Can You Replant Cilantro From The Store

Yes, you can replant cilantro from the store, and it’s actually a fun little project that many home gardeners try at least once.
 
Those fresh bunches of cilantro you buy at the grocery store still have plenty of life left in them, especially if the stems are healthy and the roots are still attached.
 
Instead of letting them wilt in the fridge, you can give them a second chance in soil and potentially grow your own supply of fresh cilantro right on your windowsill or in your garden.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through whether you can replant cilantro from the store, how to do it properly, and what results you can realistically expect.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Can You Replant Cilantro From the Store?

You can replant cilantro from the store, but success depends on a few key factors.
 
The most important thing is whether the cilantro still has its roots intact.
 
Most store-bought cilantro comes as cut stems with no roots, which makes replanting much harder.
 
However, some stores sell cilantro with the roots still attached, often sold as “living cilantro” or “cilantro with roots.”
 
If you have that kind, you’re in luck because replanting cilantro from the store becomes much more feasible.
 
Even without roots, you can sometimes root cilantro stems in water, similar to how you’d propagate basil.
 
It’s not always a guaranteed success, but it’s worth trying if you want to replant cilantro from the store.
 

1. Rooted Cilantro Transplants Easily

When you replant cilantro from the store that still has roots, you’re essentially transplanting a living plant.
 
Gently separate the roots and plant them in fresh, well-draining potting soil.
 
Water thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist for the first week or so.
 
This gives the cilantro time to adjust to its new environment and start growing again.
 

2. Cut Stems Can Sometimes Root in Water

If your store-bought cilantro is just cut stems, you can try rooting them in a glass of water.
 
Strip the lower leaves so only the top leaves remain, then place the stems in a jar with about an inch of water.
 
Change the water every couple of days and keep the jar in bright, indirect light.
 
Within a week or two, you may see tiny roots forming, which means you can replant cilantro from the store after all.
 

3. Freshness Matters More Than You Think

The fresher your cilantro is when you try to replant it, the better your chances.
 
Cilantro that’s been sitting in the fridge for a week is less likely to root or survive transplanting.
 
So if you’re planning to replant cilantro from the store, do it as soon as possible after bringing it home.
 

How to Replant Cilantro From the Store Step by Step

Replanting cilantro from the store isn’t complicated, but following the right steps makes a big difference.
 
Here’s how to give your store-bought cilantro the best shot at growing.
 

1. Choose the Right Container and Soil

Pick a pot with drainage holes and fill it with loose, well-draining potting mix.
 
Cilantro doesn’t like soggy roots, so good drainage is essential when you replant cilantro from the store.
 
A container that’s at least six inches deep gives the roots room to spread.
 

2. Plant at the Right Depth

If you have rooted cilantro, plant it at the same depth it was growing before.
 
Cover the roots completely but don’t bury the stems too deep, as this can cause rot.
 
For water-rooted stems, plant them gently once the roots are at least an inch long.
 

3. Water and Light Requirements

After you replant cilantro from the store, water it well and place it in a spot with bright, indirect light.
 
Cilantro enjoys cooler temperatures and can bolt quickly in intense heat.
 
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and you’ll see new growth within a couple of weeks.
 

Tips for Keeping Store-Bought Cilantro Alive

Once you replant cilantro from the store, keeping it alive is the next challenge.
 
Cilantro is a cool-season herb, so it thrives in spring and fall rather than the heat of summer.
 
Pinch off flower buds as soon as they appear to keep the plant producing leaves.
 
Harvest from the outside stems first, leaving the inner growth to continue maturing.
 
If you live in a hot climate, consider growing your replanted cilantro indoors near a sunny window.
 
With a little patience, the cilantro you replant from the store can keep you supplied with fresh leaves for weeks.
 

So, Can You Replant Cilantro From the Store?

You can replant cilantro from the store, especially if the roots are still attached or if you’re willing to try rooting the stems in water.
 
It’s not always a sure thing, but it’s a rewarding experiment that costs you almost nothing.
 
Just remember to use fresh cilantro, plant it in well-draining soil, and give it the cool, bright conditions it loves.
 
So next time you bring home a bunch of cilantro, don’t toss those stems.
 
Try to replant cilantro from the store and see what happens.
 
You might just end up with a fresh, homegrown supply of one of the most versatile herbs in your kitchen.