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.
You can keep growing cilantro by harvesting it regularly and preventing it from going to seed too quickly.
The secret to how to keep growing cilantro is understanding that this herb loves cool weather and bolts fast when it gets hot.
If you’ve been asking how to keep growing cilantro without it turning into a flower stalk overnight, you’re not alone.
Many gardeners struggle with cilantro because it has a short life cycle compared to other herbs.
But with the right techniques, you can keep growing cilantro for months instead of weeks.
In this post, we’ll explore how to keep growing cilantro by using smart harvesting methods, proper timing, and a few clever tricks.
Let’s dive into how to keep growing cilantro so you always have fresh leaves for your salsa and soups.
How to Keep Growing Cilantro Successfully
To keep growing cilantro successfully, you need to work with its natural tendencies instead of against them.
Here’s how to keep growing cilantro the right way:
1. Choose the Right Variety
If you want to keep growing cilantro for a long season, start by picking slow-bolting varieties.
Varieties like ‘Santo’ or ‘Long Standing’ are bred to resist bolting longer than standard cilantro.
This simple choice makes a huge difference when learning how to keep growing cilantro in warm climates.
2. Plant at the Right Time
Timing is everything when you want to keep growing cilantro.
Cilantro thrives in temperatures between 50°F and 85°F.
In hot regions, plant cilantro in early spring or late fall so it can keep growing cilantro through milder days.
You can also succession plant every two to three weeks to keep growing cilantro continuously.
3. Provide Afternoon Shade
Heat is the enemy when you’re trying to keep growing cilantro.
If your garden gets scorching afternoon sun, use a shade cloth or plant cilantro near taller crops.
This reduces soil temperature and helps keep growing cilantro without triggering bolting.
Tips to Keep Growing Cilantro Without Bolting
Bolting is when cilantro sends up a flower stalk and stops producing leaves.
Here’s how to keep growing cilantro and delay that process:
1. Harvest Frequently
The more you cut cilantro, the more it wants to keep growing cilantro leaves instead of flowers.
Snip outer stems regularly, always leaving at least two inches above the soil.
This encourages new growth and helps you keep growing cilantro for weeks longer.
2. Water Consistently
Dry soil stresses cilantro and speeds up bolting.
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy to keep growing cilantro happily.
A layer of mulch also helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.
3. Avoid Over-Fertilizing
Too much nitrogen makes cilantro grow fast and bolt even faster.
Use a balanced fertilizer sparingly if you want to keep growing cilantro successfully.
Often, compost is all cilantro needs to keep growing cilantro strong and healthy.
4. Pinch Off Flower Buds
If you spot flower buds forming, pinch them off immediately.
This tells the plant to keep growing cilantro leaves instead of seeds.
It’s a small habit that goes a long way when learning how to keep growing cilantro.
How to Keep Growing Cilantro Indoors
Growing cilantro indoors gives you more control over temperature and light.
Here’s how to keep growing cilantro inside your home:
1. Use a Deep Pot
Cilantro has a long taproot, so choose a container at least 12 inches deep.
This gives roots room to stretch and helps you keep growing cilantro without transplant shock.
2. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Place your pot near a sunny window that gets four to six hours of light.
If natural light is weak, use a grow light to keep growing cilantro year-round.
3. Keep Indoor Temperatures Moderate
Cilantro prefers cool rooms, ideally between 60°F and 70°F.
Avoid placing pots near heaters or hot appliances if you want to keep growing cilantro indoors.
4. Succession Sow Every Few Weeks
Even indoors, cilantro eventually bolts.
Sow new seeds every three weeks to keep growing cilantro nonstop.
This way, you always have a fresh batch ready to harvest.
So, How to Keep Growing Cilantro?
You can keep growing cilantro by harvesting often, providing shade, watering consistently, and planting slow-bolting varieties.
The key to how to keep growing cilantro is staying ahead of its natural urge to flower.
With succession planting and a little patience, you’ll keep growing cilantro all season long.
Whether you grow it in garden beds or on a sunny windowsill, these tips will help you keep growing cilantro successfully.
Now go grab those seeds and start planting.