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Cilantro (also known as coriander leaf, dhania, or Chinese parsley) is one of the most-used fresh herbs in the world, essential to Mexican, Indian, Thai, West African, Levantine and Caribbean cooking. The catch: it bolts fast in heat, and most home growers give up after their first plant flowers within weeks. This guide shows you exactly how to keep cilantro producing leaves for months, whether you are growing on a windowsill, in a backyard garden, or in a commercial market-garden bed under shade.<\/p>\n
The same plant (Coriandrum sativum<\/em>) produces:<\/p>\n Cilantro is a cool-season, short-lived annual<\/strong>. It grows fastest and best at 15 to 25 \u00b0C. Above 27 \u00b0C, it rapidly bolts (produces flowers) and stops making leaves. This is why so many tropical growers struggle with it, the same plant that grows for months in cool climates dies in weeks in hot ones.<\/p>\n Because cilantro bolts fast, plant a new small batch every 2 to 3 weeks<\/strong>. This gives you continuous fresh leaves rather than one big harvest followed by drought.<\/p>\n Cilantro is almost always grown from seed directly sown<\/strong>,it hates transplanting.<\/p>\n Once seedlings are 5 cm tall, thin to one plant every 10 cm. Use the thinnings in the kitchen, they are edible.<\/p>\n Bolting is when the plant switches from producing leaves to producing flowers and seeds. Once it starts, leaf production stops.<\/p>\n If you let one of your cilantro plants bolt, it produces coriander seeds. Wait until the seed heads turn brown but before they shatter, cut the stems, hang upside down over a paper bag in a dry spot for 2 weeks, then collect the fallen seeds.<\/p>\n Cilantro is a valuable filler crop for market gardeners because it grows fast and sells at premium fresh-market prices. Interplant with slow-growing crops like okra<\/a> or between rows of garlic<\/a> to maximize bed use, and use green onions<\/a> as a companion, the two are among the most complementary market-garden herbs. For hot-climate growers, a light shade structure is essential; our team can advise on shade nets and low tunnels<\/a>.<\/p>\n When and how you harvest cilantro should reflect how you plan to use it. Different dishes want different qualities:<\/p>\n For commercial growers, cilantro is one of the best return-per-square-meter herbs available. A well-managed 100 m\u00b2 bed produces around 60 to 100 kg of fresh cilantro over a season, with market prices in urban markets typically ranging from $3 to $8 per kilogram fresh depending on region and season. Restaurants pay a premium for reliably supplied, clean, tightly bunched cilantro delivered same-day.<\/p>\n Cilantro pairs beautifully in market-garden beds with slower-growing crops like okra<\/a>, garlic<\/a>, and green onions<\/a>, as an intercrop that finishes before the slower crop needs its bed space. For hot-climate growers ready to scale up commercial market gardening, our team can advise on shade nets and low tunnels<\/a> that let you extend the cilantro season through the hottest months.<\/p>\n Article by the Jogoo Agriculture team. Cultivation data are typical values and should be adapted to your specific climate.<\/em><\/p>\n Cilantro is ready for first harvest 30 to 45 days after sowing. It produces leaves for another 4 to 8 weeks before bolting (flowering) and going to seed. Total useful life of a single plant is typically 2 to 3 months in cool weather, but only 4 to 6 weeks in hot weather.<\/p>\n Cilantro bolts (produces flowers instead of leaves) when triggered by heat, long day-length, or moisture stress. To prevent bolting: grow during cool seasons, provide afternoon shade in hot climates, water consistently, harvest regularly, and choose slow-bolt varieties like ‘Slow Bolt’ or ‘Santo’. In tropical climates, plan on succession sowing every 2 to 3 weeks.<\/p>\n Yes. Use a pot at least 20 cm deep, place near a sunny window (6+ hours of light per day), and keep soil consistently moist. Indoor cilantro often lasts longer than outdoor cilantro because the temperature stays cooler and more consistent. Direct-sow into the final pot, cilantro hates transplanting.<\/p>\n Yes. Coriander seeds are actually two seeds fused inside one husk. Gently crush each seed between your fingers to split it in two, then soak in room-temperature water for 24 to 48 hours before sowing. This can cut germination time from 14 days to 7 days and dramatically improves the germination rate.<\/p>\n Cut the outer leaves and stems with scissors, always leaving the central growing point intact. Never take more than one-third of the plant at once. Harvest in the morning when leaves are most aromatic. Regular light harvesting actually slows bolting and encourages more leaf production, cilantro left un-harvested tends to flower faster.<\/p>\n\n
2. When to plant<\/h2>\n
Temperate climates<\/h3>\n
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Tropical and subtropical climates<\/h3>\n
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Succession planting (the real secret)<\/h3>\n
3. Soil and site<\/h2>\n
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4. How to plant cilantro from seed<\/h2>\n
Preparing the seed<\/h3>\n
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Sowing<\/h3>\n
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Thinning<\/h3>\n
5. Watering<\/h2>\n
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6. Fertilization<\/h2>\n
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7. Preventing bolting (the number one problem)<\/h2>\n
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8. Common pests and diseases<\/h2>\n
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9. Harvesting cilantro<\/h2>\n
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10. Harvesting coriander seed<\/h2>\n
11. Cilantro in a market-garden rotation<\/h2>\n
12. Culinary uses that guide harvest timing<\/h2>\n
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13. Cilantro as a market-garden crop<\/h2>\n
\nFrequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
How long does cilantro take to grow?<\/h3>\n
Why does my cilantro keep bolting?<\/h3>\n
Can I grow cilantro indoors?<\/h3>\n
Should I soak cilantro seeds before planting?<\/h3>\n
How do you harvest cilantro so it keeps growing?<\/h3>\n