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Yes, you can regrow cilantro from cuttings, and it’s actually one of the easiest herbs to propagate this way.
If you’ve been asking yourself “can you regrow cilantro” after snipping a bunch for salsa or guacamole, the answer is a resounding yes.
Cilantro stems, when placed in water or soil, can develop new roots and grow into fresh plants you can harvest again and again.
This means you can regrow cilantro indoors or outdoors with just a little patience and the right conditions.
In this post, we’ll explore how you can regrow cilantro, the steps to do it successfully, and tips to keep your regrown cilantro thriving.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Can Regrow Cilantro from Cuttings
You can regrow cilantro from cuttings because the plant has a remarkable ability to produce new roots from its stem nodes.
Here’s why this works so well:
1. Cilantro Stems Contain Rooting Hormones
Cilantro stems naturally contain auxins, which are plant hormones that promote root development.
When you place a cilantro cutting in water or moist soil, these hormones kick into action.
This is why you can regrow cilantro so easily from a simple stem cutting.
2. Nodes Are the Key to New Growth
The nodes on cilantro stems are where leaves and branches emerge.
They also hold the potential to sprout new roots when conditions are right.
So when you regrow cilantro, make sure your cutting includes at least one or two nodes.
3. Cilantro Is a Fast Grower
Cilantro grows quickly, which means you won’t wait long to see results.
Within a week or two, you can regrow cilantro roots in a glass of water.
This fast growth makes cilantro a rewarding herb to propagate.
4. It Doesn’t Need a Lot of Space
You can regrow cilantro on a windowsill, in a small pot, or even in a jar.
This makes it perfect for apartment dwellers or anyone with limited garden space.
How to Regrow Cilantro Step by Step
Now that you know you can regrow cilantro, here’s how to do it:
1. Take a Healthy Cutting
Snip a stem that’s about 4 to 6 inches long from a healthy cilantro plant.
Make the cut just below a node, since that’s where roots will form.
Remove the lower leaves so they don’t rot in the water.
2. Place It in Water
Put your cilantro cutting in a clean glass or jar filled with fresh water.
Make sure the node is submerged but the leaves stay above the waterline.
Change the water every couple of days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
3. Wait for Roots to Appear
In about 7 to 14 days, you’ll see small white roots growing from the node.
Once the roots are an inch or two long, your cilantro is ready for the next step.
4. Transfer to Soil
Plant your rooted cilantro cutting in a pot with well-draining potting mix.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and place the pot in a spot with bright, indirect light.
You can also skip the water step and plant cuttings directly in soil, but water rooting is often faster.
5. Care for Your Regrown Cilantro
Water regularly and give your cilantro plenty of sunlight.
Pinch off flower buds to keep the plant producing leaves instead of going to seed.
With a little care, you can regrow cilantro and harvest fresh leaves for months.
Tips for Successfully Regrowing Cilantro
To make sure you can regrow cilantro without problems, keep these tips in mind:
1. Use Fresh Cuttings
The sooner you place your cilantro cutting in water after snipping, the better.
Old, wilted cuttings are less likely to root.
2. Avoid Direct Hot Sunlight
While cilantro loves light, direct harsh sun can stress a young cutting.
Bright, indirect light is ideal until roots are established.
3. Keep Water Clean
If you regrow cilantro in water, change it every few days to prevent bacteria growth.
Cloudy water can cause rot before roots form.
4. Be Patient with Soil Rooting
If you plant directly in soil, it may take a bit longer to see new growth.
Keep the soil consistently moist and don’t tug on the cutting to check for roots.
Tugging can damage delicate new roots.
5. Fertilize Lightly
Once your regrown cilantro is established, feed it with a diluted liquid fertilizer every few weeks.
This keeps the plant healthy and encourages more leaf production.
So, Can You Regrow Cilantro?
Yes, you can regrow cilantro from cuttings, and it’s a simple, rewarding process.
Whether you root your cilantro in water or soil, the key is using a healthy stem with at least one node and giving it the right conditions to grow.
So next time you bring home a bunch of cilantro, don’t toss the stems.
You can regrow cilantro and enjoy fresh, homegrown leaves again and again.