Cilantro is a fast-growing herb that brings a bright, fresh flavor to so many dishes. Knowing how to harvest cilantro correctly is the key to keeping your plant productive and getting the most from your garden. If you cut it the wrong way, the plant might stop growing. But with the right technique, you can enjoy continuous harvests for weeks.
This simple guide walks you through the entire process, from knowing when your cilantro is ready to the best way to pick the leaves and even how to collect the seeds (coriander). Let’s get you harvesting like a pro.
How to Harvest Cilantro
The main thing to remember is that cilantro grows from the center. Your goal is to harvest the outer, older leaves while leaving the young central growth untouched. This allows the plant to keep producing new leaves for you.
You’ll need just a few things:
* A pair of clean, sharp scissors or garden snips. Pinching with your fingers can damage the stem.
* A basket or bowl to hold your harvested leaves.
* Optional: A glass of water if you plan to keep the cuttings fresh for a short while.
When is Cilantro Ready to Harvest?
Timing is everything. Start checking your plants about 3 to 4 weeks after planting, or once they are at least 6 inches tall. The individual stems should have several sets of leaves.
Look for these signs:
* The plant is lush and has many stems.
* The outer leaves are mature and fully formed.
* It’s before the plant starts to bolt (send up a tall flower stalk), unless you want coriander seeds.
The best time of day to harvest is in the cool of the morning, after the dew has dried but before the afternoon sun gets hot. The leaves will be crisp and full of moisture then.
Step-by-Step: Harvesting Cilantro Leaves
Follow these easy steps to harvest your cilantro without harming the plant.
1. Identify the Right Stems. Look for the outer, older stems that are longer and have many leaflets. Avoid the tiny, new growth in the very center of the plant.
2. Cut the Stem. Trace the stem you’ve selected down to about an inch above the soil line. Using your scissors, make a clean cut there. You can also cut about a third of the way down the stem if you want a smaller harvest.
3. Take Only What You Need. A good rule is to never harvest more than one-third of the entire plant at one time. This leaves plenty of foliage for the plant to recover quickly.
4. Repeat. Move around the plant, selecting outer stems and cutting them cleanly. Your plant should look a bit thinner but still have a healthy center of small leaves.
5. Rinse and Store. Gently rinse your harvested cilantro in cool water to remove any dirt or bugs. Pat it dry with a towel or use a salad spinner before storing.
If you just need a few leaves for a recipe, you can simply snip off individual leaf sprigs from the tops of outer stems. But for a bigger harvest, cutting the whole stem at the base is more effective.
What to Do If Your Cilantro Starts Bolting
Cilantro is a cool-weather herb and will quickly “bolt” as temperatures rise. Bolting means it sends up a tall central flower stalk. When this happens, the plant puts its energy into making flowers and seeds, and the leaf production slows down. The leaves also become more feathery and less flavorful.
Don’t worry if this happens! You have two options:
* Harvest the Remaining Leaves: Quickly harvest most of the remaining good leaves to use or preserve.
* Let it Flower for Coriander: If you want coriander seeds, let the flower stalk grow. It will produce pretty white or pale pink flowers that attract beneficial insects. After flowering, it will form green seed pods.
How to Harvest Coriander Seeds
The seeds of the cilantro plant are the spice coriander. They are incredibly easy to collect.
1. Allow the flowers to fade and form round, green seed pods.
2. Wait until the seed pods turn a light brown color on the plant. The stems will also start to dry out.
3. Cut the entire seed head (the top of the stalk with all the pods) and place it upside down in a paper bag.
4. Hang the bag in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. As the seeds finish drying, they will naturally fall off into the bag.
5. After a week or two, shake the bag to release any remaining seeds. Store the hard, round coriander seeds in an airtight container in a dark place.
You can use these seeds whole or ground in cooking, or save them to plant next season!
How to Store Your Fresh Cilantro Harvest
Fresh cilantro is perishable, but proper storage makes it last.
For Short-Term Use (up to a week):
Treat it like a bouquet of flowers. Trim the ends of the stems and place them in a jar with an inch of fresh water. Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator. Change the water every couple of days.
For Longer Storage:
Freezing is the best method to preserve that fresh flavor. You have two good options:
* Freeze Whole Stems: Wash, dry thoroughly, and place whole sprigs in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can chop off what you need while still frozen.
* Freeze as a Paste: Chop the cilantro finely and pack it into an ice cube tray. Cover with a little water or olive oil and freeze. Pop out the cubes and store them in a freezer bag for easy use in soups, stews, and sauces.
Drying cilantro is not generally recommended, as it loses most of its distinctive flavor and aroma in the process.
Tips for a Continuous Cilantro Harvest
The trick to having cilantro all season is succession planting. Since each plant has a relatively short life before bolting, plant new seeds every 2 to 3 weeks. This way, as one planting finishes, the next one is ready to harvest.
Also, regular harvesting actually encourages the plant to grow more leaves. So don’t be shy—harvest often to promote bushier growth. Make sure your plants get enough water, especially after a harvest, to help them recover.
Common Harvesting Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors. Here’s what to steer clear of:
* Cutting the Central Crown: This is the biggest mistake. Always leave the small, new leaves in the middle alone.
* Harvesting Too Much at Once: Taking more than a third of the plant shocks it and slows regrowth way down.
* Waiting Too Long: If you wait until the plant is already flowering heavily, the leaves will be tough and bitter.
* Using Dull or Dirty Tools: This can crush stems or introduce disease. Clean your snips before you start.
FAQ: Your Cilantro Harvest Questions Answered
Q: How many times can you harvest cilantro?
A: If you harvest correctly, you can cut leaves from the same plant many times, usually every week or so, until it begins to bolt. This is why the cutting method is so important.
Q: Can you harvest cilantro after it flowers?
A: You can, but the leaves after flowering (often called “culantro” at this stage) are much stronger and sometimes bitter. Most people prefer the pre-bolt leaves for fresh eating.
Q: Does cilantro grow back after cutting?
A: Yes, absolutely! When you cut the outer stems properly, the plant will direct energy to the remaining center growth, and new stems will emerge from the base. It’s a fast regrower.
Q: What’s the difference between cilantro and coriander?
A: In many places, “cilantro” refers to the fresh leaves and stems of the plant, while “coriander” refers to the dried seeds. It’s the same plant, just different parts used at different times.
Harvesting cilantro is a simple, rewarding task that ensures you get the most from this versatile herb. By following these steps—cutting the outer stems, leaving the center, and harvesting regularly—you’ll enjoy fresh, flavorful cilantro for much longer. And when the warm weather comes, you’ll be ready to collect your own homegrown coriander seeds, too.