Learning how to harvest cilantro, or coriander as its also know, is essential for enjoying this tangy herb at its very best. Teaming with high levels of vitamin K, A and C, the leaves can add a spicy punch to salads, rice and grilled dishes while the seeds bring a rich, warmth to curries and stews. Both can be harvested from home grown produce and need little attention and care to thrive.
Sow seeds outside from spring to fall in a sunny or part shady spot. Taking from one to three weeks to germinate, these hardy annuals will quickly form their flat notched leaves and develop tasty stalks too. You can grow cilantro outside until the first sign of frost, and can extend the productive season by sowing some under cover.
Will the cilantro plant grow back after harvest? Yes, you can harvest leaves early and they’ll continue to grow. Harvest leaves one by one or cut them only about a third of the way down the plant to ensure they’ll keep growing. The plant will continue to produce leaves for a month or two before it dies.
How to harvest cilantro leaves
Cilantro usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks to mature and be ready to harvest. Wait until the plant reaches 6 in (15 cm) tall before picking either individual leaves or cutting the whole plant down an inch or two (2.5-5cm) above the base.
Both techniques will encourage the plant to form new leaves almost immediately and provide two or three crops before it expires.
‘When your herbs are ready to harvest, simply pinch the tops off or snip with scissors, and enjoy!,’ says Kate Lindley, Product Manager at Baby Bio. ‘The more you pick off and cut back, the more you will stimulate fresh growth and be rewarded with bushier plants.’
Does cilantro regrow after cutting?
Cilantro will grow back after cutting – eventually. However, it is best just to cut what you need when you need it to ensure the plant remains bushy and productive.
How to Harvest Cilantro- Cut and Come Again Cilantro
FAQ
Does cilantro grow back after harvesting?
How do you keep cilantro growing all summer?
How do you regenerate cilantro?
Will cilantro grow back if cut back?
Cilantro that is cut back entirely will eventually grow back, but we recommend cutting just what you need at a time to encourage robust growth. If cilantro is grown under ideal conditions with regular harvests, the same plant will keep producing for many weeks. How often should you harvest cilantro?
What are the benefits of cilantro?
Cilantro also known as coriander is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. All parts of the plant are edible including the fresh leaves and the dried seeds which can be used in cooking. The herb contains antioxidants which have been researched to provide health benefits in the form of reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, inflammation caused by obesity, seizure severity, raising energy levels, healthy hair, and skin.
Do you need to cut back cilantro leaves?
This is especially important if you’re cultivating only a couple of cilantro plants and you need to make sure they grow back new leaves for more harvests. This method is known as the cut and come again method and allows for multiple harvests, provided that you don’t take too much off the plant.
How long does it take a cilantro cutting to grow?
It will take about a week or two for the cutting to start growing roots. Once you see some healthy roots starting to grow that are about an inch long, it is time to plant them in soil. Keep in mind that it may take a little while for your cilantro cutting to start growing. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see any results in the first week or two!