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You can grow cilantro from leaves, but there’s a catch you need to know right away.
Those leaves won’t sprout roots and turn into a brand-new cilantro plant the way a basil cutting might.
Instead, growing cilantro from leaves works differently because cilantro leaves are meant for eating, not for rooting.
However, if you’re asking how to grow cilantro from leaves, the real answer is that you can regrow fresh cilantro leaves from the stems and base of a store-bought bunch.
The leaves themselves are the harvest, and the stems hold the secret to getting new growth.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to grow cilantro from leaves, what actually works, and what to skip so you don’t waste your time.
Let’s dig in.
Can You Really Grow Cilantro From Leaves?
Yes, you can grow cilantro from leaves, but only if you understand what part of the plant does the work.
The leaves are the tasty part you chop into salsa and tacos, and they don’t have the ability to grow roots on their own.
When people talk about growing cilantro from leaves, they usually mean regrowing a fresh crop from the stems that come attached to those leaves.
Here’s what’s happening:
1. Leaves Don’t Root, But Stems Do
Cilantro leaves lack the nodes that produce new roots, so a single leaf in water will just wilt.
The stems, though, contain nodes near the base where new growth can emerge.
That’s why growing cilantro from leaves always starts with keeping the stems intact.
2. The Base of the Bunch Holds the Magic
If you buy a bunch of cilantro with the roots still attached, you’ve hit the jackpot.
That rooted base is what makes growing cilantro from leaves so rewarding.
You can plant that base directly in soil, and it will push out fresh leaves within a couple of weeks.
3. Seeds Are Still the Most Reliable Route
Cilantro leaves give you a quick harvest, but seeds (called coriander) give you a full plant.
If your goal is a long-term supply, growing cilantro from leaves is a fun experiment, but seeds will always outproduce it.
Still, there’s no harm in trying both at once.
How to Grow Cilantro From Leaves Step by Step
Ready to try growing cilantro from leaves yourself?
Follow these simple steps and you’ll give those leftover stems a real shot at a second life.
1. Pick the Freshest Bunch You Can Find
The healthier the bunch, the better your odds when growing cilantro from leaves.
Look for bright green leaves with firm, pale stems and no slimy spots.
If the roots are still attached, even better.
2. Trim the Stems Just Above the Base
Cut the stems about an inch above where the roots or base begin.
Leave the bottom portion intact, because that’s the part that fuels new growth.
Keep the leaves you trimmed for cooking, and save the base for planting.
3. Place the Base in a Glass of Water
Set the base in a small glass with just enough water to cover the bottom inch.
Put it on a windowsill with bright, indirect light.
Change the water every couple of days so it stays clean and oxygen-rich.
4. Watch for New Roots and Leaves
Within about a week, you should see tiny white roots forming.
Soon after, fresh green leaves will start to appear from the center.
This is the moment growing cilantro from leaves starts to feel like real magic.
5. Move It to Soil Once Roots Develop
When the roots reach an inch or two long, transfer the base into a pot with well-draining soil.
Keep the soil moist but never soggy.
Give it plenty of sunlight, and your cilantro will keep producing leaves for weeks.
Common Mistakes When Growing Cilantro From Leaves
A lot of people give up on growing cilantro from leaves because of a few easy-to-avoid mistakes.
Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Using Only Loose Leaves
Tossing a handful of loose leaves into water will only lead to rot.
You need the stems for growing cilantro from leaves to work at all.
2. Letting the Water Get Murky
Stale water breeds bacteria that kill new roots fast.
Refresh it every other day for the best results when growing cilantro from leaves.
3. Skipping the Move to Soil
Water alone can only take your cilantro so far.
To get sturdy, flavorful leaves, move the plant into soil once roots form.
4. Choosing a Spot That’s Too Dark
Cilantro loves light, and growing cilantro from leaves in a dim corner will give you weak, spindly growth.
A sunny windowsill or a bright balcony works best.
So, Can You Grow Cilantro From Leaves?
You can grow cilantro from leaves, but only when you use the stems and base rather than the leaves alone.
The leaves you eat won’t root, yet the stems and base hold everything needed for fresh new growth.
By keeping the base intact, rooting it in water, and then moving it to soil, growing cilantro from leaves becomes a simple and satisfying project.
Give it a try the next time you bring home a bunch, and enjoy the fresh flavor of homegrown cilantro.