How Long Will Cilantro Take To Grow

Cilantro will take about 45 to 70 days to grow from seed to harvest, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
 
If you’ve been wondering how long will cilantro take to grow, the honest answer is that it depends on whether you’re growing it for leaves or for seeds.
 
Cilantro grows fast compared to many herbs, which is great news if you want a quick harvest.
 
But it also bolts quickly in heat, so timing matters just as much as patience.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long cilantro takes to grow, what speeds it up, what slows it down, and how to get the most out of your plants.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How Long Will Cilantro Take to Grow

Cilantro will take roughly six to eight weeks to reach a harvestable size when grown from seed.
 
Here’s what that timeline actually looks like in practice:
 

1. Germination Takes 7 to 10 Days

Cilantro seeds germinate in about one to two weeks.
 
The seeds are actually little round balls called schizocarps, and each one contains two seeds inside.
 
That’s why cracking them gently before planting can speed up germination.
 
Once the soil stays consistently moist and warm, you’ll see tiny green sprouts pushing through.
 

2. Seedling Growth Takes 3 to 4 Weeks

After germination, cilantro spends the next few weeks building roots and leaves.
 
This is when the plant looks a little sparse and you might wonder if it’s doing anything at all.
 
It is.
 
By week four, you should have a small but usable cluster of stems and leaves.
 

3. Full Leaf Harvest Arrives at 45 to 70 Days

This is the answer most people are looking for when they ask how long will cilantro take to grow.
 
At around 45 days, you can start snipping outer leaves.
 
By 60 to 70 days, the plant is fully established and producing plenty of foliage.
 
If you’re growing cilantro for coriander seeds instead, add another two to three weeks for the seed heads to dry.
 

What Affects How Long Cilantro Takes to Grow

Not every cilantro plant grows on the same schedule.
 
Several factors can shift that 45 to 70 day window:
 

1. Temperature

Cilantro loves cool weather.
 
The ideal range is 50 to 85°F, with the sweet spot around 65 to 70°F.
 
When temperatures climb above 85°F, cilantro bolts fast, sending up a flower stalk and turning leaves bitter.
 
That’s why spring and fall plantings grow slower and tastier than midsummer ones.
 

2. Sunlight

Cilantro grows best in full sun to partial shade.
 
In hot climates, a little afternoon shade actually extends the growing window.
 
Too little light, though, and growth slows down noticeably.
 

3. Soil and Water

Cilantro isn’t fussy, but it hates soggy roots.
 
Well-draining soil rich in organic matter keeps it happy.
 
Water consistently, but let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
 

4. Planting Method

Direct sowing gives the most reliable results because cilantro has a taproot that dislikes transplanting.
 
If you start seeds indoors, use biodegradable pots so you don’t disturb the roots.
 
Succession planting every two to three weeks keeps a steady supply coming.
 

How to Speed Up Cilantro Growth

If you want your cilantro to grow faster, here’s what actually works:
 

1. Soak the Seeds Overnight

Cilantro seeds have a tough outer shell.
 
Soaking them for 24 hours before planting softens that shell and can shave a few days off germination.
 

2. Crack the Seed Balls

Gently pressing each seed ball with the back of a spoon splits it into two seeds.
 
More seeds mean more plants, and more plants mean a faster-looking harvest.
 

3. Keep the Soil Consistently Moist

Dry soil stalls germination.
 
Mist the surface daily until sprouts appear, then switch to regular watering.
 

4. Harvest Often

Regular cutting encourages new growth.
 
Never take more than a third of the plant at once, and it’ll keep producing for weeks.
 

5. Plant in Cool Weather

If you want cilantro to grow without bolting, plant it in early spring or late summer.
 
Cool soil and mild air keep it productive much longer.
 

So, How Long Will Cilantro Take to Grow?

Cilantro will take about 45 to 70 days to grow from seed to a full harvest.
 
Germination takes one to two weeks, seedlings develop over three to four weeks, and full leaf production arrives around the six to eight week mark.
 
Temperature, sunlight, and watering all influence how long cilantro takes to grow, so keep conditions cool and consistent for the best results.
 
Whether you’re growing it for fresh leaves or coriander seeds, cilantro rewards you quickly when you give it what it needs.
 
So plant a batch, keep it watered, and enjoy your harvest in about two months.