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You can grow cilantro in your backyard easily as long as you give it cool weather, plenty of sunlight, and well-drained soil.
Cilantro is one of those herbs that rewards you fast, since you can go from seed to harvest in just a few weeks.
If you love fresh salsa, tacos, or curry, learning how to grow cilantro in your backyard is one of the smartest gardening moves you can make.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to grow cilantro in your backyard step by step, from choosing the right spot to harvesting your first bunch.
Let’s dig in.
How to Grow Cilantro in Your Backyard
How to grow cilantro in your backyard comes down to a few key things, and getting them right makes all the difference.
1. Pick the Right Spot
Cilantro loves a spot that gets full sun to partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
If you live somewhere with hot summers, a little afternoon shade will keep your cilantro from bolting too fast.
When you grow cilantro in your backyard, aim for about 6 hours of sunlight a day.
2. Use Well-Drained Soil
Cilantro hates soggy roots, so well-drained soil is non-negotiable.
Mix in some compost before planting to give your cilantro the nutrients it needs to thrive.
A soil pH between 6.2 and 6.8 is ideal when you grow cilantro in your backyard.
3. Plant at the Right Time
Cilantro is a cool-season herb, so spring and fall are the best times to plant it.
If you grow cilantro in your backyard during the heat of summer, it will bolt and go to seed quickly.
In mild climates, you can plant cilantro in your backyard almost year-round.
How to Plant Cilantro in Your Backyard
Knowing how to plant cilantro in your backyard correctly sets you up for a steady harvest.
1. Start From Seed
Cilantro grows best when you plant it directly from seed, since it doesn’t like being transplanted.
Sow seeds about a quarter inch deep and space them a few inches apart.
When you grow cilantro in your backyard from seed, you’ll usually see sprouts within 7 to 10 days.
2. Sow Seeds Every Few Weeks
One of the best tips for how to grow cilantro in your backyard is to sow seeds every 2 to 3 weeks.
This gives you a continuous supply instead of one big harvest that bolts all at once.
Succession planting is the secret to enjoying cilantro in your backyard all season long.
3. Water Consistently
Cilantro needs about an inch of water per week, either from rain or your hose.
Keep the soil moist but never waterlogged when you grow cilantro in your backyard.
Consistent moisture helps cilantro in your backyard grow tender, flavorful leaves.
Caring for Cilantro in Your Backyard
Once your cilantro is up and running, a little care keeps it productive for weeks.
1. Fertilize Lightly
Cilantro doesn’t need much fertilizer, so a light feeding every few weeks is plenty.
Too much nitrogen when you grow cilantro in your backyard leads to lots of leaves but weak flavor.
2. Watch for Bolting
Bolting is the biggest challenge when you grow cilantro in your backyard in warm weather.
Once cilantro in your backyard bolts, the leaves turn bitter and the plant focuses on making seeds.
You can slow bolting by watering regularly and giving your cilantro in your backyard some shade.
3. Handle Pests Naturally
Aphids and whiteflies are the main pests that bother cilantro in your backyard.
A strong spray of water or a bit of insecticidal soap usually takes care of them.
Harvesting Cilantro From Your Backyard
Harvesting is the fun part, and doing it right keeps your cilantro in your backyard producing more.
1. Snip Outer Leaves First
Start by cutting the outer stems when they’re about 6 inches tall.
This lets the center of your cilantro in your backyard keep growing.
2. Harvest in the Morning
Morning is the best time to pick cilantro in your backyard, since the leaves are crisp and full of flavor.
3. Let Some Go to Seed
If you let a few plants flower, you’ll get coriander seeds, which are great for cooking.
And those seeds will drop and regrow cilantro in your backyard next season.
So, How to Grow Cilantro in Your Backyard?
You can grow cilantro in your backyard easily as long as you give it cool weather, plenty of sunlight, and well-drained soil.
Plant cilantro in your backyard from seed, water it consistently, and harvest the outer leaves often.
With a little patience, you’ll have fresh cilantro in your backyard ready whenever you need it.