Growing cilantro plants at home is one of the easiest ways to keep fresh, flavorful herbs within reach of your kitchen. Cilantro grows quickly, works well in garden beds and containers, and can provide repeated harvests when planted at the right time.
But cilantro has one habit that frustrates many gardeners: it bolts quickly when temperatures rise.
Instead of continuing to produce tender leaves, the plant begins growing tall, produces flowers, and eventually forms seeds. This can make growing cilantro plants during hot summers especially challenging.
Fortunately, understanding cilantro’s preferred growing conditions makes a huge difference.
Whether you want cilantro for homemade salsa, tacos, soups, salads, marinades, or other recipes, this guide covers everything you need to know about growing cilantro plants, including planting from seed, watering, fertilizing, harvesting, succession planting, container growing, preventing premature bolting, and collecting coriander seeds.
What Is Cilantro?
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb grown for both its flavorful leaves and its seeds.
The fresh green leaves and stems are generally called cilantro, while the dried seeds are known as coriander.
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That means one inexpensive packet of seeds can potentially give you two useful kitchen ingredients.
Cilantro belongs to the same plant family as several other familiar herbs and vegetables, including:
- Parsley
- Dill
- Fennel
- Carrots
Cilantro develops delicate green leaves and eventually sends up tall flowering stems containing clusters of small flowers.
After pollination, those flowers develop into round coriander seeds.
Why Growing Cilantro Plants at Home?
Fresh cilantro is readily available at grocery stores, but growing your own offers several advantages.
Cilantro Grows Quickly
Unlike perennial herbs that may take months to become established, cilantro can produce harvestable leaves relatively quickly.
Under good growing conditions, you may begin harvesting young cilantro leaves within several weeks of planting.
It Doesn’t Require Much Space
You don’t need a large garden.
Cilantro grows well in:
- Raised beds
- Traditional gardens
- Herb gardens
- Containers
- Patio planters
- Window boxes
Its relatively compact size makes cilantro useful for gardeners working with limited space.
Fresh Cilantro Is Easy to Harvest
Instead of buying a bunch of cilantro and watching half of it wilt in the refrigerator, you can harvest what you need directly from the garden.
Cilantro Flowers Benefit the Garden
If some plants are allowed to flower, the small blooms can attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
You Can Harvest Coriander Seeds
Letting a few plants complete their life cycle gives you coriander seeds that can be dried for cooking or saved for future planting.
When Is the Best Time for Growing Cilantro Plants?
Timing is one of the most important parts of successfully growing cilantro.
Cilantro prefers cool weather.
It generally performs much better during spring and fall than during the hottest part of summer.
As temperatures increase and days become hotter, cilantro tends to bolt.
For gardeners in warmer climates, cilantro can be especially useful as a:
- Fall herb
- Winter herb in mild conditions
- Early spring crop
Gardeners in colder climates generally have a longer spring growing window.
Instead of thinking of cilantro as a summer herb like basil, think of it more like a cool-season garden crop.
Growing Cilantro Plants in Texas
Texas gardeners need to pay particularly close attention to planting time.
Hot Texas summers can cause cilantro to bolt extremely quickly. In much of the state, fall through spring provides better conditions than summer.
In East Texas and other areas with relatively mild winters, gardeners may be able to grow cilantro during portions of fall, winter, and early spring, depending on local temperatures and freezes.
The goal is to establish your plants while temperatures are cool enough to encourage leafy growth.
When extremely hot weather approaches, don’t be surprised when cilantro begins flowering.
That’s simply part of its natural life cycle.
How Much Sun Does Cilantro Need?
Cilantro generally performs well with plenty of sunlight during cool weather.
Aim for approximately:
4 to 6 hours or more of direct sunlight each day.
During cool spring and fall weather, full sun can work well.
In warmer climates, however, some afternoon shade may help protect plants from intense heat.
A location receiving morning sunlight followed by some afternoon protection can be particularly useful when temperatures begin increasing.
Remember that shade won’t completely prevent cilantro from bolting once temperatures become consistently hot.
Planting during the proper season remains your best strategy.
Best Soil for Growing Cilantro Plants
Cilantro prefers fertile, loose, well-draining soil.
Heavy, waterlogged soil can cause poor root development and increase the risk of plant problems.
Before planting in a garden bed, improve the soil with organic matter if needed.
Good additions may include:
- Finished compost
- Well-aged organic matter
- Quality garden soil
Avoid planting cilantro where water remains standing after rain.
Raised beds are especially useful because they can provide excellent drainage.
How to Grow Cilantro from Seed
Growing cilantro directly from seed is usually the easiest way to establish plants.
Cilantro develops a taproot and doesn’t always appreciate having its roots disturbed. Direct sowing eliminates the transplanting process entirely.
Step 1: Prepare the Soil
Loosen the upper several inches of soil and remove weeds, rocks, and large clumps.
Work a little finished compost into poor soil if necessary.
Smooth the planting area before sowing.
Step 2: Plant Cilantro Seeds
Plant seeds approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
Space seeds roughly 1 to 2 inches apart initially.
You can thin the seedlings later as they grow.
If planting rows, leave enough space between rows for airflow and easy harvesting.
Step 3: Water Gently
Water thoroughly after planting without washing the seeds away.
Keep the soil consistently moist while you’re waiting for germination.
Avoid keeping it soggy.
Step 4: Thin the Seedlings
Once seedlings become established, thin crowded plants.
Depending on how you intend to harvest them, plants can generally be spaced approximately 4 to 8 inches apart.
Don’t waste the seedlings you remove.
Young cilantro seedlings are edible and can be used in the kitchen.
How Long Does Cilantro Take to Germinate?
Cilantro typically takes approximately 7 to 14 days to germinate, although temperature, soil moisture, seed age, and planting depth can affect germination.
Keep the seedbed evenly moist during this period.
If the surface dries completely after planting, germination may become inconsistent.
Should You Soak Cilantro Seeds Before Planting?
Soaking isn’t absolutely necessary.
Cilantro seeds have a relatively hard outer structure, and some gardeners soak them before planting to encourage faster germination.
If your cilantro germinates successfully without soaking, there’s no need to complicate the process.
Fresh seed, proper moisture, appropriate temperatures, and good seed-to-soil contact are usually more important.
Growing Cilantro Plants in Raised Beds
Raised beds are excellent for cilantro.
They make it easier to control:
- Soil quality
- Drainage
- Weed competition
- Plant spacing
- Irrigation
If you’re already growing cool-season vegetables in raised beds, cilantro can fit nicely into unused spaces.
Because cilantro has a relatively short growing cycle, it can also be planted where a warm-season vegetable will eventually grow later in the year.
Harvest the cilantro before planting your summer crop.
Growing Cilantro Plants in Containers
Cilantro is also an excellent container herb.
Choose a container with adequate depth so the roots have room to develop.
A pot approximately 8 to 12 inches deep or deeper is a good starting point.
Drainage holes are essential.
Fill the container with quality potting mix rather than heavy garden soil.
Plant several seeds throughout the container and thin them after germination.
Containers have one major advantage: mobility.
When spring temperatures begin increasing, you can move your cilantro where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
How Often Should You Water Cilantro?
Cilantro grows best with consistent moisture.
Newly planted seeds need frequent attention because the upper layer of soil can dry quickly.
Established plants can be watered more deeply.
A useful approach is to check the soil with your finger.
If the upper portion is beginning to dry, it’s probably time to water.
The exact watering frequency depends on:
- Temperature
- Rainfall
- Soil type
- Container size
- Sun exposure
- Wind
Avoid watering according to a rigid calendar.
Check the soil instead.
Avoid Overwatering Cilantro
Cilantro likes moisture but doesn’t want constantly saturated roots.
Signs of excessive moisture may include:
- Yellowing leaves
- Weak growth
- Wilting despite wet soil
- Root problems
Good drainage is particularly important for container-grown cilantro.
Never leave a cilantro container sitting continuously in standing water.
Should You Fertilize Cilantro?
Cilantro generally doesn’t require heavy fertilization.
Remember, you’re primarily trying to encourage tender leafy growth.
Starting with good garden soil amended with compost may provide much of what the plant needs during its relatively short growing season.
Container-grown cilantro may eventually benefit from a light feeding because nutrients wash from containers more quickly.
Avoid excessive fertilizer.
More fertilizer doesn’t automatically mean more flavorful cilantro.
How to Keep Cilantro Growing Longer
One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is planting one large batch of cilantro and expecting it to produce for months.
A better strategy is succession planting.
Instead of planting all your seeds at once, plant smaller amounts periodically.
For example, sow another small patch approximately every 2 to 3 weeks while weather remains suitable.
Your garden might contain:
- Newly germinated seedlings
- Young plants
- Harvestable plants
- Older plants beginning to flower
When one planting begins bolting, another is already growing.
This is one of the easiest ways to extend your fresh cilantro harvest.
What Does It Mean When Cilantro Bolts?
Bolting occurs when cilantro transitions from producing leaves to producing flowers and seeds.
The plant suddenly starts growing upward.
You’ll notice:
- Taller stems
- Finer upper leaves
- Flower buds
- Small flowers
- Eventually, seed heads
Once this happens, leafy cilantro production declines.
Bolting isn’t necessarily a sign that you’ve done something wrong.
It’s a normal part of the plant’s life cycle.
Why Does Cilantro Bolt So Fast?
Heat is one of the biggest triggers.
As temperatures increase, cilantro naturally moves toward flowering and seed production.
Other stresses may contribute to the problem, but planting cilantro during hot weather almost guarantees a shorter leaf harvest.
This is why planting time matters so much when growing cilantro plants.
How to Keep Cilantro from Bolting
You probably can’t stop bolting indefinitely, but you can delay it.
Plant During Cooler Weather
This is the most effective solution.
Grow cilantro during fall, winter where appropriate, and early spring instead of summer.
Provide Afternoon Shade
When temperatures begin warming, afternoon shade can reduce heat stress.
Keep Soil Consistently Moist
Extremely dry soil can stress plants.
Don’t allow cilantro to repeatedly wilt.
Use Mulch
A thin layer of organic mulch can help moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture.
Succession Plant
Even with perfect care, individual cilantro plants won’t produce leaves forever.
Repeated planting provides a much more reliable supply.
What Should You Do When Cilantro Flowers?
You have several choices.
If you only want fresh leaves, remove the plant and replace it with another crop.
But allowing at least a few plants to flower can be beneficial.
Cilantro flowers can attract small pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden.
More importantly, the flowers eventually produce coriander seeds.
That turns a bolting cilantro plant into another harvest instead of a gardening failure.
How to Harvest Cilantro
You can begin harvesting once plants have developed enough healthy foliage to continue growing after cutting.
For small harvests, remove individual outer leaves and stems.
For larger harvests, cut stems while leaving enough of the plant behind for regrowth.
Clean scissors or garden snips work well.
Harvesting regularly encourages you to use the leaves while they’re at their best.
Best Time of Day to Harvest Cilantro
Morning is generally an excellent time to harvest herbs.
Wait until excess moisture or dew has dried from the foliage.
Use cilantro immediately when possible for maximum freshness.
If you’re harvesting for dinner later that day, keep the cut stems cool until needed.
Can Cilantro Grow Back After Cutting?
Yes, provided you don’t remove the entire growing point or cut the plant too severely.
Harvesting outer stems allows younger growth to continue developing.
However, cilantro isn’t like a perennial herb that can be harvested indefinitely.
Eventually, especially as temperatures rise, the plant will complete its life cycle.
Succession planting remains important even when using good harvesting techniques.
How to Store Fresh Cilantro
Freshly harvested cilantro can lose moisture quickly.
For short-term storage, gently rinse the cilantro if necessary and remove damaged leaves.
One popular approach is to place the stems in a small amount of water, somewhat like cut flowers, and store them in the refrigerator.
Another option is wrapping the cilantro with a slightly damp paper towel and placing it inside a food-storage container or bag.
Avoid storing the leaves soaking wet.
Excess moisture can encourage deterioration.
Can You Freeze Cilantro?
Yes, although frozen cilantro won’t have the same texture as fresh cilantro.
Frozen leaves work better in cooked dishes than as a fresh garnish.
You can chop cilantro and freeze portions for use in:
- Soups
- Sauces
- Chili
- Rice
- Marinades
- Cooked Mexican-inspired dishes
Freezing is useful when your garden produces more cilantro than you can use fresh.
How to Harvest Coriander Seeds
One of the best things about growing cilantro plants is getting a second harvest.
Once flowers are pollinated, small green seeds begin developing.
Allow the seeds to mature and become dry.
When they’re approaching maturity, cut the seed heads and place them into a paper bag or container.
Allow them to finish drying thoroughly.
Rub or shake the dried heads to release the coriander seeds.
Remove plant debris and store completely dried seeds in an airtight container.
Using Coriander Seeds from Your Garden
Coriander has a completely different flavor profile from fresh cilantro leaves.
Whole or ground coriander can be used in:
- Seasoning blends
- Curries
- Meat rubs
- Pickling mixtures
- Soups
- Marinades
- Breads
Some of your harvested seeds can also be saved for planting another crop.
How to Save Cilantro Seeds for Next Year
Choose healthy plants and allow them to fully develop seeds.
Make sure the seeds are thoroughly dry before storage.
Place them in a labeled envelope, paper packet, or suitable seed-storage container.
Write the variety and year on the label.
Keep your seeds somewhere:
- Cool
- Dark
- Dry
Saving seeds can make cilantro an extremely inexpensive herb to grow year after year.
Companion Plants for Cilantro
Cilantro can be incorporated into vegetable and herb gardens rather than grown in a separate bed.
Possible companions include:
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Radishes
- Carrots
Many of these crops also appreciate cooler growing conditions, making them natural seasonal companions.
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Flowering cilantro can also provide food for beneficial insects.
Growing Cilantro Near Tomatoes and Peppers
Cilantro, tomatoes, and peppers may appear together in salsa, but their ideal growing seasons don’t perfectly overlap in hot climates.
Cilantro prefers cooler weather.
Tomatoes and peppers generally remain productive much later into warm weather.
One strategy is to grow cilantro early in the season around areas where warm-season crops will eventually expand.
As temperatures rise and cilantro finishes, tomatoes and peppers can take over the available space.
Common Cilantro Pests
Healthy cilantro generally isn’t difficult to grow, but pests can occasionally appear.
Aphids
Aphids are small sap-sucking insects commonly found on tender plant growth.
A strong spray of water can sometimes remove a minor infestation.
Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly.
Caterpillars
Various caterpillars may occasionally feed on foliage.
Hand-picking can be effective in a small home garden.
Always correctly identify an insect before deciding whether control is necessary.
Common Cilantro Diseases and Problems
Yellow Cilantro Leaves
Yellowing can result from several issues, including:
- Excessive watering
- Poor drainage
- Nutrient problems
- Natural aging
- Plant stress
Check the soil before automatically adding fertilizer.
Wilting Cilantro
Wilting may indicate dry soil, excessive heat, transplant stress, or root problems.
If the soil is dry, water thoroughly.
If the soil is saturated, adding more water may make the problem worse.
Cilantro Isn’t Growing
Slow growth can result from:
- Temperatures that are too cold
- Poor soil
- Insufficient light
- Overcrowding
- Root stress
- Excessive moisture
Evaluate the entire growing environment rather than assuming one problem is responsible.
Growing Cilantro Indoors
Cilantro can be grown indoors, but providing enough light is often the biggest challenge.
Place the container near a bright window receiving several hours of sunlight.
If natural sunlight isn’t sufficient, a grow light can help.
Use a deep container with drainage holes and quality potting mix.
Indoor cilantro still has the same basic life cycle as outdoor cilantro.
Eventually it will attempt to flower and produce seeds.
Can You Grow Cilantro Year-Round?
Possibly, but not always outdoors.
Gardeners in cool climates may have difficulty during winter.
Gardeners in hot climates may struggle during summer.
Combining outdoor growing with containers or indoor growing can extend the season.
However, cilantro naturally performs best during cooler conditions.
Trying to force cilantro through extreme summer heat can be more trouble than simply planting another batch when temperatures cool.
Growing Cilantro Plants from Grocery Store Cilantro
Rooted cilantro plants sold in containers can sometimes be transplanted, but bunches of cut cilantro from the produce department generally aren’t a reliable way to establish a garden plant.
Starting with seeds is inexpensive and easy.
Seed also lets you succession plant throughout the appropriate growing season.
Can Cilantro Survive Frost?
Cilantro tolerates cool weather better than many heat-loving herbs, but severe freezes can damage or kill plants.
A light frost may not necessarily destroy an established plant.
During unusually cold weather, gardeners can protect plants with:
- Frost cloth
- Row covers
- Cold frames
- Other appropriate garden protection
Container plants can sometimes be moved into a protected location temporarily.
Growing Cilantro Plants in Fall
Fall is one of the best cilantro-growing seasons in warm climates.
As summer heat begins fading, sow cilantro seeds directly into prepared beds or containers.
Continue succession planting while temperatures remain favorable.
Fall cilantro can often provide fresh herbs at a time when summer crops are beginning to slow down.
Growing Cilantro During Winter
Whether cilantro grows through winter depends heavily on your climate and individual weather conditions.
In areas with relatively mild winters, cilantro may continue producing during cool periods.
Growth slows considerably during colder weather.
Gardeners expecting hard freezes should be prepared to protect plants.
Growing Cilantro in Spring
Spring is another excellent cilantro season.
Plant early enough that your plants have time to produce leaves before summer heat arrives.
Waiting until late spring to sow cilantro in a hot climate can result in plants bolting before you’ve enjoyed much of a harvest.
Start early and succession plant.
Cilantro vs. Parsley
Cilantro and flat-leaf parsley can look similar, especially to inexperienced gardeners.
Their flavors, however, are very different.
Cilantro has a distinctive, strong flavor commonly associated with Mexican, Latin American, Indian, and Asian cuisines.
Parsley generally has a milder, fresh herbal flavor.
If you’re growing both, labels are helpful when plants are young.
Does Cilantro Taste Like Soap?
Some people describe cilantro as fresh and citrusy.
Others think it tastes like soap.
Research suggests genetics can influence how people perceive certain aroma compounds in cilantro.
So if someone in your family strongly dislikes cilantro, they may genuinely experience its flavor differently.
Fortunately, that means more cilantro for everyone else.
Best Ways to Use Fresh Garden Cilantro
Freshly harvested cilantro is incredibly versatile.
Try it in:
- Homemade salsa
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Tacos
- Burritos
- Enchiladas
- Rice
- Beans
- Soups
- Chili
- Salads
- Marinades
- Lime-based dressings
- Grilled meats
For dishes where you want a strong fresh-cilantro flavor, add it toward the end of cooking or use it as a garnish.
Tips for Growing More Cilantro in Less Space
If garden space is limited, don’t automatically give each plant a huge section.
Instead:
- Plant small batches.
- Harvest frequently.
- Succession sow every few weeks.
- Remove plants once they’re finished.
- Replace them with another crop.
This keeps a small garden productive instead of dedicating space to old plants that are no longer producing useful leaves.
Should You Let Cilantro Go to Seed?
Absolutely—at least occasionally.
Allowing cilantro to complete its life cycle gives you:
- Flowers for beneficial insects
- Coriander for cooking
- Seeds for future planting
Instead of pulling every plant when it bolts, consider leaving one or two plants in an out-of-the-way section of the garden.
You’ll get to see the entire seed-to-seed growing cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Cilantro Plants
Is cilantro easy to grow?
Yes. Cilantro is relatively easy to grow when planted during cool weather. Heat and premature bolting are usually the biggest challenges.
How long does cilantro take to grow?
You can often begin harvesting young leaves within several weeks of germination. Exact timing depends on variety, weather, sunlight, soil, and growing conditions.
Does cilantro need full sun?
Cilantro appreciates good sunlight during cool weather. In hotter climates, afternoon shade may help reduce heat stress.
How often should I water cilantro?
Water whenever the soil begins drying rather than following a rigid schedule. Seedlings need more consistent surface moisture than established plants.
Why is my cilantro growing tall?
Tall growth followed by fine leaves and flower stalks usually means the cilantro is bolting.
Can you eat cilantro after it bolts?
The leaves remain edible, although their flavor and texture may change. You can also allow the plant to continue growing and harvest coriander seeds.
Can cilantro grow in pots?
Yes. Cilantro grows very well in containers when provided adequate depth, drainage, sunlight, and moisture.
Does cilantro grow back every year?
Cilantro is an annual, not a perennial. However, plants allowed to produce and drop seeds may self-sow, making it appear as though cilantro has returned.
Can you grow cilantro from coriander seeds?
Yes, provided the coriander seeds are viable and haven’t been treated in a way that prevents germination. Planting seed sold specifically for gardening is the most dependable option.
What’s the secret to growing cilantro?
Plant it during cool weather, keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging it, harvest regularly, and succession plant every few weeks.
A Simple Cilantro Growing Schedule for Warm Climates
Gardeners in warmer regions can get better results by treating cilantro as a cool-season herb.
A simple strategy is:
Early Fall: Begin planting as temperatures cool.
Fall: Continue succession planting.
Winter: Maintain established plants and protect them when unusually cold temperatures arrive.
Early Spring: Begin another round of succession planting.
Late Spring: Expect bolting as temperatures rise.
Summer: Allow selected plants to produce coriander seeds or wait until cooler weather to begin again.
Exact planting dates vary by location and weather, so use local temperatures rather than the calendar alone.
10 Quick Tips for Growing Cilantro Plants Successfully
- Plant cilantro during cool weather.
- Direct sow seeds whenever possible.
- Use loose, well-draining soil.
- Keep newly planted seeds consistently moist.
- Give plants plenty of light.
- Provide afternoon shade as temperatures increase.
- Avoid excessive fertilizer.
- Harvest leaves regularly.
- Plant another batch every 2 to 3 weeks.
- Let several plants flower so you can harvest coriander seeds.
🌿 Keep Growing Your Homestead Garden
If you enjoyed learning about growing cilantro plants, you may also want to add a few more easy and productive plants to your garden. Learn how to grow oregano, discover tips for growing pinto beans, learn everything you need to know about growing gourds, or find beautiful shade-loving plants for those harder-to-fill spots around your homestead. You can also check out my guide to growing Roma tomatoes for another garden favorite that pairs perfectly with fresh cilantro in homemade salsa.
Final Thoughts on Growing Cilantro Plants
Growing cilantro plants becomes much easier once you stop treating cilantro like a heat-loving summer herb.
Its preference for cool weather explains why a beautiful cilantro plant can suddenly shoot upward and flower as temperatures climb. Rather than fighting the plant’s natural life cycle, plan your garden around it.
Plant cilantro during cooler weather, sow smaller batches every few weeks, provide consistent moisture, and harvest regularly. When older plants finally bolt, let a few continue flowering so they can attract beneficial insects and produce coriander seeds.
This simple seed-to-leaf-to-seed cycle makes cilantro an especially useful herb for a homestead garden. With good timing and succession planting, a small patch or container can provide plenty of fresh cilantro for salsa, tacos, soups, salads, and homemade meals throughout the cooler parts of the growing season.
