When to plant
Best as a cool-season crop — early spring and fall. Succession sow every 3 weeks through spring and again in early fall. It bolts rapidly in summer heat. In hot climates, grow in partial shade or stick to slow-bolt varieties.
Soil & site
Cilantro prefers light, well-drained soil with good fertility. pH 6.2–6.8. Unlike many herbs, it needs consistent moisture — dry soil triggers bolting. A compost-enriched bed helps retain moisture.
Feeding
Moderate feeder. A balanced liquid fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during active leaf production. Avoid heavy nitrogen which encourages fast but bland-tasting growth.
Common problems
Rapid bolting in heat — cilantro is a cool-season herb. It bolts within days of temperatures consistently above 25°C. Grow in partial shade in summer or as a cool-season crop. Powdery mildew in humid conditions. Aphids on new growth.
When to harvest
Harvest leaves once the plant is 15 cm tall with at least 3–4 sets of leaves. The best flavour is before any flower stems appear. Once it bolts (sends up a tall flower stalk), leaves become sparse and the flavour changes — harvest seeds instead.
How to harvest
Cut outer stems at the base, leaving the inner growing point. Never strip all leaves from a single plant. Harvest the top third of the plant maximum at one time. Pinch out any flower buds immediately to extend leaf production. Once it bolts, let it flower and set seed (coriander seeds) for harvesting.
Storage & use
Fresh cilantro wilts quickly — stand stems in water in the refrigerator (like flowers) for up to 2 weeks. Or blend with olive oil and freeze in ice cube trays. Dried cilantro loses almost all flavour — freezing is far better. Coriander seeds (the dried fruit) store in an airtight jar for up to 2 years.
Companion planting
Cilantro attracts beneficial insects when it flowers. Let some bolt to seed for free plants.
Useful for growing cilantro
A few things that make this one easier — chosen for this plant, not a generic list.
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