SpringSummerFallWinter

About Cilantro

Cilantro is the leaf; coriander is the seed of the same plant. It bolts in heat. Succession-sow. Always grow cilantro in cool weather if you want leaves.

When to Plant

Direct-sow 2–4 weeks before last frost, and again in late summer for fall. This is a spring and fall crop in most zones — not a winter icon except in frost-free gardens.

How to Plant

Sow ¼–½ inch deep. Thin to 6–8 inches for leaf, 8–12 inches for seed. Full sun in cool weather; light shade as days warm. Keep moist so it can regrow after cuts.

When to Harvest

Cut outer leaves; leave the growing point. For coriander, let plants flower and harvest brown seed heads into a bag. Baby-leaf spacing of 2 inches (5 cm) is only for a dense cut-and-come-again patch.