How To Harvest And Plant Cilantro Seeds

You can harvest and plant cilantro seeds by letting the plants bolt, collecting the dried seed heads, and sowing them directly into the soil.
 
Cilantro seeds are one of the easiest seeds to save and replant, which makes them perfect for beginner gardeners.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to harvest and plant cilantro seeds so you never have to buy them again, this guide is for you.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly when to harvest cilantro seeds, how to collect and store them, and the best way to plant cilantro seeds for a continuous supply of fresh herbs.
 

How to Harvest and Plant Cilantro Seeds

Harvesting and planting cilantro seeds is a simple two-part process that starts with letting your cilantro plants flower and go to seed.
 
Cilantro seeds, often called coriander, form after the plant bolts and produces small white flowers.
 
Once those flowers fade, the seeds begin to develop inside round green pods.
 
To harvest cilantro seeds, wait until the pods turn brown and dry on the plant.
 
You’ll know they’re ready when the seeds rattle slightly inside the pod.
 

1. Let Your Cilantro Bolt Naturally

The first step in harvesting cilantro seeds is allowing your cilantro to bolt, which means it sends up a tall flower stalk.
 
Many gardeners panic when this happens because the leaves turn bitter, but bolting is actually a good thing when you want seeds.
 
Once the plant flowers, it’s focused on reproduction rather than leaf production.
 
This is the natural cycle that leads to harvestable cilantro seeds.
 

2. Watch for Brown, Dry Seed Pods

After flowering, small green seeds will appear at the tips of the stems.
 
These seeds are the cilantro seeds you’ll be harvesting and planting later.
 
Wait patiently as the pods transition from green to tan and finally to a dry brown color.
 
If you harvest cilantro seeds too early while they’re still green, they won’t germinate well when planted.
 

3. Snip the Seed Heads Off

Once the majority of the pods are brown and dry, grab a pair of clean scissors or pruning shears.
 
Cut the seed heads off the plant, leaving a bit of stem attached.
 
Hold a bowl or paper bag underneath as you cut so you don’t lose any cilantro seeds to the ground.
 

How to Collect and Store Cilantro Seeds

After cutting the seed heads, you need to separate the seeds from the dried plant material.
 
Proper collection and storage ensures your cilantro seeds stay viable for planting season after season.
 

1. Dry the Seed Heads Further

Lay your harvested cilantro seed heads on a screen or paper towel in a dry, well-ventilated area.
 
Let them dry for about a week to ensure all moisture is gone.
 
Any remaining moisture can cause mold during storage, which will ruin your cilantro seeds.
 

2. Rub the Pods to Release the Seeds

Once fully dry, gently rub the seed heads between your fingers or roll them on a hard surface.
 
The outer husks will crack open, revealing the round cilantro seeds inside.
 
You can also place the dried heads in a paper bag and shake it vigorously to release the seeds.
 

3. Separate Seeds from Chaff

Pick out the larger pieces of plant debris by hand, then winnow the rest.
 
To winnow, gently toss the seeds and chaff in front of a fan or in a light breeze.
 
The lighter chaff blows away while the heavier cilantro seeds fall back into your bowl.
 

4. Store in an Airtight Container

Place your clean, dry cilantro seeds in a labeled envelope, jar, or airtight container.
 
Store them in a cool, dark, and dry location like a pantry or cupboard.
 
Stored properly, your harvested cilantro seeds will remain viable for up to three years.
 

How to Plant Cilantro Seeds

Planting cilantro seeds is straightforward once you have your saved seeds ready.
 
Cilantro grows best in cool weather, so timing matters for a successful crop.
 

1. Choose the Right Time to Plant

The best time to plant cilantro seeds is in early spring or early fall when temperatures are mild.
 
Cilantro bolts quickly in hot weather, so avoid planting in the peak of summer.
 
If you live in a warm climate, fall planting often works better than spring planting.
 

2. Prepare the Soil

Cilantro seeds prefer loose, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8.
 
Mix in some compost to give your cilantro seeds a nutrient-rich start.
 
Break up any clumps so the roots can grow deep and strong.
 

3. Sow the Seeds Directly

Plant cilantro seeds about a quarter inch deep and two inches apart in rows spaced twelve inches apart.
 
Because cilantro doesn’t transplant well, sowing cilantro seeds directly into the garden is best.
 
Lightly cover the seeds with soil and water gently to settle them in.
 

4. Keep the Soil Moist

Cilantro seeds need consistent moisture to germinate, which usually takes seven to ten days.
 
Water regularly but avoid soggy soil, which can rot the seeds before they sprout.
 
Once seedlings emerge, thin them to about six inches apart for healthy growth.
 

5. Succession Plant for a Steady Supply

To keep fresh cilantro coming all season, plant cilantro seeds every two to three weeks.
 
This succession planting method ensures you always have young, tender leaves to harvest.
 
It also means you’ll always have new cilantro seeds forming for future planting.
 

So, How Do You Harvest and Plant Cilantro Seeds?

You harvest and plant cilantro seeds by letting your plants bolt, collecting the dried seed heads, and sowing the seeds directly into prepared soil.
 
The process is simple, rewarding, and saves you money on buying new seeds every year.
 
Just remember to let the pods dry completely before harvesting and to store your cilantro seeds in a cool, dark place.
 
With a little patience, you’ll have an endless cycle of cilantro growing in your garden.
 
Happy gardening.