How To Care For Cilantro In The Garden

Caring for cilantro in the garden starts with understanding that this herb is a little different from most plants you’ll grow.
 
Cilantro loves cool weather and bolts quickly when it gets hot.
 
But if you know how to care for cilantro in the garden properly, you can enjoy fresh leaves for months.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to care for cilantro in the garden, from planting and watering to dealing with bolting and pests.
 

How to Care for Cilantro in the Garden: The Basics

Learning how to care for cilantro in the garden means giving it the right conditions from day one.
 
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb that thrives in cool temperatures between 50°F and 80°F.
 
When you care for cilantro in the garden, the goal is to keep it leafy and productive for as long as possible.
 

1. Sunlight and Temperature

Cilantro does best in full sun to partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
 
If you’re caring for cilantro in the garden during summer, give it afternoon shade to slow bolting.
 
Cilantro in the garden loves temperatures between 60°F and 75°F.
 
Once the mercury climbs above 85°F, cilantro in the garden will start to flower and set seed.
 

2. Soil and Drainage

When you care for cilantro in the garden, plant it in loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
 
Cilantro in the garden hates soggy roots, so raised beds or containers with drainage holes work great.
 
A soil pH between 6.2 and 6.8 is ideal for cilantro in the garden.
 
Mix in compost before planting to give your cilantro in the garden a strong start.
 

3. Watering Cilantro in the Garden

Watering is one of the most important parts of how to care for cilantro in the garden.
 
Cilantro in the garden needs about 1 inch of water per week.
 
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
 
When you care for cilantro in the garden, water at the base of the plant in the morning.
 
This helps prevent fungal diseases and keeps your cilantro in the garden healthy.
 

How to Care for Cilantro in the Garden as It Grows

Once your cilantro in the garden is established, the real work of caring for cilantro in the garden begins.
 
Here’s how to care for cilantro in the garden through the growing season.
 

1. Fertilizing Cilantro in the Garden

Cilantro in the garden doesn’t need heavy feeding.
 
Too much nitrogen makes cilantro in the garden produce more leaves but weakens flavor.
 
When you care for cilantro in the garden, side-dress with compost or a light organic fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks.
 
That’s usually enough to keep cilantro in the garden thriving.
 

2. Dealing With Bolting

Bolting is the biggest challenge when you care for cilantro in the garden.
 
When cilantro in the garden bolts, it sends up a tall flower stalk and the leaves turn bitter.
 
To care for cilantro in the garden during hot spells, choose slow-bolt varieties like ‘Calypso’ or ‘Santo’.
 
You can also care for cilantro in the garden by succession planting every 2 to 3 weeks.
 
That way, when one batch of cilantro in the garden bolts, another is ready to harvest.
 

3. Pruning and Harvesting

Regular harvesting is part of how to care for cilantro in the garden correctly.
 
Snip outer leaves first and let the center of the cilantro in the garden keep growing.
 
Never remove more than one-third of the plant at once when you care for cilantro in the garden.
 
Pinch off flower buds as soon as you see them if you want cilantro in the garden to stay leafy.
 
If you let cilantro in the garden flower, you’ll get coriander seeds, which are also edible.
 

4. Pest and Disease Control

Caring for cilantro in the garden also means watching for pests.
 
Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites are common on cilantro in the garden.
 
A strong blast of water or insecticidal soap handles most pests on cilantro in the garden.
 
Fungal diseases like powdery mildew can hit cilantro in the garden when airflow is poor.
 
Space your cilantro in the garden properly and avoid overhead watering to keep problems away.
 

Tips to Keep Cilantro in the Garden Productive Longer

If you really want to know how to care for cilantro in the garden like a pro, try these tricks.
 
Shade cloth in summer helps cilantro in the garden survive the heat.
 
Growing cilantro in the garden near taller plants gives it natural afternoon shade.
 
Mulching around cilantro in the garden keeps the soil cool and moist.
 
And sowing cilantro in the garden in early spring and again in fall gives you two long harvest windows.
 

So, How to Care for Cilantro in the Garden?

Caring for cilantro in the garden comes down to cool temperatures, consistent moisture, and regular harvesting.
 
Cilantro in the garden will bolt in heat, so plan for succession planting and shade when needed.
 
Keep the soil moist, feed lightly, and watch for pests to keep cilantro in the garden healthy.
 
Follow these tips, and you’ll know exactly how to care for cilantro in the garden season after season.