What To Do With Cilantro Plant

What to do with a cilantro plant starts with understanding what you actually want from it.
 
Maybe you want fresh leaves for salsa, or maybe you want coriander seeds for your spice rack.
 
Either way, learning what to do with a cilantro plant is simpler than most people think.
 
It’s a fast-growing herb that rewards you quickly if you give it the right conditions.
 
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with a cilantro plant, from harvesting and pruning to saving seeds and even regrowing it.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

What to Do with a Cilantro Plant Right After You Bring It Home

When you first get a cilantro plant, the first thing to do is decide where it will live.
 
Cilantro loves cool weather, so if you’re in a hot climate, a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal.
 
If you’re growing cilantro indoors, place it near a bright window but away from radiators or heating vents.
 
Here’s what to do with a cilantro plant in those first few days so it settles in nicely.
 

1. Give It a Deep Watering

Cilantro has a taproot, which means it doesn’t like being transplanted or moved around too much.
 
Water it thoroughly right after bringing it home so the roots can establish themselves.
 
You want the soil moist but never soggy, because soggy soil leads to root rot fast.
 

2. Hold Off on Fertilizer

Fresh potting soil usually has enough nutrients for the first few weeks.
 
If you’re wondering what to do with a cilantro plant that looks a little pale, wait a week before feeding it.
 
Then use a diluted liquid fertilizer, since cilantro is a light feeder and too much nitrogen makes it bolt.
 

3. Check for Pests Early

Aphids and whiteflies love tender cilantro leaves.
 
Inspect the undersides of leaves and treat any pest issue right away with a gentle spray of water or insecticidal soap.
 

What to Do with a Cilantro Plant When It Starts Growing

Once your cilantro plant settles in, it will start producing new leaves quickly.
 
This is the fun part, and it’s also when you need to make some decisions.
 
Here’s what to do with a cilantro plant as it grows so you get the most from it.
 

1. Harvest the Outer Leaves Regularly

The best thing to do with a cilantro plant that’s thriving is to harvest it often.
 
Snip the outer stems near the base, leaving the inner leaves to keep growing.
 
Regular harvesting actually encourages bushier growth, so don’t be shy.
 

2. Pinch Off Flower Buds to Delay Bolting

Cilantro bolts fast when the weather warms up.
 
When you see flower buds forming, pinch them off if you want to keep harvesting leaves.
 
This is a key answer to what to do with a cilantro plant that’s starting to flower too soon.
 

3. Move It to a Cooler Spot

If your cilantro is bolting because of heat, move the pot to a shadier, cooler location.
 
Cilantro grows best between 50°F and 85°F, so keeping it cool extends its leaf-producing life.
 

What to Do with a Cilantro Plant That Has Bolted

Bolting isn’t the end of the world, and it’s actually a chance to get something new from your plant.
 
Here’s what to do with a cilantro plant once it has gone to seed.
 

1. Let It Flower for the Bees

Cilantro flowers are tiny, white, and incredibly attractive to pollinators.
 
If you’re not in a rush, let it bloom and enjoy the bees and beneficial insects it brings to your garden.
 

2. Harvest the Coriander Seeds

Once the flowers fade, green seed pods will form.
 
Wait until they turn brown and dry, then snip the stems and hang them upside down over a paper bag.
 
The seeds that drop are coriander, and you can grind them for cooking or save them for replanting.
 
This is one of the most rewarding answers to what to do with a cilantro plant that seems past its prime.
 

3. Collect Seeds for Your Next Crop

Store dried coriander seeds in a cool, dark place.
 
When you’re ready, plant them, and you’ll have a whole new generation of cilantro in a few weeks.
 

What to Do with a Cilantro Plant in the Kitchen

Of course, the most obvious thing to do with a cilantro plant is to eat it.
 
But there are a few ways to make the most of every leaf.
 

1. Use It Fresh in Salsas and Salads

Cilantro loses flavor fast when cooked, so add it at the end of cooking or use it raw.
 
Chop it into salsa, guacamole, tacos, and curries for that signature fresh kick.
 

2. Freeze It in Oil or Water

If you have more cilantro than you can use, chop it and freeze it in ice cube trays with olive oil or water.
 
This is a great answer to what to do with a cilantro plant when you’re overwhelmed by a big harvest.
 

3. Make Cilantro Pesto

Swap basil for cilantro and make a bright, zesty pesto with garlic, lime, nuts, and olive oil.
 
It’s a delicious way to use up a large batch of leaves before they go bad.
 

So, What to Do with a Cilantro Plant?

What to do with a cilantro plant really comes down to how you want to enjoy it.
 
You can harvest the leaves, pinch the buds, save the coriander seeds, or freeze the extras.
 
Whichever route you choose, cilantro gives back plenty for very little effort.
 
Hope this post has helped you figure out what to do with a cilantro plant so you can enjoy it from leaf to seed.