How to Grow Cilantro

Cilantro

Coriandrum sativum

herb

Cilantro is a fast-growing annual herb with delicate, feathery foliage and small white or pale pink flowers. It produces both flavorful leaves (cilantro) and aromatic seeds (coriander) that are used in cuisines worldwide. The plant is known for its pungent aroma and distinctive taste that divides opinion among gardeners.

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Slow Bolt Calypso Jalapeno Santo Leisure

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of sunlight daily, afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 2-3 times per week, increasing frequency during hot weather. Drought stress hastens bolting.

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Spacing: 4-6 inches apart for leaf production; 12 inches for seed production inches

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Days to maturity: 35-50 days for leaf harvest; 90-120 days for seed production

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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.2-6.8

Amendments:

Compost aged manure organic matter for moisture retention

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 2-11; grows best in cool seasons (spring and fall)

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

1-2 weeks

Tiny cotyledons emerge 7-10 days after planting; delicate thread-like stems with narrow seed leaves

Keep soil consistently moist; provide bright light; thin seedlings to proper spacing when 1 inch tall

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Rapid development of feathery, finely divided leaves; plant grows bushy and full; no flowers yet

Water regularly; pinch off flower buds to encourage leaf production; fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer

Bolting/Flowering

2-3 weeks

Plant produces tall flower stalks with small white or pale pink flowers; leaves become coarser and less flavorful

Bolting is natural and marks the transition to seed production; cannot be reversed; allow to continue if seed harvest is desired

Seed Production

3-4 weeks

Flowers develop into small round fruits containing aromatic coriander seeds; seeds change from green to brown as they mature

Reduce watering slightly; allow plants to dry somewhat; seeds are ready when they turn brown and dry

Harvest Ready

Continuous for leaves; one-time for seeds

Leaves are at peak flavor before bolting; seeds are fully mature and brown; plant may decline after seed harvest

Harvest leaves regularly to delay bolting; cut seed heads when brown but before they shatter

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Spinach Lettuce Peas Carrots Radishes Beets Chives Dill Parsley Borage Nasturtium

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Coriander with other umbellifers in close proximity

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs; neem oil as last resort
Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticides if severe; neem oil
Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators
Improve air circulation; spray with baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon water); sulfur dust; avoid overhead watering

Uses

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Fresh Herb & Cooking

Culinary

Cilantro leaves are used fresh in salsas, curries, Asian dishes, and garnishes. The flavor is bright and citrusy, though some experience a soapy taste due to genetic sensitivity. [source]

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Coriander Seeds & Spice

Culinary

Mature seeds are harvested for coriander spice, used in Indian, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. Seeds have a warm, citrusy, slightly sweet flavor. [source]

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Digestive Aid & Detoxification

Medicinal

Cilantro has been traditionally used to aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and support heavy metal detoxification. Seeds are used in herbal remedies. [source]

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Natural Flavoring & Preservation

Household

Fresh cilantro is used to flavor oils, vinegars, and pickling solutions. Seeds are used in spice blends and pickling recipes. [source]

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Pest Control & Companion Planting

Craft

Cilantro attracts beneficial insects and can help repel certain pests from nearby plants, making it valuable in integrated pest management gardens. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For leaves: Begin harvesting when plant is 3-4 inches tall, about 2-3 weeks after planting. Pinch off outer leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth and delay bolting. Harvest in the morning when leaves are most flavorful. For seeds: Allow flowers to develop and mature until seeds turn brown (approximately 3-4 weeks after flowering). Cut entire seed heads and hang them in a warm, dry location over a cloth or bag to catch falling seeds.

Fun Facts

🌱 Cilantro is one of the oldest herbs, with evidence of cultivation dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
🌱 The plant is biennial in its natural habitat but grown as an annual in most gardens; it produces both edible leaves and aromatic seeds from the same plant.
🌱 About 14% of people have a genetic variant that makes cilantro taste like soap due to how they perceive aldehyde compounds, a common flavor component.

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