Growing cilantro at home?

Question

Every year I grow cilantro in my backyard and every year I have the same issue. The only usable leaves grow on the very bottom of the plant while the tops of the plant grow like 18 inches high but no usable leaves grow up there and they just end up flowering. And every year the good leaves on the bottom just end up turning yellow and dying.

My question is am I doing this correctly? Are cilantro plants supposed to grow that tall without any usable leaves growing farther up than the bottom 2-3 inches?

Answer 1

When the soil temperatures reach around 70-75 degrees this will cause cilantro to start flowering. Cut the flowers off so the plant can concentrate on the leaves getting bigger. This plant also does best in spring and fall but I am growing it in clay right now with 90 degree heat and high humidity and my plants are a little over 3 ft tall.  You can also harvest the leaves that are ready and this will also help the smaller leaves get bigger.

This weekend I am going to have to harvest my largest leaves, chop then freeze them so they will be recipe ready.

You could also let 1 or 2 plants go to seed, plant those seeds and have another bunch of Cilantro in a couple or so months.

It is also best to let the plant get at least 6 inches tall before harvesting any leaves from it.

Also make sure the plants get at least 8 hrs of sunlight. Mine get full sun from sunrise until sundown and they are doing great.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

To prevent the plant from flowering make it a habit to cut off the flower bud BEFORE it forms.  This way the plant continues to grow leaves without turning to seed.

This technique works on all plants.  Cut the flower bud off for more plant.

Answer 3

If you use the cilantro (trim/harvest) the plant will not have a chance to flower( if it does, remove them). also as it matures, it will naturally fade away. try planting three plants, 2-3-4 weeks apart. ( use new ones each time, if you purchase plants form a store) I have grown it before and in the summer I use it up faster than it grows...I also have better crops when I lightly shade it from hot afternon sun

Answer 4

We grow it year round and at two locations.  We live part time near Tampa Florida and part time near Asheville NC at 5000 ft elevation.

I plant it in boxes like window boxes and just sow the seeds.  I plant more  than one box a few weeks apart.  No need to thin as you really want the leaves and they have done well sown as we do.

I cut it with scissors when it is useable (3-4 inches tall).  Cut down to base at the level of the dirt.  It will regrow and we get to cut it numerous times over several months before we pull the plants and start over.  As it ages the stems will grow larger with each cutting,  you can use the stem in cooking but you also have the leaves for your fresh salsa, etc.

The seeds germinate fast and the plants are just about trouble free.  We use time release fertilizer but the key is to keep it well fed if you use our method.

We have found that it loves Florida all year but only grows in the summer in the mountain location, due to it being a tropical plant.

Answer 5

Cilantro is a cool weather herb if you grow it as cilantro instead of coriander, which is harvested for the seeds. Growing it as cilantro you will be able to harvest as soon as 40-50 days after planting the seeds. It doesn't transplant well, so sow the seed where you want it to grow.

You'll want to harvest when the plant is 4-6 inches tall. You can either cut leaves as needed or pull the entire plant and use the roots in soup.

When the plant "bolts" or starts to flower it becomes bitter and is no longer is used as cilantro. It will take about 120 days until the coriander seed matures. You can plant more cilantro every 7-10 days to keep a steady supply. In the heat of the summer, especially in hot climates, cilantro won't do as well. It's a good spring/fall herb to grow and will withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees.

Answer 6

yuck! I hate cilantro

Answer 7

They are "bolting" which means they are producing flowers prematurely. Do you mulch the area where you plant them? If not, you might want to consider it.  Mulch not only keeps weeds down, but also conserves water and helps keep the soil cool.  A lot of plants tend to bolt after prolonged hot, dry periods.  Make sure you water regularly. Also, don't wait to harvest the leaves. They can be harvested right along, as the plant will continue to produce more.  If you see a flower stalk developing, just cut it off.