How To Harvest And Regrow Cilantro

You can harvest cilantro by snipping the outer stems near the base of the plant once they reach about six inches tall.
 
And the best part is you can regrow cilantro from the same plant or from cuttings and seeds again and again.
 
Cilantro grows fast, so if you harvest it the right way, you’ll have a steady supply of fresh leaves for salsa, soups, and curries all season long.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to harvest and regrow cilantro without killing the plant, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to harvest cilantro the right way and how to regrow cilantro so it keeps coming back.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Harvest Cilantro the Right Way

Harvesting cilantro properly is the key to keeping the plant productive.
 
Here’s how to harvest cilantro so it keeps growing:
 

1. Start When the Plant Is About 6 Inches Tall

You can harvest cilantro once the plant reaches about six inches in height.
 
If you cut too early, the plant won’t have enough energy to regrow cilantro leaves quickly.
 
Give it a few weeks after planting, and you’ll see those flavorful stems ready to snip.
 

2. Snip the Outer Stems, Not the Center

The best way to harvest cilantro is to take the outer stems first.
 
Use clean scissors or pruning shears and cut the stems about one to two inches above the soil line.
 
Leave the inner young leaves alone because that’s the growth point that lets the plant regrow cilantro for you later.
 

3. Never Cut More Than a Third at Once

When you harvest cilantro, never take more than one-third of the plant at a time.
 
Cutting too much shocks the plant and slows down its ability to regrow cilantro leaves.
 
A light, regular harvest keeps the plant healthy and productive.
 

4. Harvest in the Morning for the Best Flavor

The best time to harvest cilantro is in the cool morning hours.
 
That’s when the leaves are crisp and full of essential oils, which means maximum flavor.
 
If you harvest cilantro in the heat of the day, the leaves may wilt faster.
 

5. Pick Leaves Before the Plant Bolts

Cilantro has a short life cycle and bolts quickly in warm weather.
 
Once you see tall flower stalks forming, the leaves turn bitter and the plant stops producing tasty foliage.
 
So harvest cilantro regularly to delay bolting and keep the leaves coming.
 

How to Regrow Cilantro From the Same Plant

You can regrow cilantro from the same plant by harvesting it correctly and giving it the right conditions.
 
Here’s how to regrow cilantro step by step:
 

1. Leave the Crown and Roots Intact

The secret to regrow cilantro from the same plant is keeping the crown and roots undisturbed.
 
As long as the roots stay in the soil, the plant will push out new stems within a week or two.
 
That’s why cutting above the soil line matters so much when you harvest cilantro.
 

2. Water Consistently but Don’t Soak

To regrow cilantro quickly, keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy.
 
Cilantro roots rot easily in waterlogged soil, so aim for about an inch of water per week.
 
Consistent moisture helps the plant regrow cilantro leaves faster after each harvest.
 

3. Feed With a Light Nitrogen Fertilizer

After you harvest cilantro, give the plant a boost with a diluted nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
 
Nitrogen supports leafy growth, which is exactly what you want when you regrow cilantro.
 
Feed every two to three weeks for the best results.
 

4. Give It Partial Shade in Hot Weather

Cilantro loves cool weather and struggles in intense heat.
 
If you want to regrow cilantro through summer, plant it where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
 
Shade slows bolting and keeps the plant focused on producing leaves you can harvest.
 

5. Sow New Seeds Every Few Weeks

Even with perfect care, cilantro eventually bolts and stops producing.
 
The easiest way to always have fresh cilantro is to sow new seeds every two to three weeks.
 
That way, while one plant finishes up, another is ready for you to harvest cilantro from.
 

How to Regrow Cilantro From Cuttings and Seeds

You can also regrow cilantro from cuttings or seeds if you want to start fresh plants.
 
Here’s how each method works:
 

1. Regrow Cilantro From Cuttings in Water

Take a stem that includes a node, which is the bumpy joint where leaves attach.
 
Place the cutting in a glass of water and set it in bright, indirect light.
 
Roots usually appear in about one to two weeks, and then you can transplant it into soil to regrow cilantro.
 

2. Regrow Cilantro From Seeds Directly in Soil

Cilantro grows easily from seed and doesn’t transplant well, so sow seeds directly where you want them.
 
Scatter the seeds, cover lightly with soil, and keep them moist.
 
Within seven to ten days, seedlings appear, and in about a month you can harvest cilantro from them.
 

3. Save Seeds From Bolted Plants

When your cilantro bolts, don’t toss the plant.
 
Those flowers turn into coriander seeds, which you can save and replant to regrow cilantro next season.
 
Let the seeds dry on the plant, collect them, and store them in a cool, dry place.
 

So, How Do You Harvest and Regrow Cilantro?

You harvest cilantro by snipping outer stems above the soil line, and you regrow cilantro by keeping the roots intact and caring for the plant properly.
 
Harvest cilantro lightly and often, water consistently, feed with nitrogen, and shade it from harsh heat.
 
And if a plant finally bolts, just sow new seeds or root a cutting to regrow cilantro all over again.
 
With these simple habits, you’ll always have fresh cilantro on hand.