spring plant, allow the summer temperatures to cool down before planting in the fall. However, in some climates, you'll only be able to harvest the leaves and not the seeds before frost hits in the fall.

Selecting a Planting Site

An ideal planting site for cilantro should have loose, well-drained soil with an acidic pH. It can handle either full sun or partial shade but tends to prefer some afternoon shade in warmer climates. Make sure cilantro isn’t planted too close to taller plants that will shade it as they leaf out in the spring. Container growth also is a good option for cilantro.

Spacing, Depth, and Support

Seeds should be planted about 1 to 2 inches apart and roughly 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Thin seedlings to about 6 to 8 inches apart. Rows of cilantro plants should be at least a foot apart to provide good airflow. A support structure shouldn’t be necessary.

Cilantro Plant Care

Light

The cilantro plant thrives with about six hours of direct sunlight on most days. However, when plotting your garden, select a spot that won't receive too much high-noon sunlight, as harsh rays can burn cilantro leaves. If you live in a hot climate, consider planting your cilantro where it can receive some afternoon shade or in pots that can be periodically moved into the shade. Too much heat and direct sun can cause the plant to bolt (go to seed) early.

Soil

A loose, loamy, fast-draining soil with a slightly acidic soil pH is best for cilantro. The plant may bolt early if the soil retains too much moisture.

Water

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy as seeds germinate and seedlings develop. Roughly 1 inch of water per week is ideal for seedlings. More mature plants don’t require as much water, but they still like moist soil. Just make sure their roots are never waterlogged or root rot can set in.

Temperature and Humidity

Cilantro thrives best in relatively cool environments, preferring temperatures that hover between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If it's too hot the plant can bolt easily. However, though cilantro is a cool-weather herb, it is still frost-sensitive. Keep row covers handy to protect your plants if unseasonably cool weather is predicted. Cilantro also struggles in high humidity and climates that get a lot of rain.

Fertilizer

Cilantro typically does not need fertilizer to grow successfully, but treating it monthly with an organic blend made for herbs can't hurt. Additionally, feel free to mix nutritious compost or other organic matter into your soil to help the plants thrive, especially when first planting seeds.

Types of Cilantro

There are several varieties of cilantro, including:

• 'Leisure': This variety is popular for its flavor and bolt-resistance and it matures in 50 to 55 days.

• 'Longstanding': Various cultivars, like this one, tend to be tall and slow to bolt. This one matures in 60 to 90 days.

• 'Calypso': This is very slow to bolt, maturing in 50 to 55 days but it will not go to seed until 120 to 150 days.

• 'Santo': Often sold as "standard" cilantro, this type has good bolt resistance and matures in 50 to 55 days.

• 'Cruiser': The upright habit and strong stems on uniform plants make this a popular variety and it matures in 50 to 55 days.

Cilantro vs. Parsley

Cilantro and parsley varieties can look quite similar at first glance. They both have thin green stems with flat leaves. However, cilantro leaves are typically more curved while parsley leaves are more pointed. Parsley also has a milder scent and taste, while cilantro’s aroma and flavor are very distinct (tasting soap-like to some people).

Harvesting Cilantro

This herb's fresh leaves are ready to be harvested in under a month after sowing seeds, once the plants are around 6 inches tall. Harvest only the leaves you need by pinching back portions of the upper stem, which promotes new growth and fuller plants. Avoid taking more than a third of the leaves at a time.

Cilantro leaves loses flavor when it dries so the leaves are best used fresh but they will keep in the refrigerator for a few days. Once the coriander seeds are fully dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot.

How to Grow Cilantro in Pots

If you don’t have a suitable garden spot for cilantro, try a container instead or grow cilantro indoors, The plant's relatively small size makes it a great herb to grow in containers. A pot that’s at least 8 inches wide and deep is best for cilantro. Make sure it has drainage holes. An unglazed clay container is ideal because it will allow excess soil moisture to evaporate through its walls.

Pruning

You are essentially pruning your cilantro plant whenever you harvest leaves. If you see a flower stalk beginning to grow, you can trim it off in an attempt to prolong leaf growth. However, if you’re hoping to harvest seeds, you’ll want to permit the flower stalk to grow. Wait until the end of the season, if possible, and allow the plant to flower so you can harvest seeds to grow more cilantro.

How to Grow Cilantro From Seed

Cilantro often will self-seed in the garden and propagate itself. You also can harvest and save seeds for later plantings. The time to do this is in the summer as the seed heads dry out on the plants. Here’s what to do:

1. Cut off the brown, dry seed heads from the plant. Put the heads upside down in a paper bag to dry them. Put the paper bag in a dark, well-ventilated, cool place, and allow the seeds to finish drying in the bag for easier harvest. In a few days, the heads should split open and release the seeds.

2. Allow the seeds to fully dry in a cool, dry spot out of direct sunlight.

3. Place the seeds you aren't using in an airtight container labeled with the date. They should be viable to plant for at least a few years.

4. Slightly crush or rub the cilantro seeds you are planting between your fingers to remove the husk. It’s also helpful to soak them in water overnight to increase the chances of germination.

5. Sow cilantro seeds directly in the ground or pot where they’ll reside, as these plants don’t like having their roots disturbed.

6. Keep the soil moist.
   

Potting and Repotting Cilantro

If you are using a pot, choose any quality well-draining potting mix that’s organic and formulated for herbs. Due to cilantro’s sensitive roots, repotting is best avoided. Instead, make sure you choose a suitable growing container for your seeds right from the start.

Common Pests

The strong and soapy fragrance of cilantro typically repels pests so it is generally resistant to any serious insect issues. However, some common pests, including aphids and leaf hoppers, might affect the plants. Use an insecticidal soap that’s safe for edible plants if you spot any pests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will cilantro grow back after I cut it?

Yes, cilantro will grow back after it's cut. When you cut a leaf off the plant it will produce another in its place up until this annual plant is ready to die.

Should I grow cilantro in the sun or the shade?

Grow cilantro in full sun though it may tolerate very light shade.

Is it hard to grow cilantro?

Cilantro is an easy herb to grow as long as it has mild temperatures and adequate sun and moisture.

Read the original article on The Spruce.