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Taking care of cilantro herbs is easier than most people think, and it mostly comes down to giving this leafy green the right balance of sun, water, and cool weather.
If you’ve ever watched a healthy bunch of cilantro herbs turn leggy and bolt in what felt like a week, you’re not alone.
Cilantro is a fast-growing herb with a mind of its own, but once you understand what it loves and hates, taking care of cilantro herbs becomes second nature.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to take care of cilantro herbs from planting to harvest, so you can enjoy fresh leaves all season long.
Let’s dig in.
How to Take Care of Cilantro Herbs Starts With the Right Spot
Taking care of cilantro herbs begins the moment you choose where to plant them.
Cilantro thrives in cooler temperatures, so the location you pick plays a huge role in how long your plant stays productive.
1. Give Cilantro Herbs Partial Sun
Cilantro herbs love morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in warmer regions.
Too much direct heat causes the plant to bolt, which means it shoots up a flower stalk and stops producing tasty leaves.
If you live somewhere hot, aim for about four to six hours of sunlight a day.
2. Plant Cilantro Herbs in Well-Draining Soil
Caring for cilantro herbs means giving them soil that drains well but still holds some moisture.
A loose, loamy mix with plenty of organic matter works beautifully.
If your soil is heavy clay, mix in compost to improve drainage so the roots of your cilantro herbs don’t sit in soggy ground.
3. Keep Cilantro Herbs Away From Extreme Heat
Cilantro herbs start to suffer once temperatures climb above 75°F (24°C) for extended periods.
That’s why many gardeners grow cilantro herbs in spring and fall rather than the peak of summer.
If you garden in a hot climate, a spot that gets shade during the hottest part of the day will keep your cilantro herbs happier.
Watering and Feeding Cilantro Herbs the Right Way
Watering is where a lot of people go wrong when taking care of cilantro herbs.
Get this part right, and your cilantro herbs will reward you with tender, flavorful leaves.
1. Keep the Soil Consistently Moist
Cilantro herbs prefer soil that stays evenly moist, not soaking wet and not bone dry.
Check the top inch of soil with your finger, and water when it feels dry to the touch.
During hot spells, you may need to water your cilantro herbs every day or two.
2. Water Cilantro Herbs at the Base
Pour water directly at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves.
Wet foliage invites fungal diseases, and taking care of cilantro herbs is much easier when you keep the leaves dry.
A gentle soak in the morning gives your cilantro herbs time to absorb moisture before the heat arrives.
3. Feed Cilantro Herbs Lightly
Cilantro herbs don’t need heavy feeding, but a little boost helps.
Mix a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every few weeks, or top-dress with compost.
Overfeeding cilantro herbs actually pushes them to bolt faster, so go easy.
Pruning and Harvesting Cilantro Herbs
Regular harvesting is a big part of taking care of cilantro herbs because it keeps the plant bushy and delays flowering.
1. Snip Outer Leaves First
When you harvest cilantro herbs, start with the older outer stems.
Cut them close to the base of the plant with clean scissors.
This encourages new growth from the center so your cilantro herbs keep producing.
2. Pinch Off Flower Stalks
The moment you spot a flower stalk forming on your cilantro herbs, pinch it off.
Bolting changes the flavor of the leaves and signals the end of the growing cycle.
If you can’t keep up, let a few cilantro herbs flower, because the seeds (coriander) are edible too.
3. Harvest Cilantro Herbs in the Morning
Morning is the best time to pick cilantro herbs because the leaves are crisp and full of flavor.
Avoid harvesting during the hottest part of the day when the plant is stressed.
Taking care of cilantro herbs this way gives you the freshest possible leaves for salsa, soups, and salads.
Common Problems When Taking Care of Cilantro Herbs
Even with the best care, cilantro herbs run into a few issues.
Knowing what to watch for saves you a lot of frustration.
1. Bolting
Bolting is the number one complaint about cilantro herbs.
It happens when the plant gets too hot, too dry, or too crowded.
Succession planting, or sowing new cilantro herbs every few weeks, keeps you in fresh leaves all season.
2. Aphids and Whiteflies
These tiny pests love tender cilantro herbs.
A strong spray of water or a bit of insecticidal soap usually handles them.
Check the undersides of leaves regularly so pests don’t take over your cilantro herbs.
3. Damping Off and Fungal Issues
Too much moisture causes seedlings of cilantro herbs to rot at the base.
Good airflow and proper drainage prevent most of these problems.
If leaves develop powdery spots, improve air circulation around your cilantro herbs and avoid overhead watering.
So, How to Take Care of Cilantro Herbs?
Taking care of cilantro herbs comes down to cool temperatures, consistent moisture, and regular harvesting.
Give cilantro herbs partial sun, well-draining soil, and a light feeding schedule, and they’ll reward you with weeks of fresh, fragrant leaves.
Pinch off flowers to delay bolting, harvest from the outside in, and plant new seeds every few weeks for a steady supply.
Whether you grow cilantro herbs in a garden bed or a pot on your windowsill, a little attention goes a long way.
Now you know exactly how to take care of cilantro herbs and keep them thriving.