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How to Grow Cilantro and Coriander Plants: The Complete Guide

Photo Credit
Pixabay
Botanical Name
Coriandrum sativum
Plant Type
Herb
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Part Sun
Bloom Time
Spring

Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Cilantro and Coriander

Catherine Boeckmann
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Cilantro is a fast-growing, aromatic, annual herb that grows best in the cooler weather of spring and fall. Here’s how to grow cilantro (and coriander) in your garden. This popular herb is used to flavor many recipes, and the entire plant is edible, though the leaves and seeds are used most often.

Cilantro vs. Coriander—What’s the Difference?

Cilantro and coriander are different parts of the same plant.

Cilantro, Coriandrum sativum, usually refers to the plant’s leaves, which are used as an herb. This describes the vegetative stage of the plant’s life cycle.

Coriander refers to the seeds, which are typically ground and used as a spice. This happens after the plant flowers and develops seeds.

Read Next

Planting

  • Plant cilantro in the spring after the last frost date or in the fall. In the Southwestern US, a fall planting may last through spring until the weather heats up again.
  • Do not grow in the summer heat as the plants will bolt (such that it will be past harvesting). The leaves that grow on bolted plants tend to be bitter in flavor.
  • It is best to choose a sunny site that will allow cilantro to self-seed as it ought to do. Plant in an herb garden or the corner of a vegetable garden. When the weather gets warm, the plant will quickly finish its life cycle and send up a long stalk which will produce blossoms and later seeds. Little plants will sprout during the season and the next spring. 
  • Plant the seeds in light, well-drained soil and space them 1 to 2 inches apart. Sow the seeds at 3-week intervals for continued harvest.
  • Space rows about 12 inches apart.
  • It is important to keep the seeds moist during their germination, so remember to water the plants regularly.

Growing

  • Water the seedlings regularly throughout the growing season. They require about 1 inch of water per week for best growth.
  • Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart so that they have room to develop healthy leaves.
  • Once the plants are established, they do not need as much water per week. Keep them moist, but be careful not to overwater them.
  • Fertilize once or twice during the growing season with nitrogen fertilizer. Apply 1/4 cup of fertilizer per 25 feet of row. Be sure not to over-fertilize the plants.
  • To help prevent weeds, mulch around the plants as soon as they are visible above the soil. You can also till shallowly to help prevent root damage from weeds.
Varieties
  • Slow-bolting varieties, such as ‘Costa Rica’, ‘Leisure’, and ‘Long Standing’ are the best choices for harvesting the leaves.

Harvesting

  • Harvest while it is low. When the cilantro grows its stalk, cut off the plant after the seeds drop and let it self-seed.
  • The large leaves can be cut individually from the plants. For the smaller leaves, cut them off 1-1/2 to 2 inches above the crown.
  • You can also remove the entire plant at once; however, this means that you will not be able to continue harvesting for the rest of the growing season.

Coriander seeds.

  • To store coriander seeds, cut off the seed heads when the plant begins to turn brown and put them in a paper bag. Hang the bag until the plant dries and the seeds fall off. You can then store the seeds in sealed containers.
  • To store cilantro leaves, you can either freeze or dry them. To freeze, put the leaves in a resealable freezer bag and store them in your freezer. To dry them, hang the plant in a warm place until fully dried, then store the leaves in a resealable bag or container.
Gardening Products

Pests/Diseases

To control insects, use insecticidal soap once they are spotted under leaves.

Clean up debris and spent plants to avoid wilt and mildew.

A common problem with cilantro is its fast-growing cycle. As mentioned above, it will not grow properly in the heat of summer. Grow so that you harvest in spring, fall, or winter (in mild climates).

Wit and Wisdom

  • Coriander is thought to symbolize hidden worth. Explore more plant meanings here.
  • Does cilantro taste like soap? Folks occasionally report a strong dislike for cilantro, claiming it tastes exactly like soap. Some studies show that this reaction may be influenced by genetics, while others propose that the taste is due to a molecule called aldehyde, which occurs naturally in cilantro, but is also used in some soaps. Does cilantro taste like soap to you? Let us know in the comments below!
  • There are two common methods for keeping cilantro fresh. The first requires a jar (a mason jar works well) filled with about an inch of water. Place the stems in the water and then tent a zip-close plastic bag over the entire thing. It is a good idea to put an elastic band around the base of the jar to keep the bag in place. Store in the refrigerator. The second method has you lay the cilantro on paper towels in a single layer. Then, roll up the paper towels and place them in a zip-close plastic bag (You can also place it in an airtight container). Store in the refrigerator. If you notice the paper towels becoming wet, change them.

Recipes

Salsa
Cilantro and Mint Sauce
Herbs
About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann
 

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Comments

Kathy (not verified)

6 years ago

I, too, live in central Texas - Cedar Park to be exact. I want to grow cilantro too but it seems we are nearing the end of the growing season and it's only mid-March. I don't know if you are on Facebook but there is a group called "Central Texas Backyard Gardeners" you can join. They are very knowledgeable about our specific area.
I just planted 3 cilantro plants and from what they tell me I am 1) at the end of the growing season 2) plant it in the Fall 3) when it bolts let the seeds fall where they may and you will get new plants in the Fall. No answers yet on hy the nurseries seem to think this is a Spring plant in our area if it bolts as soon as it gets hot.

Luigi (not verified)

6 years 9 months ago

I just changed the location of my plant. Last year had half day shade, this year, full sun.
I should have left it alone! The sun is destroying it.
I’ve got plenty of leaves now in late June. Thinking about harvesting the leaves. What comes next, I’m surprised no one has mentioned it...
I save for what I need for a week. I then take the remaining cilantro, leaf and stem and roll it horizontally very tight. Then I put it in a freezer bag kept tight with rubber bands and place it in the freezer.
Whenever a recipe calls for cilantro, especially salsa, I take the frozen cilantro out, and shave what I need then place it back in the freezer.
The taste in indistinguishable from freshly picked cilantro! My fresh salsas are met with much satisfaction as my other dishes!

Ronda (not verified)

6 years 10 months ago

Hi Jeannie, I live in Phoenix, AZ, very hot here. I didn't plant, per say, I scattered Cilantro seeds at the end of summer about 20 years ago and it has reseeded ever since. Harvest leaves as opposed to pulling up plant. Allow it to bloom and seed and you shouldn't have to worry about replanting. Good luck and enjoy fresh throughout the cooler weather!

Lisa meek (not verified)

6 years 9 months ago

Hi ive started growing herbs and have been lucky with qiute a few especially the ones in question. I have planted mine in a small planter next to loveage and it has flowered. However this is lemon coriander i purchased. Hope this is helpful to you. If you have any tips on rosemary or oregano id be happy for any feedback. Good luck.x

want to know about the cultivation of oregano and rosemary

Jeanne Hoback (not verified)

7 years 4 months ago

One year I purchased a cilantro Plant from a nursery and got a wonderful plant where the leaves tasted similar to parsley. The next year I purchased what I thought was the same cilantro plant and got the stinky coriander plant. And everywhere I look everyone is saying these two are the same plant. Evidently they haven't ever eaten the real cilantro plant. It's similar to parsley but not quite parsley- less flavorful. On the otherhand the coriander plant is very stinky, offensive tasting, skunk like. Why anyone likes this is beyond me! But the coriander seed is a nice peppery tasting seed and one that is very good. Talk about double talking this is one for the century!

Brenda Simonse… (not verified)

7 years 5 months ago

Tastes just like soap to me

Tim (not verified)

7 years 6 months ago

I used to think it smelt like ants. The tiny ones we get in Australia. Now I love the smell and taste !

Jeanne (not verified)

7 years 6 months ago

I love cilantro, but, do have a good friend that just hates it due to it tasting like soap to her. I have been having trouble growing it probably due to hot weather during our summers in Pennsylvania. I will try the tips I found here during our next growing season. Thank you!

Deb (not verified)

7 years 8 months ago

Last yr I planted cilantro from seed. It went to seed quickly.
In NJ it was fairly dry. To my surprise it re sprouted in the late fall.
We had a mild winter and there was a carpet of cilantro this spring. It's gone to seed now which I've harvested and came to this site to see if I did it right. It is reseeding itself and I will have plenty of spice for the winter. It was a surprise garden! Love it and hope it continues