How To Plant And Harvest Cilantro

You can plant and harvest cilantro easily as long as you understand its quick growth cycle and its preference for cool weather.
 
Cilantro is one of those herbs that rewards you fast, but it also bolts quickly when the temperature rises.
 
If you have ever wondered how to plant and harvest cilantro without watching it turn into a tall, leggy plant overnight, you are in the right place.
 
In this post, we will walk through exactly how to plant and harvest cilantro step by step, from choosing the right spot to picking the leaves at the perfect time.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Plant and Harvest Cilantro Successfully

Learning how to plant and harvest cilantro starts with understanding that this herb loves cool weather and grows fast.
 
When you know how to plant and harvest cilantro correctly, you can enjoy multiple harvests before the plant bolts.
 
Here is how to plant and harvest cilantro the right way.
 

1. Choose the Right Time to Plant Cilantro

The best time to plant cilantro is in early spring or early fall when temperatures are mild.
 
Cilantro thrives in temperatures between 50°F and 85°F (10°C to 29°C).
 
Once the weather heats up past 85°F, cilantro will bolt and send up a flower stalk.
 
If you live in a hot climate, plant cilantro in partial shade or grow it during the cooler months.
 

2. Pick a Spot with the Right Sunlight

Cilantro does best in full sun to partial shade.
 
In cooler climates, give it at least six hours of sunlight.
 
In hotter regions, afternoon shade helps delay bolting.
 
A spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal for planting and harvesting cilantro in warm areas.
 

3. Prepare the Soil for Planting Cilantro

Cilantro grows best in loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
 
Mix in compost before planting to give the roots plenty of nutrients.
 
The soil pH should be between 6.2 and 6.8 for the best growth.
 
Good drainage is important because cilantro does not like soggy roots.
 

4. Sow the Seeds Directly

Cilantro does not transplant well, so it is best to sow the seeds directly where you want them to grow.
 
Plant seeds about a quarter inch deep and space them six to eight inches apart.
 
You can also sow seeds every two to three weeks for a continuous harvest.
 
Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes seven to ten days.
 

How to Care for Cilantro While It Grows

Knowing how to plant and harvest cilantro also means knowing how to care for it as it grows.
 
Here is what cilantro needs to stay healthy.
 

1. Water Consistently

Cilantro needs regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist.
 
Aim for about one inch of water per week.
 
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but do not overwater either.
 

2. Fertilize Lightly

Cilantro does not need heavy feeding.
 
A light application of balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season is enough.
 
Too much nitrogen can cause more leaf growth but also faster bolting.
 

3. Watch for Pests and Bolting

Aphids and whiteflies can bother cilantro, so check the undersides of leaves regularly.
 
If you see a flower stalk forming, pinch it off to keep the plant producing leaves.
 
Once cilantro bolts, the leaves turn bitter and the plant stops producing the tasty foliage you want.
 

How to Harvest Cilantro at the Right Time

Harvesting cilantro properly encourages more growth and keeps the plant productive.
 
Here is how to harvest cilantro like a pro.
 

1. Start Harvesting When the Plant Is Six Inches Tall

You can begin harvesting cilantro once the plant reaches about six inches tall.
 
This usually happens about three to four weeks after planting.
 

2. Cut from the Outside In

Snip the outer stems first, leaving the inner stems to keep growing.
 
Use clean scissors or garden shears to cut the stems close to the base.
 

3. Never Take More Than a Third at Once

If you cut too much, the plant will struggle to recover.
 
Take only about a third of the plant at a time.
 
This keeps cilantro producing fresh leaves for weeks.
 

4. Harvest in the Morning

The best time to harvest cilantro is in the morning before the heat of the day sets in.
 
This is when the leaves are most hydrated.
 

So, How Do You Plant and Harvest Cilantro?

You plant and harvest cilantro by sowing seeds in cool weather, keeping the soil moist, and cutting the outer stems once the plant is six inches tall.
 
Cilantro grows fast, so planting new seeds every few weeks keeps you supplied with fresh leaves.
 
Now that you know how to plant and harvest cilantro, you can enjoy this fresh herb all season long.