This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
To cut cilantro from the ground, grab a sharp pair of scissors or garden shears and snip the stems close to the soil line.
This simple method is the best way to harvest cilantro from the ground without damaging the plant.
Whether you’re growing it in a garden bed or a pot, cutting cilantro from the ground is a straightforward process that keeps your plant producing more leaves.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cut cilantro from the ground, the tools you’ll need, and the common mistakes to avoid.
Let’s dive in.
How to Cut Cilantro from the Ground the Right Way
Cutting cilantro from the ground is all about technique, and doing it right means your plant keeps growing instead of dying off after one harvest.
Here’s the proper way to cut cilantro from the ground.
1. Pick the Right Time to Harvest
The best time to cut cilantro from the ground is in the early morning before the sun gets too hot.
At this hour, the leaves are firm, hydrated, and packed with flavor.
If you cut cilantro from the ground during the heat of the afternoon, the leaves tend to wilt fast and lose some of their punch.
You also want to harvest before the plant bolts, which is when it shoots up a tall flower stalk.
Once cilantro bolts, the leaves turn bitter, so cutting it early keeps things tasty.
2. Grab the Right Tools
You don’t need fancy gear to cut cilantro from the ground.
A sharp pair of kitchen scissors or garden shears works perfectly.
Sharp tools matter because dull blades crush the stems instead of cutting them cleanly.
Crushed stems invite disease and slow down regrowth.
If you’re cutting cilantro from the ground on a regular basis, keep a dedicated pair of scissors just for herbs.
That way you avoid transferring oils or dirt from other plants.
3. Cut at the Right Spot
To cut cilantro from the ground properly, snip the stems about one to two inches above the soil line.
Never cut the plant all the way down to the dirt.
Leaving that little bit of stem gives the plant energy to push out new growth.
If you’re cutting cilantro from the ground for the first time, aim for the outer stems first.
Those older stems are the most mature, and removing them opens up space for fresh inner leaves.
You can cut cilantro from the ground stem by stem, or grab a handful and snip the whole bunch at once for a bigger harvest.
4. Harvest the Outer Stems First
One of the smartest habits when you cut cilantro from the ground is to work from the outside in.
The outermost stems are the oldest and the most ready to be picked.
By cutting cilantro from the ground this way, you keep the younger center growth untouched so it can mature.
This method also keeps the plant balanced and bushy rather than lopsided.
If you only ever cut cilantro from the ground in the middle, you’ll stunt the plant and reduce future harvests.
5. Don’t Pull, Always Snip
A common mistake people make when they cut cilantro from the ground is yanking the stems out by hand.
Pulling disturbs the roots and can uproot the whole plant.
When you cut cilantro from the ground with scissors, the roots stay intact and the plant recovers fast.
This is especially important if you’re growing cilantro in a pot where the root system is more fragile.
So always snip, never pull, when you cut cilantro from the ground.
Tips for Cutting Cilantro from the Ground Successfully
Beyond the basic technique, a few smart tips will help you cut cilantro from the ground like a pro.
1. Harvest Often for More Growth
The more often you cut cilantro from the ground, the more the plant produces.
Cilantro responds well to regular trimming.
If you cut cilantro from the ground every week or two, you’ll get a steady supply of fresh leaves all season.
2. Water Before You Harvest
Give your plant a drink a few hours before you cut cilantro from the ground.
Well-hydrated leaves stay crisp longer after harvesting.
Just avoid soaking the soil right before you cut cilantro from the ground, since wet leaves can rot quickly in storage.
3. Store Your Harvest Properly
After you cut cilantro from the ground, wrap the stems in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.
Then pop them in the fridge.
This keeps the leaves fresh for up to a week after you cut cilantro from the ground.
4. Watch for Bolting
If your plant starts growing tall and lanky, it’s bolting.
Once that happens, even if you cut cilantro from the ground correctly, the new leaves will taste bitter.
Pinch off flower buds as soon as you see them to delay bolting and keep harvesting.
If you cut cilantro from the ground regularly, you can slow this process and enjoy the leaves much longer.
So, How Do You Cut Cilantro from the Ground?
To cut cilantro from the ground, use sharp scissors to snip stems one to two inches above the soil, working from the outer stems inward.
Always snip instead of pulling, harvest in the cool morning hours, and cut often to encourage new growth.
With these simple steps, you’ll cut cilantro from the ground like a seasoned gardener and enjoy fresh leaves all season long.