Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), also known as coriander in many parts of the world, is a versatile and aromatic herb that’s popular in kitchens around the globe. Whether you love its fresh, zesty leaves in salsas and curries, or enjoy its spicy seeds (coriander) in spice blends, this herb has two distinct uses—making it a dual-purpose powerhouse in the garden and the kitchen.

However, growing cilantro comes with its own set of challenges, most notably its tendency to bolt (flower and go to seed) quickly when stressed by temperature, water, or sunlight. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to grow cilantro successfully, use both its leaves and seeds, and offer tips on avoiding bolting to ensure a steady harvest.

What is Cilantro/Coriander?

Cilantro refers to the fresh leaves of the plant, while coriander is the name used for the seeds. Though the plant is technically the same, the flavor of the leaves and seeds is quite different:

  • Cilantro (leaves): The fresh leaves have a bright, citrusy flavor with a bit of a peppery kick. Some people describe cilantro as having a slightly soapy taste, a trait caused by genetics, and it can be a polarizing flavor.

  • Coriander (seeds): The seeds, on the other hand, are more earthy and spicy, with a citrusy undertone. When dried and ground, coriander is used in a variety of spice mixes like garam masala and curry powder.

Cilantro is a fast-growing, annual herb that is a key ingredient in many cuisines, especially Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Thai cooking.

Growing Cilantro: A Quick-Growing Herb

Cilantro is an easy-to-grow herb, but it does have some particular growing requirements that are worth understanding, especially to prevent it from bolting too early.

1. Choose the Right Location

Cilantro grows best in cooler temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 85°F (10°C and 29°C). It thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade, particularly during hotter months. If you live in a region with long summers, you may want to plant cilantro in a spot that gets some afternoon shade to help it stay cool.

2. Soil Requirements

Cilantro prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.2-6.8) and moist, but not waterlogged. You can improve soil quality by adding compost or organic mulch to keep the soil moist and maintain a consistent temperature around the roots.

3. Planting Cilantro

Cilantro is typically grown from seeds rather than seedlings, as the plant doesn't transplant well. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep in rows that are spaced about 6-8 inches apart. Since cilantro is fast-growing, you can plant it every few weeks to ensure a continuous harvest of fresh leaves.

If you're in a hotter climate, start cilantro in early spring or fall to avoid the extreme heat of summer, which can trigger bolting.

Avoiding Bolting: Tips for a Longer Harvest

Cilantro has a tendency to bolt (flower and produce seeds) as soon as it experiences stress, particularly when temperatures are high. Once cilantro bolts, the leaves turn bitter and are no longer useful for cooking, but the seeds (coriander) can be harvested for future use. To maximize the harvest of tender cilantro leaves and avoid bolting, follow these key strategies:

1. Plant During Cooler Weather

Cilantro is most productive when grown during cooler months, ideally in early spring or fall. It tends to bolt quickly when temperatures climb above 80°F (27°C), so aim to plant cilantro during the spring or fall seasons, depending on your climate. In very hot regions, try growing cilantro in early morning sun or partial shade during the summer months.

2. Provide Consistent Moisture

Cilantro is very sensitive to changes in moisture. A drought stress can cause the plant to bolt prematurely. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water cilantro deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring the roots get adequate hydration.

3. Mulch to Keep the Soil Cool

To keep cilantro cool and help maintain moisture levels, apply a layer of organic mulch like straw or shredded leaves around the base of the plant. Mulch helps prevent the soil from drying out too quickly and can also keep the root zone cool, which is especially important during the warmer months.

4. Harvest Regularly

Cilantro benefits from regular harvesting. Snip off the leaves frequently to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from focusing its energy on flowering. When harvesting, be sure to cut the stems and leaves above the base of the plant, leaving enough to keep it healthy.

5. Choose Bolt-Resistant Varieties

Some cilantro varieties have been bred to be more bolt-resistant, meaning they are less likely to flower and go to seed prematurely. If you live in a region with a long growing season or higher temperatures, consider planting 'Slow Bolt' or 'Cilantro Santo', which are known for their resistance to bolting.

Cilantro vs. Coriander: Harvesting and Using Both

Once cilantro bolts, the leaves become bitter, but the plant will begin to produce seeds (coriander), which can be harvested for culinary use. The seeds have a warm, spicy flavor and are an essential ingredient in many spice blends, such as curry powder, garam masala, and pickling spices.

Harvesting Leaves

To harvest cilantro leaves, simply cut the outer leaves of the plant with scissors or pruning shears, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. For the best flavor, harvest cilantro just before the plant begins to flower, when the leaves are young and tender.

Harvesting Seeds (Coriander)

Once cilantro has bolted, it will produce small white or pink flowers, followed by round seeds that turn a light brown color as they ripen. To collect the seeds, allow them to fully mature on the plant. Once the seeds turn brown, cut the stems and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated space until they are fully dried. Gently rub the seeds to separate them from the plant, then store them in an airtight container.

Using Cilantro in Cooking

Cilantro is an incredibly versatile herb used in a wide variety of dishes across many different cuisines:

  • Fresh Leaves: Add cilantro leaves to salsas, guacamole, curries, tacos, salads, and soups for a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor. It pairs beautifully with lime, chili, tomatoes, and avocado.

  • Coriander Seeds: Ground coriander seeds are a key ingredient in spice blends and can be used to flavor dishes like Indian curries, Mexican beans, meat stews, and baked goods. They’re also excellent for pickling.

Both the fresh leaves and dried seeds provide a unique and aromatic addition to any dish, making cilantro/coriander an essential herb to have in your garden and kitchen.

Conclusion: A Versatile Herb for Your Garden and Kitchen

Cilantro, with its distinct flavor profile and dual-purpose nature, is a fantastic herb to grow in your garden. While it may require some attention to avoid bolting, with the right growing conditions and proper care, cilantro can provide a steady supply of fresh leaves for your culinary creations. And once the plant bolts, you can enjoy the coriander seeds for spice blends and cooking.

By following the tips in this post—planting in cooler temperatures, keeping the soil moist, and regularly harvesting—you can enjoy fresh cilantro all season long and make the most of this wonderful herb’s many uses.