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Planting and Growing Cilantro and Coriander

Image Credit:
Pixabay
Botanical Name
Coriandrum sativum
Grown as
Annual
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Partial Sun
Water Needs
Moderate
Height
1–3 feet
Spread
Under 1 foot
Soil pH
Acidic
Neutral
Bloom Time
Spring
Special Features
Container-Friendly
Fragrant
Low Maintenance
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Pollinators
Deer-resistant
Rabbit-resistant
Resilience
Cold Hardy
Plant Type
Herbs
Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Craving fresh flavor from garden to table? Cilantro (and its spicy alter ego, coriander) packs a punch in both leafy and seed forms. This cool-season herb is a must-have for salsa lovers, curry makers, and taco enthusiasts alike. But don’t let its delicate leaves fool you: cilantro is fast-growing, fuss-free, and totally edible from root to seed. 

Whether you’re planting for the herb (cilantro) or the spice (coriander), we’ll show you exactly how to grow, harvest, and savor this aromatic overachiever.

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. The leaves are part of the vegetative stage of the plant’s life cycle.

Coriander refers to the seeds, which are typically ground and used as a spice. The seeds develop after the plant flowers.

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Planting

When to Plant Cilantro

  • Plant cilantro in the spring after the last frost date or in the fall. In the southwestern U.S., 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.

Where to Plant Cilantro

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.

How to Plant Cilantro

  • Plant the seeds in light, well-draining 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 overfertilize 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.

Harvesting

  • Harvest when the plant is 6 to 8 inches tall. 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 off 1-1/2 to 2 inches above the crown.
  • You can also remove the entire plant at once, but doing so will mean 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.

Pests and Problems

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).

Types

Slow-bolting varieties, such as ‘Costa Rica’, ‘Leisure’, and ‘Long Standing’ are the best choices for harvesting the leaves.

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 filled with about an inch of water; a mason jar works well. Place the stems in the water and then tent a zip-close plastic bag over the mouth of the jar. 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 entails laying the cilantro on paper towels in a single layer. Then, roll up the paper towels and place them in a zip-close plastic bag or an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator. If you notice the paper towels becoming wet, change them.

Herbs

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

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

<span>Gerry Stevens</span> Thu, 06/13/2019 - 18:02
When I 1st discovered the cilantro plant it was used in a fresh salsa. It tasted very soapy & I did not like it. I decided to make my own fresh salsa & used less cilantro & it does not taste soapy to me anymore. I have even eaten several leaves, but I know longer get the sensation of a soapy taste, I now LOVE it & put tons of it in my fresh salsa. Can anyone explain is phenomenon?
<span>Sheri Freeman</span> Fri, 06/21/2019 - 22:57
It’s genetic. For some people, cilantro tastes like soap.
<span>Ol</span> Tue, 06/11/2019 - 09:42
I've never thought of the flavor of cilantro as soap-like. I do however know I hate the taste and will taste the smallest of portions....gag To me it's bitter. Will pay attention to the soap like taste idea the next time I'm exposed!
<span>Geri Reski</span> Tue, 06/11/2019 - 09:11
Cilantro signals Mexican food or Asian food to me! Fresh and flavorful! Living in Arizona we enjoy this wonderful herb often! In cooking at home, I always have a fresh supply handy or am always growing in my garden. My cilantro survived 4’ of snow this past winter..i was digging through it to snip off fragrant leaves for a dish...all winter long!
<span>Mike</span> Mon, 05/27/2019 - 06:21
My sandy loam garden in N England has self seeded its cilantro for years which have tended to be spindly single stem plants that bolt early. Pleasantly surprised that this year I have several tall bushy plants with several strong stems around 10mm diameter. The soft bushy tops are good eating & no signs of bolting yet.
<span>Beatriz Morales</span> Sat, 05/25/2019 - 12:47
As a Hispanic we use cilantro a lot. My mother would use it a lot growing up. I never thought it tasted like soap up until I planted my own. I have a nice bunch growing and I tried it and it tasted like soap. Is there something I’m doing wrong with my plant? I am sad cause I want to use it in my food.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:58

Have you tried cilantro from the store recently? It could be that your taste buds have changed! If the store-bought kind tastes fine, the variety that you're growing at home may just have a higher concentration of aldehydes, which is what causes the soap taste for some people. Perhaps try seeds of a different variety from a different source.

 <span>Carol</span> Thu, 04/18/2019 - 16:21
I live in Arlington Texas and I planted it in half a whiskey barrel with several other herbs. I planted at end of March and my plant is about 3 feet tall now. I LOVE cilantro... especially in guacamole, chicken tortilla soup, pico di gallo, etc.
<span>Heather</span> Fri, 03/15/2019 - 16:14
I LOVE cilantro!! I put extra in my salsa and add it to tacos and guacamole.
<span>Pam</span> Sat, 01/12/2019 - 03:31
Cilantro does taste like soap to me. I thought it may have been because I used too much until I read this article.