Love it or hate it, cilantro is one of the most recognizable herbs in kitchens around the world. Popular in Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern cuisine, cilantro has a fresh, citrusy flavor—or, for some people, a soapy one due to a genetic trait! If you’re a cilantro lover, growing your own is a game-changer. It’s cheaper, more flavorful, and always on hand when you need it.
The best part? You’re actually getting two herbs in one: cilantro leaves for cooking and coriander seeds for seasoning and seed saving. Whether you’re growing cilantro for salsa, curries, or seed production, this guide will show you how to cultivate a thriving patch in your backyard or container garden.
When and Where to Grow Cilantro
Despite its popularity in tropical cuisines, cilantro doesn’t love the heat. It prefers cool temperatures and grows best in spring and fall in warm climates. In fact, hot weather can cause cilantro to bolt (go to seed) prematurely, which reduces leaf production and flavor.
Cilantro can tolerate light frosts and grow in temperatures down to the low 40s°F, but it won’t survive once the ground freezes. For best results, grow cilantro when daytime temps are between 50–85°F.
How to Plant Cilantro
Direct Sowing Is Best
Cilantro has a long taproot and doesn’t transplant well. Instead, sow seeds directly into your garden bed or container once the danger of frost has passed. The seedlings grow quickly, so starting them indoors offers little advantage.
If you want an early harvest, you can start seeds in biodegradable pots (like peat or cow pots) indoors. These can be planted straight into the soil without disturbing the root system.
Cilantro Seed Germination
Cilantro seeds are technically two seeds in one, which means you’ll often get double the sprouts per seed. Expect germination in 8–14 days, depending on soil temperature and moisture.
For a steady harvest all season, sow a new round of seeds every 2 to 3 weeks. Each plant matures in about 6 to 12 weeks.
Store extra seeds in a cool, dry location—they’ll stay viable for up to 5 years.
Growing Cilantro in Containers
Cilantro grows beautifully in pots, making it a great choice for patios, balconies, or sunny kitchen windowsills.
- Use a well-draining fertile potting mix
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep
- Add worm castings or compost to encourage strong growth
- Keep soil evenly moist, watering daily in warm weather
Because container soil dries out quickly, be sure to monitor moisture levels closely.
How to Prepare a Cilantro Garden Bed
Choose a spot that gets full sun to light shade. In hotter regions, partial shade can help reduce the chance of bolting.
Before planting:
- Loosen the top few inches of soil
- Mix in aged compost or manure
- Ensure the bed is well-draining and consistently moist
Direct Seeding Cilantro Outdoors
To plant cilantro directly in garden beds:
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep and 2 inches apart
- Space rows 8 inches apart
- Once seedlings reach 3 inches tall, thin them to 6 inches apart
- Snip and save the thinnings for salads or garnish
Pro tip: Pinch off flower buds early unless you’re growing for coriander seed.
Growing for Coriander Seed
If your goal is seed production:
- Give cilantro plants a bit more space—8 to 10 inches apart
- Let them flower and form seed heads
- Plants can grow up to 2 feet tall, so allow room to mature fully
Watering and Mulching Cilantro
The secret to cilantro success? Prevent bolting by mimicking cool-season conditions:
- Water consistently (but don’t oversaturate)
- Use mulch to retain moisture and keep the roots cool
- Make sure your soil drains well
This will trick your cilantro into thinking it’s still spring, extending leaf production.
Cilantro Companion Planting & Crop Rotation
Cilantro’s strong scent deters many pests, making it a great companion plant in the garden.
Best companions:
- Anise
- Chervil
Avoid: Fennel, which inhibits cilantro growth.
Cilantro Pests and Diseases
Thankfully, cilantro is relatively pest- and disease-resistant. It even attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs that help manage aphid populations.
However, two issues can arise:
Leaf Spot
- Appears as yellow, then brown spots
- Caused by excess moisture and poor airflow
- Prevent by avoiding overwatering and using well-drained soil
Powdery Mildew
- Looks like a white, powdery film
- Common in hot, dry conditions
- Prevent by watering regularly and removing infected plants
Harvesting Cilantro
Start harvesting when plants are 10 inches tall (about 3–4 weeks old). Pick the outer leaves first to allow the center to keep growing.
- Harvest in the morning for best flavor
- Use scissors or your hands to snip what you need
- Avoid washing the leaves—this can strip their aromatic oils
Ongoing supply tip: Replant every 2–3 weeks through spring and early summer.
How to Store Fresh Cilantro
Cilantro is best used fresh, but here are some short-term storage tips:
- Place the stems in a glass of water like a bouquet
- Cover loosely with a paper bag
- Store in the fridge for up to 10 days
Note: Cilantro doesn’t freeze or dry well—it loses most of its flavor.
Harvesting and Saving Coriander Seeds
To collect coriander seeds:
- Let the cilantro flower and form seed heads
- Wait until seedpods turn brown and dry
- Collect and place in a paper bag to finish drying
- Roll pods gently to release the seeds
Store seeds in a cool, dry place for culinary use or planting next season.
Best Cilantro Varieties by Climate
Looking to avoid bolting or grow for a specific use? Here are top varieties to try:
- ‘Calypso’ – A slow-bolting variety ideal for hot climates
- ‘Delfino’ – Feathery foliage that makes a beautiful garnish
- Grocery-store coriander – Works fine for basic planting, though less reliable than seed catalog options
Final Tips for Organic Cilantro Success
- Use containers to move plants to shade during heat waves
- Pinch back young stems to encourage bushier growth
- Remove flower buds promptly for longer leaf production
- Re-seed regularly for a continuous harvest
By learning how to grow cilantro organically, you not only save money and reduce food waste, but also enjoy fresher, more flavorful herbs right from your backyard. Whether you’re sprinkling the leaves on tacos or grinding homegrown coriander into spice blends, you’ll taste the difference homegrown cilantro makes.