How To Get Coriander Seeds From Cilantro

You can get coriander seeds from cilantro by letting the plant bolt and flower, then waiting for the flowers to turn into seed heads.
 
Once those seeds dry out and turn brown, you simply harvest them, and you’ve got coriander seeds.
 
If you’re asking how to get coriander seeds from cilantro, the answer is surprisingly simple and it’s one of the most rewarding things about growing this herb.
 
Cilantro and coriander are actually the same plant, just at different stages of life.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to get coriander seeds from cilantro, step by step, so you can enjoy both the fresh leaves and the warm, citrusy spice.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why Cilantro Produces Coriander Seeds

Cilantro produces coriander seeds because the plant’s natural life cycle ends with seed production.
 
When you understand this, learning how to get coriander seeds from cilantro becomes so much easier.
 

1. Cilantro and Coriander Are the Same Plant

Many people don’t realize that cilantro and coriander come from the very same plant.
 
The leaves are called cilantro, while the dried seeds are called coriander.
 
That’s why getting coriander seeds from cilantro is really just letting the herb complete its journey.
 

2. Bolting Is the First Step

Cilantro bolts when temperatures rise or the days get longer.
 
This simply means it sends up a tall stalk to start flowering.
 
Bolting is the first sign that your cilantro is on its way to making coriander seeds.
 

3. Flowers Turn Into Seed Heads

Small white or pinkish flowers appear on that tall stalk.
 
Once pollinated, those flowers slowly develop into green seed heads.
 
Each of those little rounds eventually becomes a coriander seed you can harvest.
 

How to Get Coriander Seeds from Cilantro Step by Step

To get coriander seeds from cilantro, you’ll want to follow a few simple steps.
 
These steps work whether you’re growing cilantro in a garden bed or a pot.
 

1. Let the Cilantro Flower

Stop harvesting the leaves once you see the plant start to bolt.
 
Let it flower fully so the seeds have time to form.
 
This is the most important step in how to get coriander seeds from cilantro.
 

2. Wait for the Seeds to Turn Brown

The seed heads start green and slowly shift to a light brown.
 
Don’t pick them too early, or the coriander seeds won’t be fully developed.
 
Patience here is what gives you the best-tasting coriander seeds from cilantro.
 

3. Harvest the Seed Heads

Once the seeds are brown and dry, snip off the whole seed head.
 
You can also place a paper bag over the head and cut the stem.
 
This trick helps you get coriander seeds from cilantro without losing any to the ground.
 

4. Dry Them Completely

Hang the seed heads upside down in a cool, dry spot for about a week.
 
You’ll know they’re ready when the seeds rattle a little inside the husk.
 
Fully drying is key when getting coriander seeds from cilantro so they store well.
 

5. Separate the Seeds

Rub the dried seed heads between your fingers over a bowl.
 
The husks fall away and the round coriander seeds drop right out.
 
That’s how to get coriander seeds from cilantro with almost no effort at all.
 

Tips for Getting the Most Coriander Seeds from Cilantro

If you want a generous harvest, keep these tips in mind.
 
They’ll help you get more coriander seeds from each cilantro plant.
 

1. Plant in Cool Weather

Cilantro bolts fastest in heat, so plant it in spring or fall.
 
Cooler temperatures let the plant grow longer before it flowers.
 
However, don’t forget that bolting is exactly what helps you get coriander seeds from cilantro.
 

2. Water Consistently

Give your cilantro steady moisture while it’s flowering and setting seed.
 
Dry spells can cause the seeds to shrivel before they mature.
 
Healthy plants produce the best coriander seeds from cilantro.
 

3. Leave Some Plants to Bolt on Purpose

If you love cooking with coriander, dedicate a few plants just for seed.
 
Keep harvesting leaves from the others and let these go to flower.
 
This way, getting coriander seeds from cilantro becomes a regular part of your garden routine.
 

4. Store Seeds Properly

Keep your dried coriander seeds in an airtight jar away from light.
 
They’ll stay flavorful for about a year or more.
 
You can even crush a few to plant next season and start the cycle again.
 

So, How Do You Get Coriander Seeds from Cilantro?

You get coriander seeds from cilantro by letting the plant bolt, flower, and set seed.
 
Then you wait for the seeds to turn brown, harvest the seed heads, and dry them completely.
 
It’s a simple process that turns one humble herb into two useful ingredients.
 
Now that you know how to get coriander seeds from cilantro, you can enjoy fresh leaves and a steady supply of spice from the same plant.