How to Grow Cilantro / Coriander
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Cilantro / Coriander
Coriandrum sativum
herbCilantro (also called coriander leaf) is a fast-growing annual herb with delicate, lacy foliage and a distinctive aromatic flavor prized in cuisines worldwide. The same plant produces both the fresh leaves (cilantro) harvested early and the dried seeds (coriander) when allowed to mature. It bolts quickly in warm weather but is easy to succession plant for continuous harvests.
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Example Cilantro / Coriander timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cilantro / Coriander
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Cilantro / Coriander
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-11; prefers cool seasons (spring and fall)
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Seedling
7-14 daysTiny seedlings with first true leaves appearing 7-10 days after sowing; delicate and light green
Keep soil moist; thin seedlings to proper spacing once second set of leaves appears; avoid overwatering to prevent damping off
Vegetative (Leaf Stage)
25-40 daysPlant develops feathery, finely dissected leaves on thin stems; bushy growth with multiple leaf tiers; no flowers yet
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant has 6+ leaves; this encourages bushier growth and delays bolting; keep consistently moist; maintain cool temperatures if possible
Bolting (Transition)
7-14 daysPlant elongates, stems become stronger and taller, leaf shape changes to more feathery dissection; flowering buds form at top
Bolting is triggered by heat and long days; if harvest of leaves is desired, pinch off flower buds; if seed production is goal, allow bolting to continue; reduce watering slightly
Flowering & Seed Development
30-45 daysDelicate white, pink, or pale purple flowers appear in umbel clusters; flowers give way to round seed pods that mature from green to brown
Stop leaf harvesting; allow flowers to be pollinated (attracts beneficial insects); reduce watering as seeds develop; seeds are ready when pods turn brown and dry
Seed Harvest & Maturity
14-21 daysSeed pods dry completely on the plant, turning brown; seeds easily separate from pods; plant begins to decline
Cut entire flower heads and hang upside down over cloth to dry and collect seeds; let seeds fully dry (2-3 weeks) before storing; pull plant if no longer needed
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with water; use neem oil if severe; maintain cool growing conditions
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain good air circulation
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Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if widespread
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Ensure good air flow; reduce humidity; apply sulfur dust or baking soda spray; remove severely affected leaves
Uses
Fresh cilantro in cuisines
CulinaryFresh cilantro leaves are widely used in Mexican, Indian, Southeast Asian, and Mediterranean cooking as a finishing herb in salsas, curries, rice dishes, and beverages. The leaves have a bright, citrusy flavor that complements fresh and cooked dishes. [source]
Coriander seed spice
CulinaryDried coriander seeds have a warm, sweet, slightly citrusy flavor and are used whole or ground in spice blends, curries, pickling, and baking. They are a staple in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. [source]
Digestive and anti-inflammatory support
MedicinalCilantro and coriander seeds have been used traditionally to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and support anti-inflammatory responses. The plant contains compounds like linalool that may support digestive health. [source]
Natural detoxification aid
HouseholdCilantro has been used in traditional medicine as a potential aid in supporting the body's natural detoxification processes, particularly regarding heavy metal chelation, though scientific evidence is still emerging. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeAllowing cilantro to flower and produce seeds attracts beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, supporting garden biodiversity and pest control. [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 fresh cilantro leaves, begin harvesting once plant has 6+ true leaves by pinching off outer stems or cutting with scissors 1 inch above soil. Regular harvesting delays bolting and encourages bushier growth. Harvest entire plant just before flowering for maximum leaf flavor. For coriander seeds, allow plant to flower and mature seeds until pods turn brown and dry; cut entire seed heads, hang to dry, then strip seeds into container. Harvest seeds when they easily separate from pods and before they fall naturally.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cilantro has a polarizing taste: approximately 4-14% of the population perceives a soapy flavor due to a genetic variation affecting olfactory receptors (OR6A2 gene), while others find it fresh and citrusy.
- 🌱 The same plant (Coriandrum sativum) provides two distinct culinary products: fresh leaves called cilantro and dried seeds called coriander, each with different flavor profiles and uses.
- 🌱 Cilantro has been cultivated for over 3,500 years and appears in Sanskrit texts from ancient India; it is native to the Mediterranean and western Asia but is now essential to cuisines worldwide.
Gardening Terms
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