Cilantro Growing Guide
Cilantro is a great next step in your growing journey. Follow this guide from planting to harvest and you'll do great.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Moderate
Category
Herb
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Growing Zones
Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Plant Family
Apiaceae
Growing Season
Cool Season
Plant Lifecycle
Annual
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
30 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
30 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Cilantro?
Your planting dates depend on your local climate. Sign up and add your location to unlock personalized dates.
Your Cilantro Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Cilantro's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 7–14 days
Growing Tips
- 1Cilantro thrives in full sun but can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates.
- 2Water it regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- 3Use well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, and space plants about 6 inches apart to allow for good air circulation.
- 4To manage pests, encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and use insecticidal soap if necessary.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~50
Days to Maturity
30 cm
Mature Height
30 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
21 days
When to Pick
Harvest leaves before bolting
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest cilantro when the leaves are bright green and before the plant starts to flower.
- 2Use scissors to cut the outer stems about 1-2 inches above the soil, leaving the inner stems to continue growing.
- 3Avoid pulling the plant from the ground to prevent damage and encourage regrowth.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your cilantro plant is easy and rewarding! Once your cilantro flowers and forms round, green seed pods (called coriander), let them dry on the plant until they turn brown and start to split. Gently snip the seed heads and place them in a paper bag, then shake to release the seeds. Let the seeds dry for a few more days in a cool, dry spot, then store them in a labeled envelope or glass jar in a dark, dry place. You’ve just taken the first step toward a self-sustaining garden—saving seeds is something every grower can do!
Seed Production
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