How to Grow Cilantro (Coriander): Sowing, Care and Harvest Without Early Bolting
How to grow cilantro in the garden and on the patio: when to sow, how to prevent cilantro bolting, growing cilantro in pots, how to harvest cilantro leaves, and how to collect your own coriander seeds.
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Cilantro is one plant with two harvests. Its fresh leaves, called cilantro in the United States, give salsa, curries and noodle dishes their bright flavor. Its seeds, called coriander, are a warm, citrusy spice. Both come from the same annual herb, Coriandrum sativum, and both are easy to grow once you understand one thing: cilantro loves cool weather.
This guide explains how to grow cilantro step by step. You will learn when to sow, why cilantro bolting happens and how to delay it, how growing cilantro in pots works on a patio or balcony, how to harvest cilantro for a steady supply of leaves, and how to collect coriander seeds for your kitchen.
Why Grow Cilantro?
- Fast: leaves are ready within a few weeks
- Two harvests: fresh leaves and coriander seeds
- Easy to grow from seed
- Flowers attract hoverflies, parasitic wasps and bees
- Homegrown leaves are far fresher than store-bought
- Bolts quickly in heat and long days
- Short harvest window per sowing
- Does not transplant well because of its taproot
- Needs repeated sowings for a steady supply
Cilantro vs. Coriander: What Is the Difference?
| Name | Plant part | Flavor | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cilantro | Fresh leaves and stems | Bright, citrusy, fresh | Salsa, guacamole, curries, noodle dishes |
| Coriander seeds | Dried seeds | Warm, nutty, citrusy | Spice blends, pickling, baking, curries |
| Coriander root | Root | Intense cilantro flavor | Thai and Vietnamese pastes and soups |
In the United States, “cilantro” means the leaves and “coriander” usually means the seeds. In many other countries, the whole plant is called coriander. It is the same plant either way.
When to Sow Cilantro
Cilantro grows best in cool weather. Oregon State University Extension recommends sowing from early spring through early summer, then again in early fall, and avoiding peak summer heat when plants bolt quickly.
| Climate | Best sowing times |
|---|---|
| Cold winters (northern states) | Early spring as soon as the soil can be worked; again in late summer for a fall crop |
| Mild climates | Early spring and early fall |
| Hot summers, mild winters (South, Southwest) | Fall through early spring; cilantro grows through the cool season |
| Anywhere | Avoid sowing in midsummer heat |
According to Oregon State University, seeds germinate at soil temperatures of about 55 to 68°F, and mature plants tolerate light frost.
Where to Plant Cilantro
- Sun: full sun in cool seasons; Utah State recommends full sun, while the University of Maryland suggests light afternoon shade, which helps delay bolting in warm weather.
- Soil: fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost.
- Moisture: evenly moist, but not wet; cilantro does not like damp, humid conditions.
- Placement: next to taller crops such as tomatoes or beans, which give some afternoon shade later in the season.
A raised bed with good compost suits cilantro well; see how to build a raised garden bed.
How to Grow Cilantro from Seed
Some gardeners gently crush the round “seed” before sowing, because each one contains two seeds. It is not necessary, but it can give more even germination.
Cilantro Care
| Task | How | When |
|---|---|---|
| Watering | Water regularly while plants establish; keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy | When the top inch is dry |
| Mulching | A thin layer of compost or straw keeps the soil cool | After seedlings are a few inches tall |
| Feeding | Rarely needed in compost-rich soil | At most once, early in the season |
| Weeding | Keep rows clear so seedlings are not shaded or crowded out | Spring and fall |
| Flower stems | Pinch them off to extend the leaf harvest | As soon as they appear |
For more on watering, see how often to water your vegetable garden, and keep weeds out with our guide to weeds in the vegetable garden.
Cilantro Bolting: Why It Happens and How to Delay It
Cilantro bolting means the plant stops making leaves and sends up a flower stalk. The leaves on the stalk become fine and feathery, and their flavor changes. According to Oregon State University, both temperature and day length trigger flowering: in midsummer heat, cilantro often flowers within four to six weeks, while in cool spring and fall weather it keeps producing leaves for weeks or months.
| Cause of cilantro bolting | How to delay it |
|---|---|
| Hot weather | Sow in early spring and early fall; avoid midsummer sowing |
| Long days | Grow cilantro mainly as a spring and fall crop |
| Dry soil | Keep the soil evenly moist and mulched |
| Root disturbance | Sow directly instead of transplanting |
| Full afternoon sun in heat | Give light afternoon shade |
| Fast-bolting varieties | Choose slow-bolting varieties |
Utah State University Extension also recommends growing plants close together, mulching and keeping moisture consistent to help prevent cilantro bolting. Even so, every cilantro plant eventually flowers. That is why repeated sowings every two to three weeks are the real secret to a steady harvest.
Slow-Bolting Cilantro Varieties
Utah State University Extension mentions slow-bolting choices such as Slow Bolting and Leisure for leaf harvests, and also names Costa Rica, California Long Standing, Lemon, Delfino and Moroccan as good varieties. Look for words such as “slow bolt” or “long standing” on the seed packet when you want leaves, and any variety when you mainly want coriander seeds.
Growing Cilantro in Pots
The University of Maryland Extension notes that cilantro can be grown successfully in containers. Growing cilantro in pots also lets you move it into shade when the weather warms up.
| Container tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Pot depth | At least 8 to 10 inches deep for the taproot |
| Width | A wide pot or window box, so you can sow a small patch |
| Potting mix | Good-quality potting mix with some compost |
| Sowing | Sow directly in the pot; thin seedlings to 2 to 3 inches apart |
| Light | Morning sun and afternoon shade in warm weather |
| Watering | Check daily; dry pots make cilantro bolt quickly |
| Succession | Sow a new pot every two to three weeks |
For more container ideas, see growing plants in pots, and for indoor growing in winter, how to grow herbs indoors.
How to Harvest Cilantro
Knowing how to harvest cilantro lets you pick from each sowing for as long as possible. The University of Maryland advises harvesting when plants are about 4 to 6 inches tall.
- Cut the larger outer stems near the base and let the inner leaves keep growing.
- Take no more than a third of the plant at one time.
- For a quick harvest of a whole row, cut all plants about 2 inches above the soil; they may regrow once.
- Harvest in the morning for the freshest leaves.
- Once a plant starts to bolt, harvest the remaining leaves quickly, or let it flower for seeds.
How to Harvest Coriander Seeds
If your cilantro bolts, you can still enjoy a second harvest: coriander seeds. The University of Maryland Extension advises waiting until the flower heads turn brown.
Save some seeds to sow next season. Cilantro also self-seeds readily if you leave a few plants to drop their seeds.
Storing Fresh Cilantro
| Method | How | Keeps |
|---|---|---|
| In water | Stand stems in a glass of water in the refrigerator, loosely covered with a bag | About a week |
| Wrapped | Wrap dry leaves in a paper towel in a bag in the refrigerator | A few days |
| Freezing | Chop leaves and freeze in ice cube trays with water or oil | Several months |
Oregon State University notes that cilantro leaves are best used fresh; drying removes most of their flavor.
Cilantro Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Plants bolt within weeks | Heat, long days or dry soil | Sow in cool seasons, water evenly and sow again |
| Poor germination | Soil too warm or too dry | Sow in cooler weather and keep the soil moist |
| Yellow, stunted plants | Waterlogged soil | Improve drainage; water less |
| Distorted, yellowing growth | Aster yellows spread by leafhoppers | Remove infected plants; Utah State lists leafhoppers as the main pest |
| Aphids | Clusters on new growth | Spray off with water |
| Holes in seedlings | Slugs | See our slug guide |
See how to get rid of slugs and our garden insects guide for more pest control tips.
Common Mistakes When Growing Cilantro
| Mistake | Result | Better approach |
|---|---|---|
| Sowing once in late spring | A short harvest before the plants bolt in summer heat | Sow in early spring and early fall, every two to three weeks |
| Buying and transplanting large plants | Transplant shock and early bolting | Sow seed directly where it will grow |
| Letting the soil dry out | Fast bolting and tough leaves | Water evenly and mulch |
| Harvesting the whole plant at once | No regrowth | Cut outer stems and leave the center |
| Pulling bolted plants right away | Missing the coriander harvest and the pollinators | Let some plants flower and set seed |
A comfortable kneeling pad makes sowing and thinning rows much easier, and a hose nozzle with a gentle shower setting keeps the seedbed moist without washing seeds away; see our garden hose nozzle guide.
Using Fresh Cilantro and Coriander
- Fresh salsa, pico de gallo and guacamole.
- Curries, dal and chutneys.
- Vietnamese and Thai noodle soups and salads, often with mint and basil.
- Coriander seeds in spice rubs, pickles, curries and baked goods; toast them lightly in a dry pan for extra flavor.
- Coriander roots in Thai curry pastes.
Not everyone loves cilantro: for some people, the leaves taste soapy. If that is you, try growing it for the coriander seeds, which have a completely different, warm flavor.
Cilantro, Companions and Pollinators
When cilantro flowers, its small white umbels attract hoverflies, parasitic wasps and bees, which help control aphids and other pests in the vegetable garden. Sow it between tomatoes, peppers and beans, where taller plants later give it some shade.
See what grows well with tomatoes for more combinations, and our guides on how to grow parsley and how to grow mint for other kitchen herbs.
What You Need
You do not need much to learn how to grow cilantro well. These basics make sowing and harvesting easier:
| Item | Why it helps | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Wide, deep pot or seed row | Space for repeated sowings | 8 to 10 inches deep; sow a new patch every 2 to 3 weeks |
| Sharp pruners or herb snips | Clean cuts for harvesting and pruning | See our gardening tool sets guide |
| Gardening gloves | Protect your hands when planting and weeding | See our gardening gloves guide |
| Hose nozzle with a gentle shower setting | Waters seedlings and pots without washing out soil | See our garden hose nozzle guide |
| Kneeling pad | More comfortable sowing, planting and weeding | See our kneeling pad guide |
More Herb Guides
Building a kitchen herb garden? Our other herb guides explain how to grow mint, how to grow thyme, how to grow parsley and how to grow sage. To grow herbs on a windowsill in winter, see how to grow herbs indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cilantro and parsley?
Cilantro has rounder, more lobed leaves and a strong citrusy smell, while flat-leaf parsley has pointed leaflets and a milder, grassy flavor. Cilantro bolts quickly in heat; parsley keeps producing for months.
Can I grow cilantro in summer?
It is difficult, because heat and long days make it bolt. Try slow-bolting varieties in afternoon shade with moist soil, or let summer sowings flower and harvest coriander seeds instead.
How do I grow cilantro?
Sow seeds directly about ½ inch deep in early spring or early fall, in sun with some afternoon shade in warm climates. Keep the soil moist, thin seedlings and sow again every two to three weeks.
Why does my cilantro bolt so quickly?
Heat, long days and dry soil trigger cilantro bolting. In midsummer, plants can flower within four to six weeks. Sow in cool seasons, keep the soil moist and choose slow-bolting varieties.
Can I still eat cilantro after it bolts?
Yes, but the leaves become finer and their flavor changes. Many gardeners let bolted plants flower and harvest the coriander seeds instead.
How do I harvest cilantro so it keeps growing?
Cut the outer stems near the base when plants are 4 to 6 inches tall, and take no more than a third of the plant at a time.
Is growing cilantro in pots easy?
Yes. Use a pot at least 8 to 10 inches deep, sow directly, keep it evenly moist and move it into afternoon shade in warm weather.
How long does cilantro take to grow?
Seeds can take up to three weeks to germinate, and leaves are ready to harvest a few weeks later, when plants are 4 to 6 inches tall.
Should I transplant cilantro?
It is better to sow directly. Cilantro has a long taproot and often bolts after being transplanted.
How do I collect coriander seeds?
Let plants flower and wait until the seed heads turn brown. Cut them, dry them upside down in a paper bag and rub out the seeds.
Does cilantro come back every year?
Cilantro is an annual, but it often self-seeds if you let a few plants drop their seeds.
Does cilantro need full sun?
Full sun is fine in cool weather. In warm weather, light afternoon shade helps delay bolting.
What are the best slow-bolting cilantro varieties?
Look for varieties labeled “slow bolt” or “long standing”, such as Slow Bolting, Leisure or California Long Standing.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to grow cilantro: sow it directly in cool weather, keep the soil moist, give it some afternoon shade in warm climates and sow a new batch every two to three weeks. That is the most reliable way to keep cilantro bolting from cutting your harvest short.
Growing cilantro in pots or beds is easy, and knowing how to harvest cilantro correctly keeps each sowing productive. When plants do flower, let them feed the pollinators and collect your own coriander seeds: two harvests from one simple plant.
Sources: Utah State University Extension: cilantro/coriander in the garden; Oregon State University Extension: how to grow cilantro for leaves or coriander seeds; University of Maryland Extension: cilantro/coriander.
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