How to Grow Cilantro and Parsley
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Cilantro and Parsley
Coriandrum sativum and Petroselinum crispum
herbCilantro and parsley are cool-season herbs with delicate, aromatic foliage prized in kitchens worldwide. Both are relatively fast-growing, shade-tolerant herbs ideal for understory planting beneath taller vegetables or shrubs, maximizing garden efficiency.
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Example Cilantro and Parsley timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cilantro and Parsley
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 and Parsley
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cilantro and Parsley dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-10; both thrive in cool seasons and tolerate partial shade in warmer zones
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Germination
1-2 weeksTiny seedlings with cotyledons (seed leaves) emerge. Cilantro germinates in 7-10 days; parsley 10-14 days (slower germinator).
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide light without direct sun stress. Thin seedlings at 2-3 inches tall to reduce crowding.
Vegetative Growth
3-5 weeksTrue leaves develop with characteristic fern-like cilantro foliage or frilly parsley leaves. Plants establish strong root systems and branch structure.
Maintain consistent moisture. Side-dress with compost if needed. Pinch tips occasionally to encourage bushiness. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Leafy Stage (Ready for Harvest)
3-8 weeks depending on seasonFull canopy of harvestable foliage develops. Plants reach 8-12 inches tall with thick, flavorful leaves ideal for cutting.
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant has 6+ leaves. Regular harvesting encourages more leaf production. Maintain cool conditions to delay bolting.
Bolting/Flowering
2-4 weeks until seed maturityCilantro sends up flower stalks (especially in heat or long days); parsley develops umbel flower clusters. Leaves become smaller and more bitter.
For cilantro: bolting is inevitable in summer heat; allow to flower for coriander seed production or replant in fall/spring. For parsley: remove flower buds if continued leaf harvest is desired.
Seed Production
3-4 weeksCilantro produces round, tan, aromatic seeds in clusters; parsley seeds develop in brown-green seed pods.
Allow flowers to fully dry on plant if harvesting seeds. Cut seed heads and hang to dry in paper bags. Store seeds in cool, dry conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream, use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings. Reflective mulch deters colonization.
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Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Improve air circulation with undercanopy thinning.
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Increase humidity with regular misting. Use neem oil or miticide. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Improve air circulation. Spray with sulfur or baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon water). Ensure adequate light in understory.
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Remove infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering. Apply copper fungicide if severe. Ensure good drainage.
Uses
Fresh Cooking & Salads
CulinaryCilantro and parsley are essential fresh herbs in cuisines worldwide—cilantro in Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian dishes; parsley in Mediterranean and European cooking. Both add bright, fresh flavor to soups, salsas, garnishes, and dressings. [source]
Coriander Seeds & Preservation
CulinaryCilantro plants produce coriander seeds, a warm spice used whole or ground in curries, pickling, and baking. Both herbs dry well and can be preserved for off-season use. [source]
Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Support
MedicinalCilantro is traditionally used as a digestive aid and for chelating heavy metals; parsley contains vitamin K and antioxidants supporting bone health and anti-inflammatory responses. Both are nutrient-dense additions to herbal infusions. [source]
Breath Freshening & Oral Health
HouseholdBoth herbs contain chlorophyll and volatile compounds that naturally freshen breath. Cilantro is popularly used in cilantro water or smoothies for detoxification. Parsley is a traditional breath freshener in Mediterranean cultures. [source]
Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support
WildlifeWhen cilantro and parsley are allowed to flower, they attract bees, butterflies, and parasitic wasps that control garden pests. The flowers provide excellent early-season nectar. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cilantro: Begin harvesting leaves when plant has 6+ leaves (30-40 days). Pinch from top to encourage bushiness. Harvest frequently to delay bolting. In hot climates, succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous supply. Parsley: Cut outer stems at soil line starting when plant is 6-8 inches tall (70+ days). Both herbs are best harvested in morning for peak flavor. For cilantro seeds, allow flower heads to fully dry, then collect and store. Parsley is biennial; second-year plants produce larger seed yields.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cilantro's divisive flavor ('soapy' to some, 'fresh' to others) is genetic—the OR6A2 gene variant causes approximately 4-14% of people to perceive aldehydes as soapy rather than citrusy.
- 🌱 Parsley is biennial; it spends its first year building roots and leaves, then flowers and seeds in year two, making it ideal for succession planting to ensure continuous harvests.
- 🌱 Cilantro bolts extremely rapidly in temperatures above 77°F and long photoperiods, making shade-growing in a summer understory a clever strategy to extend the leafy harvest season by 2-3 weeks.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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