
Cilantro is a versatile and aromatic herb that adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to a variety of dishes. Growing your cilantro at home is rewarding and ensures you have a steady supply whenever you need it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to grow cilantro, how to care for it, and tips on harvesting your crop.
Why Grow Cilantro?
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a staple in many cuisines around the world. It’s commonly used in Mexican, Indian, and Thai dishes, making it a must-have herb in any kitchen garden. Beyond its culinary uses, cilantro also has health benefits, such as aiding digestion and providing antioxidants. Growing your own cilantro allows you to enjoy its fresh flavor whenever you need it, without worrying about it wilting away in your refrigerator.
Best Way to Plant Cilantro
1. Choosing the Right Location
Cilantro thrives in a cool, sunny location with some shade during the hottest part of the day. Choose a spot in your garden that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or place your cilantro in a container that you can move as needed.
2. Soil Preparation
Cilantro prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Before planting, mix in some compost or aged manure to enrich the soil with nutrients. This will give your cilantro the best start and ensure healthy growth.
3. Planting Cilantro
- Direct Sowing: Cilantro has a long taproot, so it’s best to plant it directly in the garden or in a deep container. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them 6 inches apart. You can also sow seeds successively every few weeks to ensure a continuous harvest.
- Temperature Considerations: Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and can bolt (flower and go to seed) quickly in hot weather. To avoid this, plant your cilantro in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
Bolting

Maintaining Your Cilantro Plant
1. Watering
Cilantro needs consistent moisture to thrive. Water your plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. It’s essential to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to disease.
2. Fertilizing
Cilantro doesn’t require heavy fertilization. A light application of balanced, organic fertilizer every few weeks will suffice. Too much nitrogen can cause the plant to produce more leaves, but it may also increase the chances of bolting.
3. Mulching
Mulching around the base of your cilantro plants helps retain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool. This is particularly important in warmer climates where the soil can dry out quickly.
Harvesting Cilantro
Cilantro can be harvested as soon as the plant has enough leaves to sustain growth. This typically happens about 4 to 6 weeks after planting.
1. Harvesting Leaves
To harvest cilantro, simply cut the outer leaves at the base, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more leaves and delays bolting.
2. Harvesting Seeds (Coriander)
If your cilantro plants do bolt, don’t despair! The seeds that form, known as coriander, are also a valuable spice in many dishes. Once the flowers turn brown, cut the stems and place them in a paper bag to dry. After a few days, the seeds will fall off and can be stored in an airtight container.
Related: The Best Way to Cut, Dry, and Preserve Herbs
Troubleshooting Common Cilantro Problems
- Bolting: To reduce the chances of bolting, ensure your cilantro gets enough shade in hot weather and consider planting heat-resistant varieties.
- Pests: Cilantro is relatively pest-resistant, but aphids and whiteflies can sometimes be an issue. Use insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to keep these pests at bay.
- Disease: Overwatering can lead to root rot or fungal diseases. Ensure good drainage and avoid overhead watering.
Related: Identify and Manage Produce Pests
Conclusion
Growing cilantro at home is an easy and rewarding experience that provides you with fresh, flavorful herbs for your kitchen. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully grow cilantro, maintain its health, and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Whether you use it for garnishing your favorite dishes or as a key ingredient in salsa, fresh cilantro is a wonderful addition to any garden.