How to Propagate Cilantro
Coriandrum sativum · Also called Coriander
| Methods | Seed |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Best season | Spring and fall (cool season) |
| Time to root | N/A — direct-sown |
| Group | Herb |
Cilantro is the one plant on this site that doesn’t propagate from cuttings at all — it has a taproot that doesn’t tolerate transplanting or rooting in water, so seed is the only real method. The honest, useful thing to tell you is not to bother trying cuttings.
Growing from seed
- Sow seeds directly where you want them to grow — cilantro dislikes being moved.
- Cover lightly with soil, keep consistently moist.
- Germinates in 7–10 days in cool conditions.
- Sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest, since this plant bolts (flowers and stops producing leaves) quickly in heat.
When to propagate
Spring and fall — this plant struggles and bolts fast in summer heat.
Common problems
Plant flowered and stopped producing leaves quickly. Normal in warm weather — this is called bolting. Grow it in the cooler parts of the season instead.
Questions people ask
Can I regrow cilantro from a store-bought bunch, like green onions? No — unlike green onions, cilantro doesn’t regenerate from a cut base. Start new plants from seed instead.
Related
Similar plants: Basil, Green Onion, Lettuce