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How to take care of cilantro herbs starts with understanding that this leafy green is one of the easiest herbs to grow once you know what it loves.
Cilantro herbs thrive in cool weather, consistent moisture, and plenty of sunlight, but they also have a quirky habit of bolting quickly when temperatures rise.
If you’ve been wondering how to take care of cilantro herbs without watching them turn into tall, seed-heavy stalks overnight, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to take care of cilantro herbs from planting to harvesting, so you can enjoy fresh leaves all season long.
Why Taking Care of Cilantro Herbs Starts With the Right Conditions
Cilantro herbs are picky about their environment, and getting these basics right makes everything else easier.
1. Sunlight Needs for Cilantro Herbs
Cilantro herbs grow best in full sun to partial shade, ideally around six hours of direct light each day.
In hotter regions, though, a little afternoon shade actually helps cilantro herbs stay leafy instead of bolting.
If you’re taking care of cilantro herbs in a warm climate, morning sun with some afternoon protection is the sweet spot.
2. Soil and Drainage for Cilantro Herbs
When taking care of cilantro herbs, always plant them in loose, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Cilantro herbs hate soggy roots, so heavy clay soil needs to be amended with compost before planting.
A pH between 6.2 and 6.8 keeps cilantro herbs happy and encourages strong leaf growth.
3. Temperature Preferences of Cilantro Herbs
Cilantro herbs prefer temperatures between 50°F and 85°F, and they really shine in spring and fall.
Once the mercury climbs past 85°F, cilantro herbs bolt fast, sending up flower stalks instead of producing tender leaves.
That’s why taking care of cilantro herbs often means succession planting every few weeks during warm months.
How to Take Care of Cilantro Herbs Day to Day
Daily care for cilantro herbs isn’t complicated, but consistency is everything.
1. Watering Cilantro Herbs Properly
Cilantro herbs need about one inch of water per week, whether from rain or your watering can.
Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged, since standing water invites root rot in cilantro herbs.
A quick check with your finger, about an inch into the soil, tells you if your cilantro herbs need a drink.
2. Feeding Cilantro Herbs Lightly
Cilantro herbs are light feeders, so a diluted liquid fertilizer every three to four weeks is usually plenty.
Too much nitrogen, though, makes cilantro herbs produce more foliage with weaker flavor.
If your soil is already rich in compost, you may not need to fertilize your cilantro herbs at all.
3. Mulching Around Cilantro Herbs
A thin layer of mulch helps cilantro herbs retain moisture and keeps weeds from competing for nutrients.
Just keep the mulch slightly away from the stems so cilantro herbs don’t develop rot at the base.
4. Keeping Pests Away From Cilantro Herbs
Aphids and whiteflies love cilantro herbs, so check the undersides of leaves regularly.
A strong blast of water or a little insecticidal soap usually handles pests on cilantro herbs without harming the plant.
Companion planting with marigolds can also protect cilantro herbs naturally.
Pruning and Harvesting Cilantro Herbs the Right Way
Taking care of cilantro herbs includes regular harvesting, which actually keeps them producing.
1. Harvest Cilantro Herbs From the Outside In
Snip the outer stems of cilantro herbs first, since those leaves are the oldest and most flavorful.
Never take more than a third of the plant at once, or your cilantro herbs will struggle to recover.
2. Pinch Off Flower Stalks on Cilantro Herbs
The moment you see flower buds forming, pinch them off your cilantro herbs to delay bolting.
Once cilantro herbs bolt fully, the leaves turn bitter, though the seeds, called coriander, are still useful.
3. Succession Plant Cilantro Herbs Every Few Weeks
The smartest trick for taking care of cilantro herbs is planting new seeds every two to three weeks.
That way, when one batch of cilantro herbs bolts, the next is ready to harvest.
So, How Do You Take Care of Cilantro Herbs?
Taking care of cilantro herbs comes down to cool temperatures, steady moisture, loose soil, and frequent harvesting.
Cilantro herbs reward you with abundant fresh leaves when you give them partial shade in heat, water them evenly, and pinch off flowers early.
And because cilantro herbs grow quickly, succession planting keeps your supply going all season.
With these tips, you now know exactly how to take care of cilantro herbs so they stay lush and productive.