How To Harvest And Grow Cilantro

To harvest and grow cilantro, you can start by sowing seeds directly in your garden or a pot, then snip the leaves once the plant reaches about six inches tall.
 
Cilantro is one of those herbs that gives you two harvests for the price of one because you get the leafy greens and the seeds, which are known as coriander.
 
The trick with cilantro is timing, since it bolts quickly in hot weather, so learning how to grow cilantro successfully means working with the seasons rather than against them.
 
If you’ve ever watched your cilantro turn into a tall, leggy stalk overnight, you’re not alone, and that’s exactly why this guide will walk you through planting, caring, and harvesting cilantro so you get the most from every seed.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how to grow cilantro from seed, the best conditions for cilantro, and how to harvest cilantro leaves and seeds without killing the plant.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Grow Cilantro Successfully

Growing cilantro successfully comes down to giving it the right environment from day one.
 
Cilantro, also called coriander, is a cool-season herb that thrives when temperatures stay between 50°F and 85°F.
 
Once the heat climbs above 85°F, the plant shifts into survival mode and bolts, sending up a flower stalk to produce seeds before it dies.
 
Here’s how to grow cilantro so it stays leafy and productive for as long as possible.
 

1. Start With the Right Seeds

Cilantro seeds are actually the coriander seeds you buy in the spice aisle, and each round seed contains two separate seeds inside.
 
To improve germination, gently crush the seeds with the back of a spoon to split them apart before planting.
 
Soak the seeds overnight, then sow them about a quarter inch deep in loose, well-draining soil.
 
You can grow cilantro from seed directly in the ground or in containers, and it germinates best when soil temperatures sit around 55°F to 68°F.
 

2. Choose the Right Spot and Soil

Cilantro grows best in full sun to partial shade, and in hotter climates, a spot with afternoon shade helps delay bolting.
 
The soil should be rich, loose, and well-draining with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8.
 
Mix in some compost before planting to give your cilantro the nutrients it needs to grow fast and strong.
 

3. Water and Feed Consistently

Cilantro needs steady moisture, so water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
 
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, because stress speeds up bolting.
 
Feed your cilantro with a light nitrogen-rich fertilizer every few weeks to keep the leaves tender and lush.
 
If you’re growing cilantro in containers, water more often since pots dry out quickly.
 

4. Succession Plant Every Few Weeks

Because cilantro has a short lifespan, the smartest way to grow cilantro is to sow new seeds every two to three weeks.
 
This succession planting guarantees a continuous supply of fresh leaves all season long.
 
When one batch starts to bolt, the next one is already coming up behind it.
 

How to Harvest Cilantro Leaves

Harvesting cilantro leaves is simple once you know when and where to cut.
 
Start harvesting cilantro when the plant is about six inches tall and has plenty of established leaves.
 
Snip the outer stems first, cutting them close to the base of the plant while leaving the inner growth untouched.
 
This method keeps the plant producing new leaves for weeks instead of days.
 
Never take more than a third of the plant at once, since cilantro needs those leaves to keep growing.
 
The best time to harvest cilantro is in the cool morning hours when the leaves are crisp and full of flavor.
 
Use sharp scissors or garden shears to avoid bruising the stems, and rinse your harvest right away.
 
Fresh cilantro leaves store well in a glass of water in the fridge, or you can freeze them in ice cube trays with a little olive oil.
 
If your cilantro does bolt, don’t panic, because the leaves are still edible, though they turn bitter as the plant matures.
 

How to Harvest Cilantro Seeds (Coriander)

If you let your cilantro flower, you’ll be rewarded with coriander seeds, which is the second harvest of this versatile herb.
 
The small white or pink flowers turn into round green seeds that eventually dry and brown.
 
Harvest cilantro seeds when they turn light brown but before they drop to the ground.
 
Cut the entire flower stalk and hang it upside down inside a paper bag so the seeds fall out as they dry.
 
Once fully dry, store the coriander seeds in an airtight jar, where they’ll keep for up to a year.
 
You can use them whole or ground in curries, soups, and spice blends, which makes growing cilantro a double win.
 

So, How Do You Harvest and Grow Cilantro?

To harvest and grow cilantro, plant the seeds in cool weather, keep the soil consistently moist, and snip the outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
 
Growing cilantro takes a bit of patience and timing, but it’s one of the easiest herbs to start from seed.
 
Aim to sow new seeds every few weeks so you always have fresh cilantro on hand, and let a few plants flower to collect coriander seeds.
 
Whether you grow cilantro in a garden bed, a raised planter, or a kitchen pot, this herb rewards you with fresh flavor and a bonus spice harvest.
 
So grab your seeds, pick a sunny spot, and start growing cilantro today.