How Do You Cut Cilantro From The Plant

You cut cilantro from the plant by snipping the stems near the base of the plant, giving you a clean harvest without damaging the roots.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to cut cilantro from the plant without killing it, the good news is that cilantro is a cut-and-come-again herb.
 
That means when you cut cilantro from the plant correctly, it keeps growing back for weeks.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to cut cilantro from the plant, when to do it, and the mistakes that ruin your harvest.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

How Do You Cut Cilantro From the Plant?

You cut cilantro from the plant by harvesting the outer stems first and leaving the inner growth alone.
 
Here’s the step-by-step process so you cut cilantro from the plant the right way every time.
 

1. Wait Until the Plant Is Tall Enough

Before you cut cilantro from the plant, make sure it’s at least 6 inches tall.
 
If you cut cilantro from the plant too early, you weaken it before it has a chance to establish.
 
Give your cilantro a few weeks after planting, then you can start to cut cilantro from the plant.
 

2. Grab Sharp, Clean Scissors or Shears

The best tool to cut cilantro from the plant is a pair of sharp kitchen scissors or garden shears.
 
Dull blades crush the stems instead of slicing them, which stresses the plant.
 
So wipe your blades with rubbing alcohol first, then you’re ready to cut cilantro from the plant.
 

3. Snip the Outer Stems Near the Base

To cut cilantro from the plant, reach for the outermost stems and cut them about 1 to 2 inches above the soil.
 
These outer stems are the oldest, so when you cut cilantro from the plant this way, you encourage fresh inner growth.
 
Never cut more than one-third of the plant at once when you cut cilantro from the plant.
 

4. Cut Just Above a Leaf Node

If you want to cut cilantro from the plant and get bushier regrowth, cut just above a leaf node.
 
A leaf node is the spot on the stem where leaves attach.
 
When you cut cilantro from the plant above that node, new stems branch out from there.
 

5. Work From the Outside In

Always cut cilantro from the plant starting at the outer edges and moving inward.
 
The center of the plant is where new growth lives, so protect it.
 
If you cut cilantro from the plant from the middle out, you’ll stunt it.
 

When Should You Cut Cilantro From the Plant?

You should cut cilantro from the plant when the leaves are vibrant green and the stems are tender.
 
Timing matters just as much as technique when you cut cilantro from the plant.
 

1. Harvest in the Morning

The best time to cut cilantro from the plant is early morning before the heat sets in.
 
That’s when the leaves are crisp and full of flavor.
 
If you cut cilantro from the plant in the afternoon sun, the leaves wilt fast.
 

2. Harvest Before Bolting

Once cilantro starts to bolt, it sends up a tall flower stalk and the leaves turn bitter.
 
So cut cilantro from the plant regularly to delay bolting.
 
The more often you cut cilantro from the plant, the longer it stays productive.
 

3. Harvest Every 2 to 3 Weeks

Plan to cut cilantro from the plant every couple of weeks during the growing season.
 
Consistent harvesting keeps the plant tidy and encourages new leaves.
 
When you cut cilantro from the plant on a schedule, you’ll never run out.
 

Common Mistakes When You Cut Cilantro From the Plant

Even seasoned gardeners mess up when they cut cilantro from the plant.
 
Here’s what to avoid.
 

1. Pulling Instead of Cutting

Never yank leaves off when you cut cilantro from the plant.
 
Pulling damages the stem and uproots the plant.
 
Always cut cilantro from the plant with clean snips.
 

2. Cutting Too Low

If you cut cilantro from the plant all the way to the soil, you may kill it.
 
Leave at least an inch of stem so the plant can recover.
 

3. Harvesting Wet Leaves

Wet foliage invites disease, so don’t cut cilantro from the plant right after watering.
 
Wait until the leaves are dry, then cut cilantro from the plant.
 

So, How Do You Cut Cilantro From the Plant?

You cut cilantro from the plant by snipping the outer stems about 1 to 2 inches above the soil with sharp, clean scissors.
 
If you’ve been unsure how to cut cilantro from the plant, remember to work from the outside in and never take more than a third at once.
 
When you cut cilantro from the plant this way, it keeps regrowing for weeks.
 
Hope this post has helped you with learning how to cut cilantro from the plant and the best times to do it.