Can You Grow Cilantro From Grocery Store Cuttings

Yes, you can grow cilantro from grocery store cuttings, and it’s actually one of the easiest herbs to propagate this way.
 
Those fresh bunches of cilantro you buy at the supermarket often still have viable stems that can produce new roots and leaves under the right conditions.
 
It’s a fun, budget-friendly project that lets you turn a cheap bunch of herbs into a continuous supply on your windowsill.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to grow cilantro from grocery store cuttings, what to expect, and how to keep your new plants thriving.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Can You Really Grow Cilantro From Grocery Store Cuttings?

Yes, you can grow cilantro from grocery store cuttings, but there are a few important things to understand first.
 
The cilantro you buy at the store is usually sold as fresh stems with leaves attached, and those stems contain nodes where new roots can develop.
 
When you place those stems in water or soil, the plant’s natural rooting hormones kick in, and new roots begin to form.
 
This means you can grow cilantro from grocery store cuttings without needing seeds, soil mixes, or special equipment.
 

1. Cilantro Cuttings Root Quickly in Water

The simplest way to grow cilantro from grocery store cuttings is to root them in a glass of water.
 
Just take a few stems, strip the lower leaves, and place the cut ends in a jar with about an inch or two of fresh water.
 
Within a week to ten days, you’ll see tiny white roots emerging from the nodes.
 
This method works because cilantro is a fast-growing herb that responds well to propagation.
 

2. Not Every Bunch Will Root Successfully

While you can grow cilantro from grocery store cuttings, not every stem will cooperate.
 
Some bunches are older or have been kept too cold, which can reduce their rooting ability.
 
Look for stems that are firm, green, and have plenty of healthy leaves.
 
Avoid stems that are yellowing, slimy, or wilted, as these are less likely to grow cilantro from grocery store cuttings successfully.
 

3. Grocery Store Cilantro Is Often Grown for Flavor, Not Rooting

It’s worth noting that cilantro sold in stores is bred for leaf production and flavor, not for its ability to regrow.
 
That said, you can still grow cilantro from grocery store cuttings because the plant’s basic biology hasn’t changed.
 
The stems are still alive and capable of producing roots when given the right conditions.
 
So while it may not be as vigorous as seed-grown cilantro, it’s absolutely doable.
 

How to Grow Cilantro From Grocery Store Cuttings Step by Step

If you want to grow cilantro from grocery store cuttings, here’s the most reliable method.
 

1. Choose the Right Stems

Pick stems that are at least four to six inches long and have a few leaf nodes.
 
Make a clean cut just above a node using sharp scissors or a knife.
 
Remove any leaves that would sit below the water line to prevent rot.
 

2. Root Them in Water First

Place the prepared stems in a clean glass or jar with room-temperature water.
 
Change the water every couple of days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
 
Keep the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light.
 
In about one to two weeks, you’ll have rooted cuttings ready for soil.
 

3. Transfer to Soil Once Roots Appear

Once the roots are about an inch long, you can plant the cuttings in a small pot with well-draining potting mix.
 
Water gently and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
 
Place the pot in a sunny window or under grow lights.
 
This is the final step to grow cilantro from grocery store cuttings into full plants.
 

4. Or Skip Water and Root Directly in Soil

You can also grow cilantro from grocery store cuttings by sticking them straight into moist potting soil.
 
Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone first if you have it, though it’s not strictly necessary.
 
Keep the soil humid by covering the pot with a plastic bag or dome for the first week.
 
This method works well but requires more attention to moisture levels.
 

Tips for Keeping Your Cilantro Cuttings Alive

Growing cilantro from grocery store cuttings is one thing, but keeping them alive is another.
 
Cilantro is a cool-season herb that bolts quickly in heat, so keep your plants in a spot that stays between 60 and 75°F.
 
Water regularly, but let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
 
Harvest leaves from the outside of the plant, leaving the inner growth to continue producing.
 
If you want a continuous supply, you can grow cilantro from grocery store cuttings every few weeks to stagger your harvest.
 

1. Watch for Pests and Disease

Indoor cilantro can attract aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
 
Check the undersides of leaves regularly and rinse them off with a gentle spray of water if you spot anything.
 
Good airflow around your plants helps prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew.
 

2. Fertilize Lightly

Once your cuttings are established, feed them with a diluted liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks.
 
Don’t overdo it, as too much nitrogen can make cilantro leggy and less flavorful.
 
A balanced organic fertilizer works well for herbs grown from grocery store cuttings.
 

3. Expect a Shorter Lifespan

Cilantro grown from grocery store cuttings tends to have a shorter lifespan than seed-grown plants.
 
That’s because the cuttings are already mature and will naturally bolt faster.
 
But you can still get several weeks of fresh leaves, and you can always start new cuttings from the ones you grow.
 

So, Can You Grow Cilantro From Grocery Store Cuttings?

Yes, you can grow cilantro from grocery store cuttings, and it’s a rewarding way to get more value out of a simple bunch of herbs.
 
The process is straightforward: pick healthy stems, root them in water or soil, and give them the light and moisture they need.
 
While not every cutting will make it, the ones that do will reward you with fresh, homegrown cilantro for weeks.
 
Give it a try the next time you bring home a bunch of cilantro, and you might never buy another potted herb again.