How To Transplant Cilantro

Learning how to transplant cilantro is a great way to extend your harvest and enjoy fresh, homegrown flavor for longer. Whether you’re moving seedlings you started indoors or giving store-bought plants a new home, this simple guide will walk you through the process.

Transplanting cilantro successfully depends on timing and technique. Cilantro has a sensitive taproot and prefers cool weather, so getting these factors right makes all the difference.

When is the Best Time to Transplant Cilantro?

Transplant cilantro in the cool seasons of spring or fall. The plants bolts quickly in summer heat, which means it goes to seed and stops producing leafy growth.

Spring: Transplant 2-3 weeks before your last expected frost date. The soil should be workable.
Fall: Transplant about 6-8 weeks before your first expected fall frost for a late harvest.
Time of Day: Always transplant in the late afternoon or on a cloudy day. This gives the plants time to settle in without the stress of immediate midday sun.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Gathering your supplies beforehand makes the job smooth and quick. You won’t need anything fancy.

Cilantro seedlings or nursery plants
A prepared garden bed or containers with drainage holes
High-quality potting mix or well-draining garden soil
A small trowel
Watering can or hose with a gentle spray nozzle
Optional: Compost or balanced organic fertilizer

Choosing and Preparing Your Transplant Site

Cilantro needs the right spot to thrive after the move. Choose a location that gets full sun to light afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates.

The soil must drain well. If your garden soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or use raised beds. For containers, ensure they are at least 8-12 inches deep to accommodate the taproot. Mix some compost into the soil before planting for a nutrient boost.

Preparing Your Cilantro Seedlings

If your seedlings are in a shared tray, water them thoroughly an hour before transplanting. This helps hold the root ball together. Gently loosen and separate the seedlings, trying your best to keep the roots intact. Handle them by the leaves, not the fragile stems.

The Step-by-Step Transplanting Process

Follow these numbered steps for the best results. Taking your time here is key.

Dig the Hole: Make a hole in your prepared soil that is slightly wider and the same depth as the root ball of your seedling.
Place the Seedling: Carefully lower the cilantro plant into the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding soil surface. Planting to deep can cause stem rot.
Backfill and Firm: Gently fill in the hole with soil, pressing it lightly around the base of the plant to remove any large air pockets.
Spacing is Key: Space each cilantro plant about 6 to 8 inches apart. This gives them room for good air circulation, which prevents disease.
Water Deeply: Give your newly transplanted cilantro a generous drink. Water slowly at the base until the soil is moistened several inches down. This helps the roots make good contact with the soil.

Aftercare for Your Transplanted Cilantro

Proper care in the first few weeks ensures strong establishment. The main goals are consistent moisture and protection.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, for the first week. After that, water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Mulching: Apply a thin layer of light mulch (like straw or shredded leaves) around the plants. This keeps the roots cool, conserves moisture, and suppresses weeds.
Protection: If a sudden hot spell or late frost is forecast, use a shade cloth or frost blanket to protect the tender transplants. This extra step can save your crop.
Feeding: If you added compost at planting, extra fertilizer usually isn’t needed. If growth seems slow after a few weeks, a light dose of liquid fertilizer can help.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to handle them.

Transplant Shock

Wilting or yellowing leaves right after moving is a sign of transplant shock. Ensure consistent watering and provide temporary shade for a day or two. The plants should perk up once their roots recover.

Bolting Too Quickly

If your cilantro starts growing a tall flower stalk, it’s bolting. This is triggered by heat and root disturbance. Harvest leaves frequently, keep the soil moist, and choose bolt-resistant varieties like ‘Slow Bolt’ for future plantings. Once it bolts, the leaves change flavor, but you can let it go to seed and harvest coriander.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids and whiteflies can sometimes be a problem. A strong spray of water from the hose often knocks them off. Good spacing and avoiding wet leaves helps prevent fungal issues like mildew.

FAQ: Your Cilantro Transplant Questions Answered

Can you transplant cilantro from the grocery store?

Yes, you can often transplant potted cilantro from the supermarket. Tease apart the dense clump into 2-3 smaller sections and plant them immediately. They may bolt faster due to stress, but you’ll get a some extra harvest.

How deep should you plant cilantro?

Plant cilantro at the same depth it was growing in its previous container. Burying the stem to deep can cause it to rot, which is a common mistake.

Does cilantro transplant well?

Cilantro can be tricky due to its taproot, but with gentle handling and proper timing, it transplants well enough for home gardeners. Direct sowing is easier, but transplanting gives you a head start.

Can I transplant cilantro that is already flowering?

It’s not recommended. A plant focused on flowering (bolting) is under stress and unlikely to establish well. It’s better to harvest the leaves and seeds from that plant and start with a new, younger seedling.

With these steps, you can confidently move your cilantro plants to their new growing spot. Remember, the keys are cool weather, gentle handling of the roots, and consistent moisture after the move. Soon you’ll be harvesting fresh cilantro for your favorite dishes right from your garden.