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How to Grow Cilantro and Prevent It from Bolting

Fresh cilantro from the garden is the perfect addition to your favorite dishes. In this guide, we’ll explore how to grow cilantro effectively and prevent it from bolting so you can enjoy a bountiful supply of fresh leaves throughout the season.

First off, what is bolting, and why does that matter? 

Bolting happens when the plant shifts its focus from developing leaves to making seeds, producing a thick central stem and tiny flowers in preparation for seed production. In cilantro’s case, those are delicious coriander seeds, but we want to delay that process to get as many leaves as possible. 

3 Ways to Prevent Cilantro from Bolting: 

1. Plant slow bolt varieties from seed 

Plant slow bolt varieties like ‘Long Standing‘ or ‘Slow Bolt‘ from seed, not transplant – it does make a difference. (Click the links for seed sources.) Planting cilantro from seed helps prevent bolting.

Cilantro develops a taproot quickly and doesn’t transplant well. Starting from seeds directly in the garden gives the plant the best chance to thrive without disturbing the root system. If you’re planting in a container, select one at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep to accommodate the taproot. Learn more about crops with sensitive roots.

Plant seeds about ¼ inch (.8 cm) deep and space them 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) apart. In square-foot gardening, you can plant four per square foot. 

Keep the soil hydrated. Cilantro needs adequate moisture to grow well.  

2. Plant at the proper temperatures – cilantro doesn’t like it too hot

Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and doesn’t fare well in the heat. Planting at the right time helps prevent cilantro bolting.

In cold winter climates, begin sowing seeds 3-4 weeks before your last frost date. Cilantro can tolerate some frost, making early spring an ideal time.

In hot summer climates like Arizona’s low desert, you’ll grow your cilantro over the winter during the cool season—plant seeds from October through January.

The best way to have plenty of cilantro is to plant some every couple of weeks throughout the growing season in different areas of your garden. That way you’ll always have some that is ready to harvest. Learn more in this guide to succession planting.

Once temperatures get too warm, cilantro will bolt no matter what you do. Daytime temps in the 80’s mean it will likely bolt soon. If possible, keep your cilantro shaded to keep temperatures down. 

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3. Harvest cilantro often 

Keeping cilantro harvested helps prevent and delay bolting. Cilantro is simple to harvest – gather the stems in your fist and cut them off an inch or two above soil level. The plant will grow back and be ready to harvest again in a few weeks. Keeping it cut back discourages flower production. 

After harvesting, put the cilantro in a jar of cool water and store it on your counter or in the fridge – it will stay fresh for several days. (This tip works for grocery store cilantro too.)

What if Cilantro Bolts? 

It’s not all bad news if cilantro bolts. There are two reasons I like bolting cilantro. 

The first is that pollinators and beneficial insects love the flowers. You can often see all stages of ladybugs on the plant. The umbel flowers attract ladybugs, hoverflies, parasitoid wasps, and lacewings that prey on harmful pests like aphids, potato beetles, spider mites, and cabbage moths. I plant cilantro in different areas around my garden for this reason. Learn more about how to attract beneficial insects.

The next reason I like bolted cilantro is that those same flowers develop into coriander seeds. Although they come from the same plant, cilantro leaves and coriander seeds have different flavor profiles and uses. To grow coriander, allow the seeds to develop on the plant and begin to turn brown. Then, cut off the stems and put them upside down in a paper sack. As the seeds dry, they will fall to the bottom of the sack. Use seeds in cooking and then save some to plant next season. Learn more in this guide to saving seeds.

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