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You can propagate a cilantro plant easily from seeds, and it’s one of the most rewarding herbs to grow at home.
If you’ve ever wondered how to propagate cilantro plant cuttings or seeds, the good news is that it grows fast and doesn’t need much fuss.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to propagate cilantro plant, whether you’re starting from seed or trying your hand at rooting stems.
Let’s dig in.
How to Propagate Cilantro Plant from Seeds
The most reliable way to propagate a cilantro plant is by sowing seeds directly where they’ll grow.
Cilantro has a taproot, which means it hates being transplanted, so starting seeds in the ground or a final pot is the way to go.
1. Choose the Right Seeds
Cilantro seeds are actually the same thing as coriander seeds you find in the spice aisle.
Look for slow-bolting varieties if you want a longer harvest, since cilantro tends to bolt quickly in heat.
2. Sow Seeds Directly
Plant seeds about a quarter inch deep and space them roughly six inches apart.
When you propagate cilantro plant from seed, you can scatter them and thin later, or plant in neat rows.
3. Keep the Soil Moist
Cilantro seeds need consistent moisture to germinate, which usually takes seven to ten days.
Mist the soil gently so you don’t wash the seeds away.
4. Give Them Light
Place your seeds in a spot that gets full sun to partial shade.
If you propagate cilantro plant in summer, a little afternoon shade helps prevent bolting.
How to Propagate Cilantro Plant from Cuttings
You can also propagate a cilantro plant from stem cuttings, though it’s trickier than seed starting.
Cilantro cuttings root best when taken from healthy, non-flowering stems.
1. Take a Healthy Cutting
Snip a four to six inch stem just below a leaf node using clean scissors.
Remove the lower leaves so the stem can focus on rooting.
2. Root in Water or Soil
Place the cutting in a glass of water and change it every couple of days.
Alternatively, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and stick it into moist potting mix.
3. Wait for Roots
Roots usually appear in one to two weeks when you propagate cilantro plant in water.
Once roots are an inch or two long, transplant into soil and keep it damp.
4. Be Patient
Cuttings from cilantro can be finicky because of that taproot, so don’t be discouraged if some fail.
Seeds are still your best bet for a bumper crop.
Tips for Successful Cilantro Propagation
Getting cilantro to grow well comes down to timing and a few smart habits.
1. Plant in Cool Weather
Cilantro loves spring and fall, so propagate cilantro plant when temperatures are mild.
2. Water Consistently
Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy, since cilantro hates wet feet.
3. Harvest Often
Snip outer leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth and delay bolting.
4. Let Some Go to Seed
If you let a few plants flower, they’ll drop seeds and propagate cilantro plant all on their own.
So, How Do You Propagate a Cilantro Plant?
You propagate a cilantro plant most easily by sowing seeds directly in the garden or a pot.
You can also try rooting stem cuttings in water or soil, though seeds give the best results.
Just remember to plant in cool weather, keep the soil moist, and harvest often.
With a little patience, you’ll have fresh cilantro ready to flavor your favorite dishes.