Herbs
Cilantro
A quick cool-season herb that is easy to sow but naturally short-lived in heat.
Coriandrum sativum
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Photo: Salicyna / CC BY-SA 4.0
At a glance
- Difficulty
- beginner
- Maintenance
- moderate
- Time to harvest
- 30–50 days · from-seed
- Water need
- moderate
- Growth habit
- upright annual herb
- Indoor suitability
- good
- Support
- Usually not required
What this plant must have
These are minimum limits, not aspirational targets. Missing one can prevent healthy growth.
- Minimum direct light
- 3 hours
- Minimum container depth
- 15 cm (≈ 5.9 in)
- Minimum container volume
- 4 L (≈ 1.1 US gal)
- Active growth range
- 4–24 °C (≈ 39.2–75.2 °F)
- Frost behaviour
- tolerant
Conditions it prefers
These conditions improve performance, but there may be room to adapt within the hard limits above.
- Ideal direct light
- 4–6 hours
- Ideal temperature
- 7–21 °C (≈ 44.6–69.8 °F)
- Preferred depth
- 20–30 cm (≈ 7.9–11.8 in)
- Preferred volume
- 6–12 L (≈ 1.6–3.2 US gal)
- Drainage
- well drained
Overview
A quick cool-season herb that is easy to sow but naturally short-lived in heat.
What makes it practical
Direct sow small batches every few weeks because cilantro dislikes root disturbance and naturally runs to seed.
What limits success
At least 3 hours of direct light; provide at least 15 cm of container depth and avoid treating the minimum as the preferred setup.
Getting started
Direct sow small batches every few weeks because cilantro dislikes root disturbance and naturally runs to seed.
Before planting
Prepare a container with open drainage and enough volume for the plant's mature root system. The documented minimum is 4 litres.
Planting
Direct sow small batches every few weeks because cilantro dislikes root disturbance and naturally runs to seed.
Position
Aim for 4–6 hours of direct light while watching for heat reflected from walls or glass.
Ongoing care
Keep it cool, evenly moist, and protected from harsh afternoon heat.
Watering check
This crop's water need is moderate. Check the mix itself instead of watering by a fixed weekday schedule.
Harvesting
Cut outer leaves young; once flower stems rise, allow seed to mature or replace the crop.
Timing
The documented range is roughly 30–50 days from seed; temperature and cultivar can shift it.
Beginner mistakes
Trying to stop heat-triggered bolting indefinitely leads to frustration; succession sowing is more reliable.
A useful reset
Change one condition at a time, then judge the newest growth rather than expecting damaged leaves to recover.
Troubleshooting context
Start with the visible symptom and rule out moisture, light, temperature, and root-room conflicts before assuming disease.
Relevant symptom
The launch troubleshooting library links this plant to extreme heat as a useful first diagnostic path.
Frequently asked questions
- How much light and root room does cilantro need?
Cilantro needs at least 3 hours of direct light. It needs a container at least 15 cm deep holding about 4 litres. A 20–30 cm container with 6–12 litres is easier to keep evenly watered. Expect roughly 30–50 days from seed, which shifts with temperature and cultivar.
Editorial review:
Reviewed by NookHarvest Editorial Team
How we review adviceCorrections and questionsProblems and next steps
Explore herbs
Herbs
Set up the container
Container Gardening
Choose pots, mix, drainage, and plant combinations that make small-space care more forgiving.
Troubleshoot a likely symptom
Extreme Heat Stress
Separate temporary midday wilt from damaging heat by checking recovery, root moisture, reflected heat, and new growth.