Knowing when to pick cilantro is the single biggest factor for getting the best flavor from your garden. Get the timing right, and you’ll have that perfect, bright citrusy note for your dishes. Get it wrong, and you might end up with a disappointing, sometimes soapy taste. This guide will show you exactly how to time your harvest for optimal flavor.
Cilantro, also called coriander leaf, is a fast-growing herb with a specific life cycle. Its flavor changes dramatically as it matures. The goal is to catch it at its peak, before it starts to change its priorities from leaf growth to flowering and seeding. Let’s look at the signs of the perfect cilantro to pick.
When To Pick Cilantro
This heading is your golden rule. The optimal time for picking cilantro is when the plant is lush and full, but before it bolts. Bolting is when the plant sends up a tall central stalk to produce flowers and seeds. The flavor declines quickly once this process begins.
The Visual Signs of Perfect Cilantro
Your eyes are the best tool. Look for these key features:
- Height & Fullness: Plants should be at least 6 inches tall, with many stems and a dense cluster of leaves. A mature, ready-to-pick plant often resembles a low, leafy bouquet.
- Leaf Shape & Color: Leaves should be broadly lobed (like flat-leaf parsley) and a vibrant, deep green. Avoid yellowing or wilting leaves.
- The Central Stem: This is critical. Check the center of the plant. If you see a thin, round stem starting to grow taller and faster than the rest, with smaller, finer leaves, the plant is preparing to bolt. Harvest immediately.
The Best Time of Day to Harvest
Timing your harvest within the day also affects flavor. For the most potent and crisp leaves, always pick cilantro in the cool of the morning, after the dew has dried but before the midday sun heats the plant. The leaves are fullest of moisture and essential oils at this time, which means better taste and aroma.
Avoid harvesting in the late afternoon when plants can be slightly wilted from the day’s sun. The oils have diminished, and the flavor won’t be as strong.
How to Pick Cilantro Correctly
You can’t just yank leaves off. Proper technique encourages more growth and keeps the plant healthy. Here’s the step-by-step method:
- Sanitize: Use clean scissors or garden snips. This prevents spreading disease.
- Target Outer Leaves: Always cut the older, outer leaves first. Leave the young, small inner leaves at the center to continue growing.
- Cut at the Base: Follow the leaf stem (petiole) down to where it meets the main stem or the soil for larger outer stems. Make a clean cut here.
- Never Take More Than 1/3: A good rule is to never harvest more than one-third of the entire plant at one time. This allows it to recover and produce more for you.
If you need a large amount, say for a big batch of salsa, it’s better to harvest whole plants by cutting them about an inch above the soil line. They may regrow if the crown is left intact, especially in cooler weather.
What Happens If You Pick Too Late?
If you miss the ideal window, don’t despair. The plant is entering its seeding phase, which gives us coriander seeds. Here’s what you’ll see:
- Bolting: The stem elongates rapidly.
- Flowering: Tiny white or pale pink flowers appear in umbrella-like clusters.
- Flavor Change: The leaves become much more sparse, feathery, and bitter. The signature cilantro flavor is mostly gone.
At this stage, you can let the plant go to seed and harvest the coriander seeds for spice, or you can try cutting back the flower stalk immediately. Sometimes this shocks the plant back into leaf production for a little while, especially if the weather cooperates.
Dealing with Bolted Cilantro
Once it bolts, the leaves arent worth much for fresh use. You have two options. First, you can collect the green seeds—they have a unique, citrusy flavor used in some cuisines. Second, let the seeds dry fully on the plant to harvest brown coriander seeds. You can also leave some flowers to attract beneficial insects to your garden.
How to Keep Cilantro Producing Longer
The key to a long harvest is delaying bolting. Cilantro bolts due to stress, usually from heat or root disturbance. Try these tips:
- Succession Plant: This is the most effective trick. Sow a new, small patch of seeds every 2-3 weeks. This ensures you always have young plants coming into their peak.
- Provide Shade: Use a shade cloth in the hottest part of the summer to keep soil temperatures down.
- Keep it Cool: Water consistently and deeply. Mulch around plants with straw or grass clippings to retain soil moisture and cool the roots.
- Choose Slow-Bolt Varieties: Varieties like ‘Slow Bolt’, ‘Calypso’, or ‘Santo’ are bred to resist flowering longer than standard types.
Storing Your Fresh-Picked Cilantro
To keep that optimal flavor you worked so hard for, proper storage is essential. Don’t just toss it in the fridge.
- Treat Like Flowers: Trim the very ends of the stems.
- Jar Method: Place the bunch in a jar with an inch of water, like a bouquet. Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag.
- Refrigerate: Put the jar in the refrigerator. Change the water every couple days.
- Paper Towel Method (for pre-washed): For washed and dried sprigs, wrap them loosely in a slightly damp paper towel and place inside a loosely sealed plastic bag or container.
Stored this way, your cilantro should stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks. You can also chop and freeze it in oil in ice cube trays for cooking, though the texture will change.
FAQ: Picking Cilantro for Best Flavor
Can you pick cilantro after it flowers?
You can, but the leaves will be bitter and less abundant. The flavor is not optimal for fresh use. It’s better to let it go to seed or cut it back hard to see if it regrows milder leaves.
How many times can you harvest cilantro?
If you use the “cut outer leaves” method, you can harvest from the same plant many times over several weeks. If you cut the whole plant about an inch above the soil, it may regrow once or twice, especially in cool spring or fall weather.
Does cilantro regrow after cutting?
Yes, if cut properly. Always leave the central growing point and some small leaves intact. The plant needs some “solar panels” (leaves) to fuel new regrowth.
What’s the difference between cilantro and coriander?
In many places, “cilantro” refers to the fresh leaves and stems of the plant. “Coriander” refers to the dried seeds. The entire plant is Coriandrum sativum. Using the right part at the right time is key for flavor.
Why does my cilantro taste soapy?
For some people, this is a genetic trait that makes cilantro taste soapy. But timing can affect this too. Over-mature leaves or those harvested in very hot conditions can develop stronger aldehydes, the compounds associated with the soapy flavor, making it more pronounced even for people who usually enjoy it.
Mastering when to pick cilantro is a simple skill that makes a huge difference. By focusing on the plant’s size, shape, and that crucial pre-bolting window, you’ll ensure every taco, curry, or soup gets the burst of fresh, citrusy flavor it deserves. Paying attention to the time of day and using careful harvesting techniques will maximize your yield and keep your plants productive. With a little practice, you’ll spot the perfect picking moment without a second thought.