How to Grow Macho Cilantro
Wikimedia Commons
Macho Cilantro
Coriandrum sativum 'Macho'
herbMacho is a vigorous cilantro cultivar bred for slow bolting and larger leaves compared to standard varieties. It maintains leafy growth longer before flowering, making it ideal for extended harvests. The plant produces the characteristic pungent cilantro leaves with improved yield potential.
When should you plant Macho Cilantro in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Macho Cilantro timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Macho Cilantro
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Macho Cilantro
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Macho Cilantro dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; best as cool-season crop in spring and fall
Sign up free to see if Macho Cilantro grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Macho Cilantro timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysSeeds sprout and first cotyledons emerge; seedlings are delicate
Keep soil warm (60-70°F) and consistently moist. Thin seedlings to proper spacing after 2-3 true leaves appear. Direct sowing is preferred as cilantro dislikes transplanting.
Seedling & Leafy Growth
3-4 weeksTrue leaves develop; plant establishes a bushy rosette of finely divided green foliage
Maintain consistent moisture and moderate temperatures. Avoid heat stress. Feed with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Macho's advantage shows here with slower bolting.
Vegetative Peak
3-6 weeks (Macho's extended period)Plant reaches full leaf production with lush, dense foliage; no flowering yet
This is the prime harvest window for Macho. Pinch off any early flower buds to extend leafy growth. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage bushiness.
Bolting & Flowering
2-3 weeksPlant produces elongated stems with small white or pink flowers; foliage becomes sparse and flavor changes
If seeds are desired, allow bolting. Otherwise, pull plant or deadhead flowers. Cilantro flavor becomes more bitter and foliage less desirable at this stage.
Seed Production & Maturity
2-3 weeksFlowers fade and round seed pods (coriander) develop and dry; plant declines
Leave plant undisturbed to allow seeds to mature and dry. Harvest seed heads when brown but before they shatter. Cut stems and hang dry in paper bags.
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity and avoid drought stress.
-
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs for biological control.
-
Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Maintain good air circulation.
-
Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicide if widespread.
Uses
Fresh herb for salsas, guacamole, and Asian cuisine
CulinaryCilantro leaves are extensively used fresh in Mexican, Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese cooking. The herb adds bright, citrusy flavor to salsas, curries, pho, and ceviche. [source]
Coriander seed spice
CulinaryWhen Macho cilantro is allowed to bolt and produce seeds, the seeds can be dried and used as the spice coriander, which has a warm, slightly sweet, citrusy flavor used in cooking and baking. [source]
Digestive and anti-inflammatory properties
MedicinalCilantro has been traditionally used to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and possess antimicrobial properties. It contains linalool and other compounds with potential antioxidant benefits. [source]
Heavy metal detoxification (claimed use)
HouseholdCilantro is often promoted for its potential to bind and remove heavy metals from the body, though scientific evidence is limited. It contains compounds that may chelate certain metals. [source]
Garnish and food presentation
CraftFresh cilantro leaves and sprigs are popular garnishes for plating dishes, adding visual appeal and fresh flavor to soups, curries, and other prepared foods. [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 individual leaflets or cut outer stems with scissors. Macho's slow-bolting trait allows 2-3 months of continuous harvesting. Harvest in morning for best flavor. Cut leaves before flowering for optimal taste. For coriander seeds, allow plant to flower and seed; harvest when seed pods turn brown but before shattering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cilantro is polarizing—about 14% of people carry a genetic variant that makes it taste like soap due to the compound aldehyde being perceived differently by their olfactory receptors.
- 🌱 Macho cilantro was specifically bred to address the common complaint that standard cilantro bolts too quickly in warm weather, extending the harvest window by several weeks.
- 🌱 The same plant (Coriandrum sativum) produces both cilantro (the leaf) and coriander (the seed spice)—two very different flavors from the same species.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Macho Cilantro planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Macho Cilantro seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Macho Cilantro timeline →