Cilantro

Planting cilantro

Sow directly in early spring or late summer. Cilantro resents transplanting, and warm weather pushes it to flower within weeks.

Planting details

• Sow a short row every 2 to 3 weeks for continuous leaves
• Seed depth: about 1/4 to 1/2 inch
• Bolted plants set coriander seed you can harvest

Growing requirements

Cilantro wants cool weather, sun to light shade, and even moisture. In warm climates each sowing lasts only a few weeks, so repeat sowings matter more than any single bed.

Harvesting and care

Cut leaves before the flower stalk rises for the best flavor. Let a few plants finish their cycle and they will often self-sow the next crop for you.

Common mistakes

• Sowing once in spring, then wondering why there is none by midsummer
• Transplanting seedlings, which triggers early bolting
• Skipping succession sowings in climates with mild springs

Companion plants

Cilantro tucks between lettuce, spinach, and peas in cool-season beds. Let some plants flower if you want hover flies and parasitic wasps nearby.