How to Grow Cilantro: Planting, Spacing, Care & Harvest
Quick answer
Illinois: direct sow after danger of frost is past; successive sowings every 3 to 4 weeks. Wisconsin mid-August fall sowing is a separate labeled window. Same plant yields cilantro leaves and coriander seed.
Cilantro at a glance
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
Jump to
Updated
Planting dates for your ZIP: the ZIP planting planner counts each window from your local frost dates.
Organic pests and diseases: see also organic pest control. Use any product as the label directs.
Herbs: University of Maryland Extension says do not spray insecticides on herbs. Same species yields cilantro (leaves) and coriander (seed). See also parsley and dill.
_Bl%C3%A4tter--_Josef_Schlaghecken.jpg){kind=link}
Planting timing
Illinois: direct sow “after danger of frost is past”; successive sowings every 3–4 weeks; hard to transplant (taproot). (Illinois Extension) Wisconsin: cool-season; sow “in early spring, at the same time lettuce is typically planted”; succession every 2 to 3 weeks; summer plantings usually bolt early; fall leaf crop seed in mid-August (label separately — not the rule); will not survive a hard freeze. Leaves 45–80 days; seed crop needs ≥100 days. (Wisconsin Horticulture) Illinois after frost vs Wisconsin with early lettuce — present both prone to bolting in response to high temperatures.” (UMD herb problems)
Depth and spacing
Wisconsin: seed ¼ to ½ inch deep; rows about a foot apart; thin to 3 to 6 inches for leaves, 12 inches for seed production. Illinois: direct sow preferred; transplant difficult. Height: Illinois 1–2 feet; WI foliage 1–1½ ft, flower stems 2–3 ft.
Sun, soil and water
Illinois: full sun; average well-drained soil. Wisconsin: well-drained full sun; tolerates very light shade; containers OK. Water: WI keep evenly moist; reduce irrigation as seed nears maturity. Bolting: heat and long days (WI); UMD high-temp bolting.
Care
Fertilizer: UMN fertilize herbs lightly — no rates. Flowers attract beneficial insects (WI). Self-seeds readily (Illinois; WI).
Harvest: leaves and coriander seed
Leaves: Illinois cut plants or leaves at about six inches. WI after ~6 inches and before bolt; outer leaves encourage new growth; whole plant cut 1 inch above ground for possible regrowth. Storage: Illinois dry leaves loosely in plastic ~1 week fridge. Seed (coriander): WI harvest when light brown and plant dried, usually 2–3 weeks after flowering; hang to dry over cloth/bag; rub pods for culinary seed.
Pests and diseases (organic)
Wisconsin: “does not have any serious pest problems”; bacterial leaf spot reported by commercial growers — buy tested seed when possible. UMD: do not spray insecticides on herbs; cultural care for general herb aphids/mites if they appear. Bolting is the main problem to manage via succession and cool-season timing (UMD; WI; Illinois).
Related: /grow/parsley/ · how to grow dill · organic pest control · ZIP planner
Frequently asked questions
When do I sow cilantro?
Planner: at/after last frost (Illinois 0/0). Wisconsin pairs with early lettuce — cooler than summer. Resow every 2–4 weeks in cool weather. Wisconsin mid-August for a fall leaf crop is a separate labeled window.
Why does it flower so fast?
Heat and long days (WI; UMD). Succession plantings and fall sow (WI mid-August) keep leaf harvests coming.
Leaves vs seeds?
Same species: harvest leaves as cilantro; dried seed as coriander (Illinois; WI).
More grow guides: Asparagus · Peas · Cauliflower · Rhubarb · Leeks · Parsley · Swiss chard · Radishes · Eggplant · Arugula · All grow guides
Sources
- University of Illinois Extension: Cilantro
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension: Wisconsin Horticulture
- University of Maryland Extension: UMD herb problems