How To Plant Cilantro With Roots

You can plant cilantro with roots by using the bottom stems you’d normally toss out.
 
It’s one of the easiest kitchen scraps to regrow, and the roots do all the heavy lifting for you.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to plant cilantro with roots, the answer is simpler than you think.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to plant cilantro with roots, how to grow cilantro from roots in water and soil, and how to keep your plant producing fresh leaves for weeks.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Plant Cilantro With Roots

Planting cilantro with roots works because you’re not starting from a tiny seed that takes forever to sprout.
 
You’re giving an already-living plant a second chance to grow.
 
Here’s how the process breaks down.
 

1. Start With Healthy Cilantro Stems

The best cilantro to plant with roots comes from bunches with firm, green stems and healthy-looking white roots at the base.
 
Avoid stems that are wilting, yellowing, or slimy since those won’t regrow well.
 
When you buy a bunch of cilantro from the store or market, cut about one to two inches from the bottom of the stems.
 
That little section is exactly what you’ll use to plant cilantro with roots.
 

2. Trim the Stems Just Above the Roots

Using a sharp pair of scissors or a knife, trim the stems so you’re left with the bottom portion that holds the roots.
 
You want to keep the roots intact, so don’t chop too high.
 
If the roots look a little dry, that’s fine, they’ll perk up once they hit water.
 
This trimmed base is what makes it possible to plant cilantro with roots successfully.
 

3. Remove the Lower Leaves

Strip away any leaves that sit close to the base of the stem.
 
If leaves stay submerged in water, they’ll rot and turn the whole thing mushy.
 
Leave the upper leaves alone since those keep the plant photosynthesizing while the roots get established.
 

4. Place the Roots in Water First

Before you plant cilantro with roots directly in soil, giving them a head start in water helps a lot.
 
Set the stems in a glass or jar with about an inch of fresh water covering the roots.
 
Place the jar on a sunny windowsill and change the water every couple of days.
 
Within about a week, you’ll see new white roots branching out, which means it’s time to move on.
 

How to Grow Cilantro From Roots in Soil

Once your cilantro roots have developed in water, you can grow cilantro from roots in soil for a stronger, longer-lasting plant.
 
Here’s how to do it right.
 

1. Pick a Pot With Drainage

Cilantro hates soggy roots, so choose a pot with drainage holes at the bottom.
 
A container that’s at least six inches deep gives the roots room to stretch.
 
Fill it with loose, well-draining potting mix rather than heavy garden soil.
 

2. Plant the Roots Gently

Make a small hole in the soil and tuck the rooted stems in so the roots are fully covered.
 
Press the soil lightly around the base to hold everything in place.
 
Water gently right after planting so the soil settles around the roots.
 
When you plant cilantro with roots this way, the plant adjusts quickly and starts pushing out new growth within days.
 

3. Give It Plenty of Sunlight

Cilantro loves cool weather and bright light, so aim for at least four to six hours of sun a day.
 
If you live somewhere hot, a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade works better.
 
Too much heat makes cilantro bolt, which means it shoots up a flower stalk and stops producing tasty leaves.
 

4. Water Consistently but Don’t Overdo It

Keep the soil evenly moist, not soaked.
 
Stick your finger about an inch into the soil, and if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
 
Good drainage is the difference between a thriving cilantro plant and a rotting one.
 

5. Feed It Lightly

A mild liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks keeps your cilantro growing strong.
 
Don’t overfeed, since too much nitrogen pushes leaf growth at the expense of flavor.
 
A little goes a long way when you grow cilantro from roots.
 

Tips for Keeping Your Cilantro Roots Healthy

Once your cilantro is established, a few habits keep it productive.
 

1. Harvest From the Outside In

Snip the outer stems first and leave the inner ones to keep growing.
 
This keeps the plant producing instead of shocking it all at once.
 

2. Pinch Off Flower Buds

If you see flower buds forming, pinch them off right away.
 
This delays bolting and keeps your cilantro in leaf-production mode for longer.
 

3. Refresh With New Roots

When your plant eventually slows down, just start again with a fresh bunch.
 
Learning to plant cilantro with roots means you’ll always have a supply on hand.
 

So, Can You Plant Cilantro With Roots?

You can plant cilantro with roots, and it’s one of the simplest ways to keep fresh cilantro growing on your windowsill.
 
By trimming the stems, rooting them in water, and transferring them to well-draining soil, you’ll have a steady supply of leaves in no time.
 
Now that you know how to plant cilantro with roots, grab a bunch from your kitchen and give it a try.
 
Happy growing.