Cilantro

Growing Conditions

Cilantro prefers cool temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. It bolts to seed rapidly once temperatures consistently exceed 75°F or day length increases significantly. This is not a flaw to prevent — it’s the plant’s nature. Plan around it by succession sowing rather than trying to keep a single planting going.

Cold climates: Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked — early spring is ideal. Succession sow every 2–3 weeks through spring and again in late summer for fall harvest. Skip midsummer sowings — they bolt immediately.

Warm climates: Fall, winter, and early spring are the productive seasons. Summer production is essentially impossible in hot climates.

Sowing & Planting

Each cilantro “seed” is actually a two-seeded fruit — crush lightly before sowing to improve germination. Sow ¼ inch deep, broadcast or in rows, thinning to 4–6 inches. Direct sowing is always preferred — cilantro develops a taproot quickly and does not transplant reliably.

Care & Maintenance

Cilantro needs little attention. Keep soil consistently moist during germination and early growth. Partial shade in warm weather extends the harvest window by slowing bolting somewhat. No additional feeding needed in average soil.

Common Problems

Bolting is the primary challenge and is largely a timing issue — choose slow-bolt varieties for spring plantings and time fall sowings carefully. Leaf spot in wet conditions — thin plants for better air circulation. Aphids occasionally — knock off with water.

Harvest

Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants reach 4–6 inches tall. Cut stems rather than pulling individual leaves. For continuous harvest, take no more than one-third of the plant at a time. Once a plant begins to bolt, harvest everything — leaves become progressively more sparse and less flavorful. Allow some plants to fully bolt and set seed for coriander and self-sown volunteers.

Varieties

Slow-bolt varieties (Leisure, Santo, Calypso) extend the leaf harvest window and are worth choosing for spring plantings. Standard varieties bolt faster but produce seeds more readily for coriander harvest. For most home gardens, a slow-bolt variety for spring and a standard variety for seed production covers all uses.