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Yes, you can start cilantro from cuttings, and it’s actually a pretty cool way to get new plants without waiting for seeds to sprout.
While cilantro is usually grown from seed, rooting cuttings is a fast and fun method that even beginners can try.
If you’ve ever snipped a bunch of fresh cilantro for salsa and wondered if those stems could grow roots, the answer is a resounding yes.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how you can start cilantro from cuttings, what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep your new plants thriving.
Let’s dig in and get your cilantro growing.
Why You Can Start Cilantro from Cuttings
You can start cilantro from cuttings because the plant has the ability to develop roots from its stem nodes under the right conditions.
This isn’t something unique to cilantro—many herbs like basil, mint, and oregano can be propagated this way.
The key is understanding how cilantro grows and what it needs to switch from “cut stem” to “rooted plant.”
1. Cilantro Stems Contain Adventitious Root Cells
Cilantro stems have tiny clusters of cells called adventitious roots, which can turn into full root systems when given moisture and warmth.
These cells are dormant in a healthy, growing plant, but once you cut a stem and place it in water or soil, they spring into action.
That’s the magic behind starting cilantro from cuttings.
2. Cuttings Skip the Seedling Stage
When you start cilantro from cuttings, you’re essentially cloning the parent plant.
This means you skip the slow seedling stage and get a head start on growth.
The new plant will be genetically identical to the one you took the cutting from, so if you loved that particular cilantro’s flavor, you’ll get more of the same.
3. It’s Faster Than Growing from Seed
Seeds can take 7 to 10 days to germinate and weeks more to become harvestable.
Cuttings, on the other hand, can root in as little as 5 to 7 days in water, and be ready for soil shortly after.
So if you want cilantro fast, starting cilantro from cuttings is a smart shortcut.
How to Start Cilantro from Cuttings Step by Step
Starting cilantro from cuttings is simple, but a few details make the difference between success and a slimy stem.
Here’s how to do it right.
1. Choose the Right Stem
Pick a healthy, non-flowering stem about 4 to 6 inches long.
Avoid stems that are woody or have started to bolt, because they root poorly.
The best cuttings come from the soft, green growth near the top of the plant.
2. Cut Just Below a Node
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to cut just below a leaf node—the bump where leaves attach to the stem.
That node is where new roots will emerge, so cutting there gives you the best chance of success.
Strip off the lower leaves so no foliage sits in the water or soil.
3. Root in Water or Soil
You can root cilantro cuttings in a glass of water or directly in moist potting mix.
Water rooting is easy to watch: place the stem in a jar with an inch of water, change it every couple of days, and wait for roots.
Soil rooting is a bit faster for some growers—just dip the cut end in rooting hormone, stick it in damp soil, and keep it humid.
4. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Place your cuttings in a spot with bright, indirect light.
Direct sun can cook them before they root, while too little light slows the process.
A windowsill that gets morning sun and afternoon shade is often perfect for starting cilantro from cuttings.
5. Wait for Roots, Then Plant
In about a week, you’ll see little white roots forming.
Once they’re an inch or two long, transplant your cuttings into a pot with well-draining soil.
Water gently and keep the soil moist for the first few days as the plant adjusts.
Tips for Success When You Start Cilantro from Cuttings
Starting cilantro from cuttings works best when you avoid a few common pitfalls.
Here’s what to keep in mind.
1. Use Fresh Cuttings
The fresher the cutting, the better your odds.
If you’re using store-bought cilantro, trim the ends and get them into water the same day.
Old, limp stems rarely root well.
2. Keep the Water Clean
If you root in water, change it every two or three days to prevent bacteria growth.
Cloudy water is a sign it’s time for a refresh.
3. Don’t Let Cuttings Dry Out
Cilantro cuttings need consistent moisture to root.
If you root in soil, cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse, but open it daily for air.
4. Be Patient with Slow Rooting
Some cilantro cuttings root in five days, others take two weeks.
As long as the stem is green and firm, you’re still in the game.
So, Can You Start Cilantro from Cuttings?
You can start cilantro from cuttings, and it’s a rewarding way to multiply your herb garden without buying seeds.
Just remember to take healthy stems, cut below a node, and give them the moisture and light they need to root.
Within a couple of weeks, you’ll have new cilantro plants ready to flavor your favorite dishes.
So next time you’re trimming cilantro in the kitchen, don’t toss those stems—root them and grow more.