Cilantro Coriandrum sativum
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this
A cool-season annual herb grown two ways from one plant — bright, citrusy cilantro leaves and warm, nutty coriander seed. Fast to harvest but quick to bolt in heat, it rewards successive sowings and a spot that escapes the hottest part of summer.
Light
Cilantro grows best in full sun in cool weather, but unlike most herbs it actively benefits from afternoon shade once temperatures climb. Strong heat and long, intense days are exactly what trigger it to bolt — sending up a flower stalk and turning the leaves sparse and bitter. In spring and fall, give it six or more hours of direct sun for stocky, leafy growth. As summer warms, site it where it gets bright morning sun but relief from blazing midday and afternoon rays, or grow it in the dappled shade of taller plants. Indoors, a bright south or west window or a grow light run 10–12 hours daily keeps it compact rather than stretched and pale.Watering
Keep the soil consistently and evenly moist — cilantro has shallow roots and dislikes drying out, which stresses the plant and hurries it toward bolting. Water deeply at the base whenever the top inch of soil begins to feel dry, aiming for steady moisture rather than alternating drought and flood. In warm weather and in containers, which dry fast, that may mean watering every day or two. Avoid wetting the foliage, and never let the plant sit in soggy soil, which rots its delicate taproot. A layer of mulch around outdoor plants steadies soil moisture and keeps the roots cooler, which itself helps delay bolting.Soil & potting
Cilantro wants loose, light, well-drained soil enriched with compost, at a slightly acidic pH of about 6.2–6.8. Because it forms a slender taproot and resents being transplanted, work the bed to a crumbly texture and remove stones so the root can run straight down. It is a light feeder and does not need heavily fertile ground. In containers, choose a pot at least 8 inches deep to accommodate the taproot, fill it with a quality potting mix, and make sure there are drainage holes — standing water quickly causes root rot in this fast, shallow-rooted herb.Humidity & temperature
Cilantro is a true cool-season herb, thriving between roughly 50 and 75°F. It shrugs off light frost — hardy young plants tolerate brief dips near freezing — but it bolts rapidly once temperatures push past about 80°F. Average household and garden humidity suits it fine; it has no special humidity needs, though good airflow helps prevent leaf disease in damp conditions. The practical implication is timing: grow it in spring and fall, or through winter in mild climates, and skip or shade it during high summer. In hot regions, fall and winter are often the best growing windows of all.Fertilizing
Cilantro is not a hungry plant and needs only modest feeding. Mix compost into the bed at planting and that may be enough for a leaf crop in good soil. If growth looks pale or slow, feed every three to four weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength, favoring a gentle, even supply over heavy doses. Container plants benefit from light feeding every couple of weeks, since frequent watering flushes nutrients out of the mix. Go easy on high-nitrogen feeds — too much pushes soft, floppy leaves with muted flavor and can encourage the plant to rush past its leafy stage.Pruning & maintenance
Harvest cilantro by snipping the outer, lower leaves and stems once the plant is six inches tall, taking up to about a third at a time and always leaving the central growing point to regrow. Cutting whole outer stems near the base, rather than just plucking leaflets, keeps the plant tidy and productive. The moment you spot a tall, feathery flower stalk forming, the leaf harvest is nearly over — pinching it out buys a little time, but bolting is mostly inevitable in heat. Many gardeners simply let some plants flower and set seed, harvesting the dry round seeds as coriander spice once the heads turn tan.Propagation
Cilantro is grown from seed sown directly where it will grow, since its taproot makes transplanting risky. Sow seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in cool, moist soil; gently cracking the round seed husks first can speed and even out germination, which takes 7–14 days. Thin seedlings to a few inches apart. Because each plant is short-lived before bolting, sow a fresh small batch every two to three weeks through the cool season for a continuous supply. Allow a few plants to flower and dry on the stem to collect coriander seed — both for the spice rack and to resow next season.Common problems
Through the year
Spring
Direct-sow as soon as the soil can be worked and frost danger eases; sow a fresh batch every 2–3 weeks for a steady leaf harvest before heat arrives.
Summer
Hardest season — plants bolt fast. Site new sowings in afternoon shade, keep soil evenly moist, and let bolted plants set seed for coriander.
Fall
Prime growing time as temperatures cool — resume frequent successive sowings for an abundant, slow-bolting autumn harvest.
Winter
In mild and hot climates, grow outdoors through winter; in cold zones, sow indoors under a grow light or rest until spring.
Companion planting
Good companions: tomatoes, peppers, spinach, and legumes; its flowers attract beneficial insects and pollinators. Avoid crowding near fennel.
Recommended supplies for Cilantro
Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
You might also like
Go deeper
The complete Herbs care library
Every species in one printable, organized reference — side-by-side care, a pet-toxicity table, and a seasonal calendar.