How to Grow Cilantro Leisure

Cilantro Leisure

Coriandrum sativum 'Leisure'

herb

Cilantro Leisure is a slow-bolting variety of cilantro (also called coriander leaf) bred specifically to extend the harvest window by resisting early flowering. This cultivar produces abundant, tender foliage with the classic cilantro flavor and is ideal for gardeners in warmer climates or those seeking prolonged leaf production.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of sunlight daily

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. More frequent watering in hot weather helps delay bolting.

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Spacing: 6 inches

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Days to maturity: 40-60 days to first harvest

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Planting depth: 0.25 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

compost peat moss aged manure

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-10; performs especially well in zones 5-9

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

Growth Stages

Seedling

1-2 weeks

Delicate seedlings with two small cotyledons emerge within 7-10 days. First true leaves appear thin and thread-like.

Keep soil moist but avoid waterlogging. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart when 1-2 inches tall.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant develops feathery, finely divided foliage on erect stems. Leaves are bright green and reach full flavor profile.

Maintain consistent moisture and cool temperatures (50-75°F ideal). Pinch off any flower buds to encourage leaf growth. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Maturation/Harvesting

4-8 weeks (extended compared to standard cilantro)

Plant reaches full size with bushy growth and abundant harvestable foliage. Leisure variety shows slow bolting tendency even as it matures.

Begin harvesting outer leaves regularly. Continue removing any flower buds. Consistent harvesting encourages bushier growth and delays flowering.

Bolting (Late Season)

2-3 weeks

Plant eventually sends up flower stems with small white or pale pink flowers, followed by round seed pods (coriander).

If seed is not desired, pull the plant. If collecting coriander seeds, allow flowers to mature and dry on the plant. Seeds are ready when pods turn brown.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

basil dill fennel spinach lettuce carrot radish peas tomato

Avoid planting near:

anise

Common Pests

Increase humidity by misting foliage; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days if infestation occurs.
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent infestations.
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if populations become heavy.
Avoid overhead watering; ensure good air circulation; remove affected leaves; apply fungicide if severe.

Uses

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Fresh Cooking & Garnish

Culinary

Cilantro Leisure is widely used fresh in salads, salsas, curries, and as a garnish for soups and dishes. Its extended harvest season makes it ideal for gardeners who want sustained fresh supply throughout the growing season. [source]

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Asian & Latin Cuisine

Culinary

Fresh cilantro is essential in Vietnamese pho, Thai curries, Indian chutneys, and Mexican salsas. The slow-bolting Leisure variety ensures consistent availability for these signature dishes. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Cilantro has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to aid digestion, support detoxification, and reduce inflammation. Modern studies suggest it may have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. [source]

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Coriander Seed Production

Household

If allowed to bolt and mature, cilantro produces coriander seeds valuable for cooking, tea infusions, and pickling spice blends. The Leisure variety still produces viable seeds after extended leaf harvest. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

When cilantro flowers, it provides nectar and pollen for beneficial insects including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies that help pollinate other garden plants and control pests. [source]

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

Harvest Tips

Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 4-6 inches tall, about 3-4 weeks after planting. Pinch off leaves from the top down to encourage bushier growth. The Leisure variety can be harvested for 6-8 weeks or longer before bolting, compared to 3-4 weeks for standard cilantro. Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best flavor. Use leaves fresh or dry them for later use.

Fun Facts

🌱 Cilantro Leisure was specifically bred to address the 'cilantro bolting problem'—the herb's natural tendency to flower quickly in warm weather. This variety can extend harvest by 2-3 times longer than standard cilantro varieties.
🌱 The same plant produces two different herbs: fresh cilantro leaves (the herb used in cooking) and coriander seeds (a warm spice used in curries and baking). Cilantro Leisure lets gardeners enjoy both from one planting.
🌱 Cilantro has a polarizing taste due to a gene (OR6A2) that makes about 14% of people perceive it as soapy rather than herbaceous. The Leisure variety tastes the same, so genetic preference for the flavor remains unchanged.

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