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Cilantro from cuttings


How to Grow Cilantro from Cuttings: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking for an easy way to propagate cilantro, look no further! This step-by-step guide will show you how to grow cilantro from cuttings in just a few simple steps. 

Cilantro (coriander) is a delicious herb that can be used in many dishes. It’s also very easy to grow, and can be propagated using cuttings from the parent plant. So if you’re looking for a way to increase your cilantro supply, follow these simple instructions and start growing your own today!

Growing Cilantro from Cuttings

To get started, you’ll need a few supplies:

First, fill your pot or container with potting soil and moisten it with water. Then, take a cutting from your cilantro plant, making sure to cut below a leaf node (the point on the stem where leaves branch off). The cutting should be about four inches long.

Strip away the lower leaves from the cutting, then dip the end of the cutting into some rooting hormone.

Next, insert the cutting into the potting soil, at a depth of about two inches. Be sure to keep the leaf nodes above the soil surface. Water the cutting well, and place the pot in a sunny location.

Within a few weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the leaf nodes. Once the plant has established itself, you can begin harvesting cilantro leaves for use in your favorite recipes! Enjoy!

Growing Cilantro from Cuttings in Water

First, take a look at your cilantro plant and identify a healthy stem that has plenty of leaves. Using a sharp knife, make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Cut at an angle so that more surface area is exposed for rooting.

Next, remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top. This will help prevent the plant from losing too much water while it’s trying to root.

Now, it’s time to place your cutting in water. Find a clean glass or jar and fill it with fresh water. Place your cilantro cutting in the water, making sure that the cut end is submerged.

Find a spot for your glass of cilantro water where it will receive indirect sunlight. Check the water level every few days and add more as needed. In about a week or two, you should start to see new roots growing from the cut end of your cilantro cutting.

Once your cilantro cutting has a good root system, it’s time to transplant it into soil. Choose a spot in your garden or container where cilantro will receive plenty of sunlight. Gently remove the cutting from the water and plant it in moist potting mix or garden soil. Be sure to keep the roots covered with soil, but don’t pack the soil too tightly around the plant.

Water your cilantro plant well and continue to water it regularly, especially during hot summer days. In no time at all, you’ll have a full-grown cilantro plant that’s ready to be harvested! Enjoy your homegrown cilantro in all your favorite recipes.

Growing Cilantro from Seed

You can also easily grow cilantro from seeds. It’s best started indoors in a pot or seed tray. Fill your pot or tray with a quality potting mix and wet it until it’s evenly moist but not soggy. 

Sow your cilantro seeds thinly across the surface of the mix and then cover them with a very thin layer of mix or sand. Place the pot or tray in a warm spot out of direct sunlight and keep the surface of the mix moist but not wet.

It can take up to two weeks for cilantro seeds to germinate so be patient! Once they have sprouted, thin out the seedlings so that only the strongest remain. Keep your seedlings moist and transplant them into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. 

Once they have reached around 4 inches tall, they are ready to be transplanted into the garden. Choose a spot in full sun or partial shade for your cilantro plants. Amend the soil with some compost or well-rotted manure and water well. When transplanting, take care not to damage the roots of your seedlings. Water them in well and keep the soil moist until they are established.

Tips for Growing Cilantro

Soil Requirements

Cilantro requires well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. The ideal pH range for cilantro is 6.0 to 7.0. Cilantro doesn’t tolerate drought or waterlogged conditions. When planting, amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to help improve drainage and increase fertility. 

Watering Requirements

Cilantro is a delicate herb that requires careful watering. Over-watering can cause the cilantro to bolt, or go to seed. Under-watering will make the cilantro wilt and turn yellow. The best way to water cilantro is to water it deeply, but infrequently. 

Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. When watering cilantro, be sure to water at the base of the plant and not on the leaves. Wet leaves are more susceptible to fungal diseases.

Sunlight Requirements

Cilantro prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It grows best in cool weather and will bolt (go to seed) in hot weather. If you live in an area with very hot summers, planting cilantro in a spot that gets some afternoon shade will help it to last longer before bolting.

Harvesting and Storing Cilantro

Cilantro is typically ready to harvest 50 to 60 days after planting. Cut the leaves as needed, using a sharp knife or shears. When cutting, make sure to leave some leaves on the plant so it can continue to photosynthesize and produce new growth.

Cilantro can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, so it is a great herb to have on hand for when you need it.

To dry cilantro, cut the stems and hang them upside down in a dark, dry place. Once the leaves are completely dry, store them in an airtight container. Dried cilantro will keep for several months.

Conclusion

If you have a green thumb and want to add cilantro to your herb garden, you can easily propagate cilantro from cuttings. Cilantro is a great herb to grow from seed, but it can be difficult to get the plants started. Cuttings are a quick and easy way to get started growing this fragrant herb. 

Just remember to keep the soil moist and give your cilantro plenty of sunlight. With a little TLC, you will soon be enjoying fresh cilantro straight from your own garden! If you like growing herbs, you can also check out our quick guide on growing chives.

FAQ

How often should I water my cilantro plants?

Cilantro plants need to be watered two to three times a week, or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Over-watering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.

What is the best time of year to grow cilantro?

Cilantro is a cool season herb that does best when planted in the spring or fall. In most climates, it will bolt (go to seed) if planted during the summer months when the days are long and warm. If you live in an area with a milder climate, however, you may be able to get away with planting cilantro in the summer.

Will cilantro grow back after cutting?

Yes, cilantro will grow back after cutting. To encourage regrowth, cut the stems at an angle just above a leaf node. New growth will emerge from the leaf node. Keep the soil moist and fertilize regularly to promote healthy growth.

How long does it take to grow cilantro from cuttings?

It usually takes cilantro cuttings about two to three weeks to grow roots and be ready to transplant into soil. If you’d like to know how to grow cilantro from cuttings, check out our step-by-step guide above.

How to grow cilantro | Homes & Gardens

(Image credit: Future)

If you’re a keen cook, then you should learn how to grow cilantro – also known as coriander – as it is one of the most widely used herbs in the world. It is also one of the oldest, and many ancient cultures valued cilantro for both its complex flavor and perceived medicinal properties.

See: Kitchen garden ideas – easy ways to get started

Cilantro is a hugely versatile herb, as every part of the plant can be utilized for cooking – so learning how to grow cilantro will enable you to harvest the whole crop, from root to flower. ‘Growing in close proximity to the kitchen you can taste a plant at all stages of its development: cilantro’s leaves, flowers, green seeds, and dry seeds all taste very different,’ says three-Michelin starred chef Mauro Colagreco in The Garden Chef .

Once you know how to grow cilantro successfully, it will quickly become a staple ingredient in everything from salads and sauces to soups and curries.

How to grow cilantro from seed

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Learning how to grow cilantro from seed is the best way to ensure a reliable, quick crop. But you need to sow your seeds at the right time, as cilantro doesn’t thrive in the high heat of summer, when it will prematurely ‘bolt’ and go to seed.

‘The secret with all cilantro seed is to sow little and often in early spring and fall, but not in the hot, dry months,’ says Judith Hann, author of Herbs: Delicious Recipes and Growing Tips to Transform Your Food .

‘As cilantro hates to be transplanted, sow the seeds directly into garden soil where you want the herb to grow. Choose a light soil that has been nourished with manure or compost in advance, so that it will not dry out in the summer and encourage the plant to bolt.' Well-drained neutral to acid soil is best.

Succession planting is key to growing a constant supply of cilantro. 'If grown for leaves it is best to treat it like lettuce and sow a small amount every few weeks to keep a constant succession of fresh foliage,’ says celebrity gardener Monty Don in his blog .

Popular cilantro seed varieties include Lemon and Leisure, but if you live in a hot climate it's worth choosing a variety that is slow to bolt, such as Calypso or Santos.

See: Small vegetable garden ideas – grow your own, even in a tiny space

How to harvest cilantro

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Once you've mastered how to grow cilantro, you need to know how to harvest it. The whole plant is edible, and needs harvesting at different times in order to get the most out of it.

The leaves and stems of cilantro are widely used in salads and as a garnish to curries, soups, meat and fish. Their flavor is delightfully citrusy and slightly peppery, but this is diminished through cooking, so add prior to serving.

Harvest the leaves in the morning or evening, when they are fresh and verdant, and before the plant starts flowering, which affects the taste. Use sharp scissors or a small knife to remove the stems.

Cilantro’s edible seeds are commonly known as coriander, and are wonderfully aromatic. ‘The dried seeds have a warm, spicy, citrus flavor and can be used whole, crushed in a pestle and mortar, lightly toasted or dry-fried in a pan to release their aroma and enhance their pungent spiciness, or ground to a fine powder,’ says Vicki Edgson in Amazing Edible Seeds .

You can harvest coriander seeds when they are young and green, or wait until they turn brown – both have a unique flavor, so why not experiment? Pick green seeds directly from the plant, or to harvest brown seeds, hang the flower heads upside down in a paper bag and wait for them to fall off naturally.

Delicate and lacy, cilantro flowers have a milder taste than the leaves, so work well in dishes where their subtle flavor won’t overpower. Harvest them in the morning or evening, once they have fully flowered but before they start to die. Add them at the end of cooking or as a garnish.

Even the roots of cilantro can be used for cooking. ‘Few people know that the root is edible and delicious. Its earthy flavour is a mix of the leaf and seed,’ says Judith Hann. ‘Roots should be finely chopped and added to soups, stews and curries.’

Read on to find out how to grow cilantro indoors or in pots.

How to grow cilantro indoors

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If you don't have a garden, then you need to know how to grow cilantro indoors. All you require is a bright windowsill and a generous sized pot. 

The plants will need full sunlight for at least four hours a day, but if you can’t provide this naturally, then you could invest in a growing light.

As indoor-grown cilantro will be in pots, the plants won’t have access to as much root space or soil nutrients as they would outside. Therefore, the pot needs to be a good size, with drainage holes. The cilantro will also benefit from an occasional feed with liquid fertilizer.

When growing cilantro indoors, the soil’s moisture level is key, so regularly check to make sure it is still damp. Avoid overwatering, and water only when the soil starts to feel slightly dry.

How to grow cilantro in pots

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It's worth learning how to grow cilantro in pots if you want to create a patio herb garden. As cilantro plants are sensitive to the high summer sun, you can move them into the shade during periods of intense heat.

You will need a large, deep container of at least eight inches diameter, and it's important not to skimp on the size. 'In a small pot of soil there will be little space for the tap root and the herb will produce few leaves before it flowers and goes to seed,' says Hann.

You only need to sow about three seeds in the pot, and thin out the weaker seedlings as they grow. Keep the soil moist, and don't let it dry out.

How to grow cilantro from cuttings 

(Image credit: Tomasz Olszewski/Unsplash)

If you're struggling with how to grow cilantro from seed, then it's worth trying to grow the plant from cuttings.

When a recipe just calls for cilantro leaves, save 10-15 of the stems, and trim them to about three inches in length. You will find the new plants will grow much more quickly if the roots are still attached, but this trick also works with stem cuttings.

Insert the cuttings, spaced about three inches apart, into well-draining potting compost, then position in a partially sunny spot. Keep the soil moist, and after a few weeks your cuttings should have rooted and they can be grown on like regular plants.

Alternatively, you can place stem cuttings into a glass of water. When the plant has grown roots of at least an inch, you can transfer the cuttings to a pot.

Is cilantro a perennial?

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If you're putting in the effort to learn how to grow cilantro, then it's natural to seek out a perennial variety. However, cilantro is an annual herb, which means you will need to plant it in succession to extend the cropping season. In mild climates, cilantro can often survive into winter.

The good news is that cilantro does self-seed, so if you let some of the plants run their course – flowering then going to seed – you should get new seedlings in the spring.

If you're only interested in how to grow cilantro as a perennial, then consider growing culantro instead. It is a tropical tender perennial herb that has a similar – albeit much stronger – aroma and flavor to cilantro, and is best added during cooking.

Culantro is widely used in the Caribbean, and also in Puerto Rican, West Indian, and Asian cuisine.

The plant's leaves look completely different to cilantro's parsley-like greenery, as they are long and saw-edged. Culantro is a great choice for growing in a shady garden, where it is less likely to bolt.

See: Companion planting – your ultimate guide

How to maintain a cilantro plant

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Maintaining a cilantro plant is usually straightforward. As long as it is planted in neutral to acidic well-draining soil, and not grown in the high heat of summer, then you will be off to a good start.

Simply keep the soil moist – but not waterlogged. Cilantro doesn't rely on fertilizing, but can benefit from an occasional light liquid feed.

When understanding how to grow cilantro, preventing it from bolting is usually the biggest concern. This tends to stem from growing it in the wrong conditions.

If planted in pots, move cilantro to a shadier spot in hot weather, which will reduce bolting.

See: How to grow rosemary – from cuttings and seed

Avoid transplanting cilantro where possible, as it doesn't like its roots being disturbed. Where necessary, gather plenty of soil around the roots and don't over-handle them.

The main pests affecting cilantro are slugs and snails, which can be minimized through barriers and biocontrols. Aphids and whitefly can also be problematic, so keep an eye out and use natural repellents where present.

Mildew or damping off can also affect cilantro. These issues are best managed by avoiding overcrowding and overwatering.

Most problems are easily solved, so don't let them put you off learning how to grow cilantro.

As editor of Period Living, Britain's best-selling period homes magazine, Melanie loves the charm of older properties. I live in a rural village just outside the Cotswolds in England, so am lucky to be surrounded by beautiful homes and countryside, where I enjoy exploring. Having worked in the industry for almost two decades, Melanie is interested in all aspects of homes and gardens. Her previous roles include working on Real Homes and Homebuilding & Renovating, and she has also contributed to Gardening Etc. She has an English degree and has also studied interior design. Melanie frequently writes for Homes & Gardens about property restoration and gardening.

Growing Cilantro from Chilled Cuttings - Home Ideas

In some areas, annual cilantro is transplanted year after year.
istetiana / Moment / GettyImages

Cilantro adorns all kinds of dishes, from Thai and Indian to Mexican and Caribbean. Cilantro is derived from the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum, USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 11), and may also be known as coriander, Chinese parsley, or dhania. Coriander is native to a region that includes southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia, but is now grown all over the world as it is fairly easy to grow and grow. nine0004

Every part of the plant is edible: the leaves are the part of the plant commonly called cilantro, the seeds (usually ground) are called coriander, and the roots are simply known as coriander roots. Cilantro leaves taste best when fresh, which is why many people like to grow the plant on their own, in their herb garden, or in small pots in the kitchen.

Growing cilantro from cuttings

Since cilantro is an annual (a plant that germinates in one year during its life cycle and then dies), it is difficult to propagate cilantro from cuttings, even fresh from the supermarket. If a fresh plant has no roots, it will not grow. If you refrigerate the cuttings in water, they will stay fresher longer, but are less likely to develop roots that can be used to propagate a new plant. nine0004

If you still want to try it, put freshly cut cilantro directly into a glass of water. If there are roots, they will quickly sprout in water. Then you can plant cilantro. If it doesn't, you most likely didn't have roots on your plant to begin with.

Growing cilantro from seed

It is best to grow cilantro directly from seed. Since cilantro and coriander are very popular spices, their seeds are easy to find at your local garden or hardware store. Although cilantro can be sown in the garden, it grows best in pots that can be moved both outside and inside as the weather changes. Cilantro thrives in cool weather, but too warm weather will cause it to flower and seed. At this point in the plant's life cycle, the scent of the leaves changes, although you can still let the flowering plant continue to grow if you want to collect coriander seeds at the end of its life. nine0004

If you are going to collect leaves, sow cilantro seeds thicker than indicated on the package; you will thin out the plants as they grow. Depending on conditions, cilantro will ripen within 30-45 days, and fresh leaves can be pinched off for use. You will want to pinch the leaves more often to encourage them even more; If the plant is allowed to continue maturing, the leaves will turn bitter as the plant starts producing flowers and then seeds. If you turn the stems you collect leaves from, the leaves will eventually grow back, helping you keep a fresh supply. nine0004

Some gardeners prefer to harvest the whole crop so that it does not germinate. If this is your preferred method, plant a new seed crop every two or three weeks for fresh seeds. Even if you're harvesting to regenerate the leaves, at some point the plant will get old and you'll need a new crop if you want fresh cilantro.

Grow cilantro from rooted plants

Alternatively, you can grow cilantro from an already established plant. Cut the stems 1/2 to 1 inch above the soil, setting the stems aside to harvest later, and water the cutting thoroughly. nine0004

If necessary, carefully remove the remaining stem and roots from the plant and place it in water under indirect sunlight. Once the stems begin to recover and grow, you can repot them. You can continue to propagate rooted cilantro this way until the main stem system finally becomes obsolete and dies.

Cilantro - growing from seeds through seedlings and sowing in open ground + Video

Spicy herbs are not only a specific addition to dishes, but also a useful, and sometimes even a medicinal addition to our diet. Therefore, it is worth learning how to grow cilantro from seeds in order to get both vitamin greens and fragrant coriander to the table. nine0004

Content

Growing conditions

Initially, cilantro in the form of greens and its seeds (coriander) were more often used in national Asian and Caucasian dishes. It was the characteristic smell of this spice that gave a special taste to the familiar kharcho soup, kebab and lamb skewers. Now coriander is in almost every kitchen, but the green part of this plant is not used so often. Correcting such an omission is not difficult, you just have to master the cultivation of cilantro on your own plot or even on the balcony of city apartments. And in order for such an undertaking to be successful and bring a harvest, you first need to familiarize yourself with the features of this culture. nine0004

Cilantro or coriander as garden greens is convenient because it grows well both in sunny areas and in partial shade. Growing up, the plant forms compact bushes with beautiful carved leaves resembling parsley. And cilantro repels many pests with its aroma, so its proximity to other cultures can be useful. All these arguments suggest that there is certainly a place for this fragrant spice even in the smallest area. In addition, the decorativeness of the plant allows its cultivation both in flowerpots and in flower beds. nine0004

The future harvest directly depends on the structure and quality of the soil. But after carrots, late cabbage varieties and spicy herbs such as anise, fennel, celery, parsnips and parsley, planting coriander is not recommended, since the soil no longer contains the substances necessary for its development.

Experienced gardeners report good results when cilantro grows next to cucumbers, lettuce, onions and carrots, so it can be used as a compactor in such plantings. nine0004

The future harvest directly depends on the structure and quality of the soil. Seed coriander grows well on loose, humus-rich soils, so the garden bed must be fertilized before planting. It is better to do this in the fall, introducing manure for digging, bird droppings diluted in water, rotted compost, or using complex mineral preparations. During the winter, fertilizers are evenly distributed in the soil, which will also be facilitated by spring snowmelt. nine0004

Heavy clay soil is not at all suitable for growing cilantro from seeds. Such soils are usually poor in nutrient content, they have poor air and moisture permeability, which often causes water stagnation, leading to the death of the root system.

Remember, when improving the quality of the land, limit the application of peat, which can unnecessarily increase the level of acidity and make it unsuitable for growing coriander.

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  • Grades

To maximize the season of fresh herbs, cilantro is sown in several stages with breaks of 10-15 days, or seeds of varieties with different growing seasons are used.

  • Amber. It is distinguished by the richness of essential oils and strong aroma. Seeding rates - 2-3 g/sq.m. Seedlings appear two weeks after sowing.
  • Debut. Mid-season variety, from germination to ripeness takes from 35 to 50 days. Bush up to 30 cm high, well leafy, semi-spreading. Cultivation is recommended according to the scheme - 10x14 cm. The average yield is about 1.5 kg per 1 square meter of area. nine0037
  • Borodinsky. Mid-season, recommended for fresh consumption and use in conservation.
  • Stimulus. One of the late varieties, 100-120 days pass from germination to harvest. The socket is compact, 25-30 cm high, the leaves are dark green.
  • Early. Popular for its early maturity and delicate greens with a spicy aroma.

Sowing and growing

Taking into account that cilantro is quite cold-resistant, it can be sown from April, as soon as the snow melts and the ground thaws. In this case, you will pick the first lettuce leaves at the beginning of summer. It will be possible to get a crop of fragrant greens even earlier if you plant rosettes through seedlings. To do this, in February, several seeds are sown in cups or boxes and grown at home on the windowsill. And with the onset of spring, seedlings are planted in a greenhouse or simply in open ground. But it should be noted that growing in greenhouses allows you to feast on delicious shish kebab with spicy cilantro by the May holidays. nine0004

To speed up the germination of seeds, it is recommended to soak them for several hours before sowing. along the paths.

Taking into account the recommended sowing rate, holes or grooves are made in the prepared area, no more than 2 cm deep and with a distance of about 15 cm between them. If the soil is dry, be sure to spill the holes, wait until the water is absorbed, and then sow. And to speed up the germination of seeds, it is recommended to soak them for several hours before sowing. nine0004

The first green sprouts, as a rule, appear no earlier than in two weeks, but in most cases, cilantro sprouts simultaneously and amicably. Growing outlets need regular watering, especially in the early stages and in the absence of precipitation. It is also important to weed out the weeds in a timely manner, and after watering, loosen the ground around the bushes so that a crust does not form, preventing air from reaching the roots.

Harvesting and harvesting for future use

In a month, the first young leaves with an amazing aroma and a whole set of vitamins will be ready for use. This herb is used in fresh salads, side dishes, in the preparation of meat and fish dishes. Cilantro with a spicy smell adds a special flavor to soups. Chopped leaves give sauces and marinade a specific, "oriental" character. nine0004

When cutting greens for fresh use, leave a few rosettes of cilantro for seeds. Around the middle of summer, the bush will kick out the arrow and bloom, and by August, fruits form on the umbrella. After their full maturation, up to a handful of seeds can be obtained from each plant. After harvesting, they must be dried and used whole or with a hammer in the preparation of your favorite dishes.

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