Cilantro
Cilantro is a herb in the Apiaceae family. It grows best in full sun to part shade with medium moisture, and is listed for USDA zones 2-13. Plants reach harvest about 45–69 days after planting and sit about 6 inches apart.
Varieties
7 from True Leaf Market, High Mowing & Seeds Now · sorted by days to maturity▸Leisure Splits45–55 days
Heirloom; Organic; Non-GMO; Container; Annual
Non-GMO, Heirloom Organic Leisure Splits Cilantro Herb Garden Seed from True Leaf Market. Coriandrum sativum. Cilantro is native to regions in North Africa and West Asia. Leisure Splits Cilantro, also known as "Chinese parsley," is a staple ingredient in Tex-Mex and Asian cuisine. This organic annual split has had the individual seeds separated from the multi-seed pods in which they grow naturally. Sometimes called 'monogerm cilantro', these seeds are better for precise seeding than the version still in the pod. Coriander provides nutrients, medicinal properties, and aromatic benefits as a dried fruit. Organic Leisure Splits Cilantro is a popular herb to also grow as microgreens!
Growing notes: Direct sow cilantro in cool weather, about 1/4 inch deep, thinning plants to 6-8 inches apart. It prefers full sun to part shade and grows quickly, bolting in heat. Leisure is a slow-bolting variety; sow successively every few weeks for a continuous leaf harvest, and allow plants to flower if collecting coriander seed.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Caribe47–63 days
Good greenhouse crop; Bolt tolerant
Dense bunches of aromatic, dark green leaves on long-standing, bolt-tolerant plants. Compared to Santo, Caribe has a slightly thinner stem, higher vigor and seed emergence and better bolt tolerance in the field. A great choice for greenhouse growers, or anyone who wants a long-standing cilantro. From our partners at Bejo Seeds. 2.2M seeds/oz
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Leisure47–63 days
Slow to bolt; Cut and come again; Available as monogerm
Reliable standard cilantro with exceptional bolt resistance and excellent field holding quality. This variety is very comparable to Santo in habit, uniformity, and flavor. Plants can reach 2’ tall and have beautiful, bright green feather leaves. Leaves, stems, flowers and seeds are edible and impart a zesty, aromatic flair to dishes. Great variety for cut-and-come-again growing, especially in cooler weather. Available as regular and monogerm for precision seeding. 5.6M seeds/oz.
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Santo47–63 days
Upright habit; Fast growing
The commercial standard for field bunching. Very bolt-resistant variety with good flavor and excellent, upright habit for easy harvesting. Fast-growing variety great for cut-and-come-again. Bred by Alf Christenson. 2.2M seeds/oz.
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗▸Cilantro/Coriander, Slow-Bolt (splits)50–60 days
Can tolerate hot temperatures; Direct sow; Grows well in full sun; Grows well with containers; Grows well with raised beds; Matures in <90 days; Start indoors; Super easy to grow
Cilantro is the most popular leafy aromatic herb with a tangy citrusy-parsley-like flavor, used in Latin and Asian cuisines. Coriander is the dried seed, whole or powdered, with an earthy, floral flavor used as a spice in Indian cuisine. Grow it just for the seeds or the tiny pinkish flowers, which are quite sweet. Cilantro prefers cool weather, and this slow-bolt variety will tolerate a bit more heat, putting out more leaves for a longer time before it starts bolting out tasty flowers and Coriander seeds. Leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and root of this fast-growing herb are all edible. It also likes shady spots, so a good one to grow indoors. Citrusy-parsley-like flavor All parts are edible Grows 1'-2' tall Good for indoor gardens As a companion plant, it attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, and repels aphids, carrot rust fly, grasshoppers, mosquitoes, potato beetles, and spider mites. As a medicinal herb, Coriander has been used internally to treat anxiety, arthritis, bad breath, colic, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, flatulence, indigestion, inflammation, insomnia, lack of appetite, nausea, nervousness, pain, stomach cramps, and urinary tract infections (UTIs), and externally to treat rheumatism, headache, joint pain, and tired eyes. ⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally. Good companion plants: Anise, Asparagus, Basil, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Celery, Chervil, Collards, Cumin, Dill, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lemongrass, Lettuce, Mint, Mustard, Oregano, Parsley, Parsnip, Pea, Potato, Rutabaga, Spinach, Squash, Tomato, Turnip, Zucchini More facts about Cilantro/Coriander: This slow-bolting strain is grown primarily for its broad, deep green, celery-like, pungent foliage. Used in Oriental and Mexican cuisine. Use seed to flavor meats, pickles and baked goods. Coriander contains antioxidants. It has also been used as a folk medicine for the relief of anxiety and insomnia. Coriander has also been documented as a traditional treatment for diabetes. 📚 Cilantro Grow Guide See Cilantro/Coriander Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board Follow SeedsNow.com's board Cilantro on Pinterest.
View on Seeds Now ↗▸Slow Bolt50–55 days
Heirloom; Non-GMO; Container; Annual
Non-GMO, Heirloom Slow Bolt Cilantro Herb Garden Seed from True Leaf Market. Coriandrum sativum. Cilantro is native to regions in North Africa and West Asia. As a cool-season herb dating back 7,000 years ago, cilantro has become diverse. Slow Bolt Cilantro is still an essential ingredient in Mexican and Asian cuisine. As fresh green cilantro stops producing in the heat, Slow Bolt Cilantro varieties provide a longer harvest! Coriander seeds are also harvested, as they contain rich antioxidants that are used for aromatherapy or as a mild spice to enhance flavor for a variety of dishes.
View on True Leaf Market ↗▸Cruiser51–69 days
UP; Very slow to bolt; Upright plant habit
Uniform plants with dark, glossy leaves, excellent flavor and impressive bolt resistance. Plants have a tidy, upright growth habit with strong stems that are perfectly suited for bunching. Large leaves and even branching lead to quick and efficient harvests, making this variety especially desirable for fresh market sales. From our partners at CN Seeds. 3.8M seeds/oz
Growing notes: The herbs we offer in this section were chosen for their exceptional aroma, flavor, disease resistance and appeal. We offer tried-and-true standards, such as Genovese basil and Italian Flat Leaf parsley, alongside more modern varieties that have impressed us in our trials, like Aroma 2 F1 basil, resistant to fusarium wilt and slow to bolt, and Rutgers Devotion and Obsession basils with downy mildew resistance. Most herbs are compact and easy to grow, making them suitable for containers, greenhouses and small gardens.
View on High Mowing ↗
Plant spacing
In a square-foot bed, space cilantro about 6 in apart — that fits 4 plants in each 1-foot square (2×2). Wider rows or containers space the same.
Plan your cilantro planting
Add cilantro to a free GardenDraft plan and get sow, transplant, and harvest dates computed for your ZIP code — with a drag-and-drop bed layout and reminders when it’s time to plant.
Start your free plan →At a glance
Storing & preserving
Refrigerate stems in water, or wrap in a damp towel for a few days.
- Dry: Dehydrate or air-dry, then store airtight away from light.
- Freeze: Freeze chopped in oil or water in ice-cube trays.
General home-preservation guidance — for tested processing times and safety, follow the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
Growing timeline
Companion planting — with cited sources
From US/Canada cooperative-extension publications and peer-reviewed studies. Evidence-tier dots show how strongly each recommendation is backed: ●●● peer-reviewed mechanism · ●● extension consensus · ● traditional knowledge with a plausible mechanism.
Pairs well with (3)
- Common CabbageEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpredator-attract, pollinator-attract
Flowering cilantro is one of the most consistently cited insectary plants in US extension materials: its small white umbels supply accessible nectar for syrphid flies, green lacewings (Chrysoperla spp.), and small parasitoid wasps including Diadegma and Cotesia that attack imported cabbageworm, diamondback moth, and cabbage aphid.
Timing: Allow some plants to bolt; flowering coincides with mid-summer brassica pest peaks.
Source: S1, S5, UMass Center for Agriculture
- Common SpinachEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpredator-attract
Cilantro umbels attract syrphid adults whose larvae predate spinach aphids; both crops share cool-season culture making the pairing practical.
- Common TomatoEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationpredator-attract, pollinator-attract
Flowering cilantro is documented to elevate natural-enemy abundance (syrphids, lacewings, parasitoids) in tomato beds, contributing to aphid and hornworm suppression.
Avoid planting near (1)
- CarrotEvidence tier C: Traditional practice with plausible mechanism but limited empirical replicationalternate-host-pest
Apiaceae cross-host: shares carrot rust fly and Alternaria with carrot. Extension references advise separating cilantro and carrot beds and not rotating one into the other within 3 years.
Source: University of Maryland Extension
Sources cited
- S1
- Cornell University Cooperative Extension — vegetable production guides
- S15
- UMass Center for Agriculture (UMass Extension)
- S5
- Michigan State University Extension
- S9
- University of Maryland Extension — Home & Garden Info Center
Care & troubleshooting— extension-sourced, with citations
When to feed, prune & water
Attract beneficial insects and protect pollinators
Protection- Routine carePlant insectary flowers and tolerate light pestsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Grow a diversity of flowering plants (including small-flowered umbels and asters) to feed predators and parasitoids, and tolerate low pest numbers so natural enemies have prey to stick around.
- Routine careNever spray open bloomsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Avoid insecticides on flowering plants and apply any needed sprays in the evening when pollinators aren't active, and favor selective products over broad-spectrum ones to spare bees and beneficials.
Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture
Mulch- Routine careApply organic mulch around plantsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Spread a few inches of straw, shredded leaves, or compost around established plants (keeping it off stems) to hold soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature; wait until soil has warmed for heat-loving crops.
Plan crop rotation
Rotation- Routine careRotate plant families between bedsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Avoid planting the same family in the same bed in consecutive years (aim for a 3+ year gap), grouping crops by family so soilborne diseases and pests that build up don't carry over to the next susceptible crop.
- Routine careSequence for soil healthmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Follow heavy feeders like tomatoes and brassicas with legumes or a cover crop to support soil fertility and structure, and keep simple notes each year so you can track where each family grew.
Thin crowded seedlings to final spacing
Thinning- Routine careThin to ~2 in spacing, then again later· every 3 wks · ~3 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Crowded carrots stay small and forked. Thin to about 1 in when seedlings are 2-3 in tall, then to 2-3 in a few weeks later. Snip rather than pull to avoid disturbing neighbors.
Clean up debris and sanitize at season end
SanitationUnusual this time of year.
- Routine careRemove spent plants and fallen debrisstrong evidence — extension confidence
Pull and clear old plants, dropped fruit, and leaf litter at season end, since many pests and diseases overwinter in this debris; dispose of diseased material rather than composting it.
- Routine careClean tools, stakes, and cagesmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Wash and sanitize stakes, cages, and tools that touched diseased plants before storing or reusing them to avoid carrying pathogens into next season.
Something looks wrong?
Describe what you see on your cilantroand we'll rank the likely causes — most likely first, least-invasive fix first.
Bacterial soft rot
Diseasesevere- CulturalRemove rotting plants and produce (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence
Soft rot can't be cured once tissue breaks down; promptly remove and discard affected plants and produce so the bacteria don't spread to neighbors or other stored vegetables.
- CulturalAvoid wounds and excess moisturestrong evidence — extension confidence
Harvest in dry conditions, handle gently to avoid bruising, control insects that create entry wounds, and improve drainage; cure and store bulbs and roots cool and dry.
- CulturalDon't overwater and rotatemoderate evidence — extension confidence
Avoid waterlogged soil and overhead watering that splashes bacteria, and rotate away from previously affected fleshy crops to lower disease pressure.
Southern blight
Diseasesevere- CulturalRemove infected plants and surrounding soil (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence
Once a plant collapses it can't be cured; dig out the plant plus the top few inches of nearby soil containing sclerotia and dispose of it, avoiding spread on tools.
- CulturalBury residue and rotatemoderate evidence — extension confidence
Deep-turn soil to bury sclerotia, remove crop debris at season end, and rotate susceptible solanaceous and legume crops with grasses for several seasons.
- CulturalAdjust soil pH and plant earlymoderate evidence — extension confidence
Maintain soil pH at the level recommended for the crop, since the disease is worse in low-pH soils, and time plantings so harvest begins before peak summer heat favors the fungus.
White mold (Sclerotinia stem rot)
Diseasesevere- CulturalRemove infected plants (manage, not cure)strong evidence — extension confidence
There's no cure for an infected plant; cut out and bag affected plants including the black sclerotia, and don't compost them, since sclerotia survive years in soil.
- CulturalOpen the canopy and rotatestrong evidence — extension confidence
Space plants widely, control weeds, orient rows to prevailing wind, and avoid overhead watering at bloom to dry the canopy; rotate to non-host crops (corn or other grasses) for several years.
- CulturalWater at the base, not overheadmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Use drip or soaker irrigation to keep foliage and the soil surface drier, which discourages the sclerotia germination and mycelial growth that drive white mold.
Carrot rust fly
Pestmoderate- CulturalRow cover + delay sowingstrong evidence — extension confidence
Cover the bed with insect netting from sowing, and avoid the spring egg-laying peak by sowing a little later. Crop rotation helps.
Root rot from overwatering / poor drainage
Diseasemoderate- CulturalLet soil drain and water lessstrong evidence — extension confidence
Water root rots like Pythium thrive in saturated soil, so cut back watering, let the surface dry between irrigations, and water at the base rather than keeping soil constantly wet.
- CulturalImprove drainage and aerationstrong evidence — extension confidence
Use raised beds, loosen compacted soil, and add organic matter to improve drainage; remove plants that are already rotted since affected roots won't recover.
Tarnished plant bug / lygus
Pestmoderate- CulturalManage surrounding weedsstrong evidence — extension confidence
Keep broadleaf weeds mowed or removed around the garden, since lygus build up on flowering weeds and move to crops as those weeds dry down; avoid mowing large weedy areas right beside fruiting crops at bloom.
- CulturalVacuum or shake plants to monitor and reduce· every 5 daysmoderate evidence — extension confidence
Tap plants over a light-colored tray to check for nymphs; a handheld vacuum used once or twice weekly can hold low to moderate numbers down on small plantings.
- OrganicTreat nymphs if damage is building· every 1 wkmoderate evidence — extension confidence
For active nymph infestations, azadirachtin or a Beauveria bassiana product can give some control per the label; preserve the parasitic wasps and other natural enemies that help suppress lygus.
Aphids
Pestlow- CulturalBlast off with water· every 3 days · ~2 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Knock colonies off with a strong jet of water in the morning; repeat every few days. Light infestations rarely need more.
- OrganicInsecticidal soap - label use only· every 1 wk · ~3 wksmoderate evidence — extension confidence
For persistent colonies apply insecticidal soap to undersides per label. Avoid open flowers.
Cilantro and dill bolting in heat
Disorderlow- CulturalSuccession sow and beat the heat· every 3 wksstrong evidence — extension confidence
Both herbs are cool-season and bolt quickly once it turns hot, which is natural and not a disease; sow small batches every few weeks for a steady supply and harvest the young leaves heavily before flowering. Plant in early spring and again as it cools, and give plants some afternoon shade in summer to delay bolting.