How to Grow Cilantro / Corianders: The Complete Guide

Cilantro / Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is a easy-to-grow cool-season herb that thrives in USDA zones 2-11. With the right soil, sunlight, and care, you can harvest fresh cilantro / coriander in as little as 21-45 days. This guide covers everything you need to know about growing cilantro / coriander at home—from planting to harvest.

Overview

Cilantro is a dual-purpose herb offering fresh leaves for salsas and Asian dishes, then coriander seeds for spice blends and curries. It loves cool weather and bolts quickly in heat, making succession sowing the key to steady supply.

When and How to Plant Cilantro / Corianders

Start indoors: Not recommended—direct sow. Cilantro / Coriander needs partial to full sun and well-drained, ph 6.2-6.8 to thrive. Plant seeds at ¼ in depth with 6-8 in between plants.

• Sowing depth: ¼ in
• Plant spacing: 6-8 in
• Germination time: 7-10 days
• Days to harvest: 21-45 days
• Best soil: Well-drained, pH 6.2-6.8
• Season: Cool season — zones 2-11

Care and Maintenance

Cilantro / Coriander requires regular watering and partial to full sun. Consistent moisture is especially important during the growing season when roots are establishing.

• Watering: Regular — water deeply at the base, not overhead, to prevent leaf disease
• Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Feeding: Apply balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea every 3-4 weeks during active growth
• Watch for deficiencies: Yellow leaves = nitrogen, purple stems = phosphorus, brown leaf edges = potassium

Pro Tips

Cilantro bolts fast in heat. Succession sow every 2-3 weeks. When it bolts, let seeds dry on the plant—that's coriander, an equally valuable spice!

Companion Planting for Cilantro / Corianders

Companion planting improves cilantro / coriander health and yield by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, and improving soil. Plant cilantro / coriander alongside these proven companions:

Avoid planting near: These plants compete for nutrients, attract the same pests, or inhibit cilantro / coriander growth:

Common Pests and Diseases

Watch for these common problems when growing cilantro / coriander. Early identification and organic prevention methods are key to keeping your plants healthy:

Learn more in our Organic Pest Control Guide.

Harvesting and Storage

Knowing when to harvest cilantro / coriander is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Cilantro / Coriander is typically ready to harvest in 21-45 days from planting.

• Harvest timing: Most home gardeners find that harvesting slightly early produces better flavor than letting crops over-mature
• Best time of day: Harvest in the morning when plants are cool and turgid for longest shelf life
• Storage: See our Harvesting and Preserving Guide for freezing, canning, and drying methods

Recommended Varieties

These are the best cilantro / coriander varieties for home gardeners, selected for flavor, disease resistance, and ease of growing:

Frequently Asked Questions About Cilantro / Corianders

How long does it take to grow cilantro / coriander?

Cilantro / Coriander takes 21-45 days from planting to harvest. Germination takes 7-10 days. Start indoors not recommended—direct sow for earlier harvests.

What zones can you grow cilantro / coriander in?

Cilantro / Coriander grows well in USDA hardiness zones 2-11. It is a cool-season crop that needs partial to full sun.

What should I plant next to cilantro / coriander?

Good companions for cilantro / coriander include Tomatoes, Spinach, Beans. Avoid planting near Fennel, Dill.

How much sun does cilantro / coriander need?

Cilantro / Coriander requires partial to full sun. Plant in well-drained, ph 6.2-6.8 with 6-8 in spacing between plants.

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