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To grow and take care of cilantro, you need to provide it with cool weather, consistent moisture, and plenty of sunlight.
Cilantro is one of those herbs that people either love or hate, but if you’re here, you probably love it and want to grow your own.
The good news is that cilantro is relatively easy to grow and take care of once you understand its unique quirks.
The bad news is that cilantro has a reputation for bolting quickly, which means it goes to seed faster than many other herbs.
But don’t worry, because in this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to grow and take care of cilantro so you can enjoy fresh leaves for as long as possible.
We’ll cover everything from planting to watering to harvesting, so you can grow and take care of cilantro like a pro.
How to Grow and Take Care of Cilantro: The Basics
When you grow and take care of cilantro, the first thing to understand is that this herb is a cool-season annual.
That means it thrives in spring and fall, not the heat of summer.
If you live in a hot climate, you’ll have the best luck growing cilantro in partial shade or during the cooler months.
Cilantro grows fast, so you can start harvesting leaves in as little as three to four weeks after planting.
The key to successfully growing cilantro is to keep it from bolting, which is when the plant sends up a flower stalk and stops producing tasty leaves.
Once cilantro bolts, the leaves turn bitter, and the plant’s energy shifts to seed production.
Those seeds are actually coriander, which is a nice bonus, but if you want leaves, you need to delay bolting as long as possible.
1. Choose the Right Spot and Soil
To grow and take care of cilantro properly, start with a spot that gets full sun to partial shade.
In cooler climates, full sun is fine, but in warmer zones, afternoon shade helps slow bolting.
Cilantro prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Mix in some compost before planting to give your cilantro a healthy start.
The soil pH should be between 6.2 and 6.8 for optimal growth.
2. Plant at the Right Time
Timing is everything when you grow and take care of cilantro.
Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked.
For a fall crop, plant seeds in late summer once the worst heat has passed.
Cilantro doesn’t transplant well because of its taproot, so direct sowing is best.
You can also succession plant every two to three weeks for a continuous harvest.
3. Water Consistently
Cilantro needs consistent moisture to grow and take care of itself without stressing.
Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on your climate and rainfall.
Don’t let the soil dry out completely, but don’t drown the roots either.
Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and keeps the soil cool, which delays bolting.
Ongoing Care Tips for Growing Cilantro
Once your cilantro is up and running, the care routine is pretty simple.
Here’s how to keep it healthy and productive.
1. Fertilize Lightly
Cilantro doesn’t need heavy feeding.
A balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks is plenty.
Too much nitrogen can actually encourage leafy growth at the expense of flavor, so go easy.
2. Prune and Harvest Regularly
The more you harvest, the more cilantro grows.
Snip outer leaves first, leaving the inner growth to continue.
Never take more than a third of the plant at once.
Regular harvesting also delays bolting because it keeps the plant in vegetative mode.
3. Watch for Pests and Diseases
Aphids and whiteflies are the main pests to watch for when you grow and take care of cilantro.
A strong spray of water usually knocks them off.
Powdery mildew can be an issue in humid conditions, so ensure good air circulation.
4. Deal with Bolting
If your cilantro bolts despite your best efforts, don’t panic.
You can let it flower and collect the coriander seeds.
Or you can pull the plant and sow a new batch, since cilantro grows so quickly.
Common Mistakes When You Grow and Take Care of Cilantro
Even experienced gardeners make mistakes with cilantro.
Here are a few to avoid.
1. Planting in Hot Weather
Cilantro hates the heat.
If you plant in midsummer, it will bolt almost immediately.
Stick to spring and fall for the best results.
2. Letting Soil Dry Out
Dry soil stresses cilantro and speeds up bolting.
Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot spells.
3. Overcrowding
Cilantro needs airflow to prevent disease.
Thin seedlings to about six inches apart so each plant has room to breathe.
So, How Do You Grow and Take Care of Cilantro?
To grow and take care of cilantro, you need cool weather, consistent moisture, and regular harvesting.
Plant in spring or fall, water deeply, and harvest often to delay bolting.
With these tips, you’ll be growing and taking care of cilantro like a seasoned gardener in no time.
And remember, even if it bolts, you get coriander, so it’s a win-win.