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You can cut cilantro from the ground by gently pulling the entire plant up by its base or snipping individual stems just above the soil line.
Either way, you’ll be able to cut cilantro from the ground without damaging the plant in a way that ruins future harvests.
If you’re asking how to cut cilantro from the ground the right way, the key is understanding that cilantro grows fast and can be harvested multiple times before it bolts.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to cut cilantro from the ground step by step so you can enjoy fresh herbs all season long.
Let’s dig in.
How to Cut Cilantro From the Ground the Right Way
Learning how to cut cilantro from the ground properly starts with knowing what part of the plant to take and when.
Cilantro is one of those herbs that rewards you with more growth when you harvest it correctly.
Here’s how to cut cilantro from the ground so it keeps producing:
1. Start With Clean, Sharp Scissors or Shears
Before you cut cilantro from the ground, grab a pair of sharp kitchen scissors or garden shears.
Dull blades can crush the stems instead of slicing them, which stresses the plant.
Wipe your blades with rubbing alcohol first to avoid spreading disease from plant to plant.
This small step makes a big difference when you cut cilantro from the ground repeatedly throughout the season.
2. Choose the Outside Stems First
When you cut cilantro from the ground, always go for the outer stems first.
These are the older, more mature stems that are ready for harvest.
Cut them about one to two inches above the soil line.
This approach lets the younger inner stems keep growing so you can cut cilantro from the ground again in a couple of weeks.
3. Snip Just Above the Soil Line
The best technique when you cut cilantro from the ground is to snip just above the soil line.
Make sure you’re above the crown, which is the point where the stems meet the roots.
If you cut too low and damage the crown, the plant may struggle to regrow.
So when you cut cilantro from the ground, leave a little bit of stem behind for a stronger comeback.
4. Pull the Whole Plant if You Want a One-Time Harvest
Sometimes you just want the entire plant, and that’s fine too.
If you plan to use a big batch for salsa or pesto, you can cut cilantro from the ground by pulling the whole thing up.
Grab the base of the plant firmly and pull straight up with a gentle twist.
This method works well if you cut cilantro from the ground right before it bolts and goes to seed.
When to Cut Cilantro From the Ground
Timing matters just as much as technique when you cut cilantro from the ground.
Here’s when you should cut cilantro from the ground for the best flavor and regrowth:
1. Harvest When the Plant Is 6 to 8 Inches Tall
The ideal time to cut cilantro from the ground is when the plant reaches about six to eight inches tall.
At this stage, the leaves are tender and full of that fresh, citrusy flavor.
If you wait too long, the plant starts to bolt and the leaves turn bitter.
So mark your calendar and cut cilantro from the ground at the right height.
2. Harvest in the Cooler Parts of the Day
Early morning or late evening is the best time to cut cilantro from the ground.
The heat of midday can cause the plant to wilt quickly after cutting.
Cooler temperatures help the leaves stay crisp and flavorful.
If you cut cilantro from the ground in the morning, you’ll notice a fresher aroma and better taste.
3. Cut Before the Plant Bolts
Once cilantro starts sending up a tall stalk with white flowers, it’s bolting.
At that point, the leaves lose their flavor and turn bitter.
So if you want the best-tasting cilantro, cut cilantro from the ground before you see that flower stalk appear.
You can also cut cilantro from the ground repeatedly to delay bolting by keeping the plant trimmed.
4. Harvest Every Two to Three Weeks
Cilantro grows quickly, so you can cut cilantro from the ground every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Each time you cut cilantro from the ground, the plant redirects energy into new growth.
This regular harvesting keeps the plant productive and prevents it from going to seed too early.
Consistency is the secret when you cut cilantro from the ground for a steady supply.
Tips for Cutting Cilantro From the Ground Without Killing the Plant
If you want to cut cilantro from the ground and keep the plant alive for future harvests, here are a few extra tips:
1. Never Cut More Than One-Third at a Time
When you cut cilantro from the ground, don’t take more than a third of the plant in one go.
Cutting too much at once shocks the plant and slows regrowth.
Leave plenty of stems and leaves behind so the plant can bounce back.
This rule of thumb keeps your cilantro healthy every time you cut cilantro from the ground.
2. Water Before and After Harvesting
Give your cilantro a good drink before you cut cilantro from the ground.
Hydrated plants handle the stress of cutting much better.
Water again lightly after you cut cilantro from the ground to help the plant recover.
Just avoid soaking the soil too much, since cilantro hates soggy roots.
3. Use Clean, Sharp Tools Every Time
Make it a habit to sanitize your scissors or shears before you cut cilantro from the ground.
Clean cuts heal faster and reduce the risk of fungal infections.
A sharp blade also gives you a cleaner harvest when you cut cilantro from the ground.
Your plants will thank you with vigorous new growth.
So, How Do You Cut Cilantro From the Ground?
You cut cilantro from the ground by snipping the outer stems one to two inches above the soil line with clean, sharp scissors, or by pulling the entire plant up if you want a one-time harvest.
The key is to harvest at the right height, at the right time of day, and never take more than a third of the plant at once.
Whether you cut cilantro from the ground for a single batch of salsa or for a season-long supply, following these steps keeps your plant productive and your kitchen stocked with fresh herbs.
Now you know exactly how to cut cilantro from the ground, so grab those scissors and get harvesting.