How to Grow Cilantro

Beginner-Friendly

Coriandrum sativum

A fast-growing cool-season herb. Leaves are cilantro; dried seeds are coriander. Bolts quickly in heat.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
30–45 days
typical
Per Square Foot
9
Plant Spacing
10 cm / 4"
Sun
4+ hours
Water
1.0" / 25 mm
Fertilization
light feeder

Growing Notes

Direct sow in cool weather. Succession sow every 2–3 weeks. Let some plants bolt to attract beneficials and self-seed.

Varieties & Cultivars

4 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

Slow bolting

(1)
Leisure
50–55 days Open-Pollinated

good leaf production; strong classic flavour

Height
18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
2 years

Slow bolting variety

(1)
Saint Paul
50–60 days Open-Pollinated

abundant leaf production; flat Italian-type leaves

Height
6–12" (15–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
2 years

Slow to bolt

(1)
Santo
50–55 days Open-Pollinated

excellent leaf production

Height
18–24" (46–61 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
2 years

Very slow to bolt

(1)
Calypso
55–60 days Open-Pollinated

extended leaf harvest window

Height
12–18" (30–46 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
3–11
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
2 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside cilantro, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Lettuce : Cilantro attracts beneficial insects near lettuce
Potato : Cilantro repels potato beetles
Spinach : Both cool-season crops; cilantro attracts beneficial insects
Tomato : Cilantro repels aphids from tomatoes

Keep Apart

Square Foot Spacing

9 per sq ft

4" apart (3×3 grid)

View full spacing chart →

Ready to grow cilantro?

Plan your garden with exact spacing and zone-specific planting dates. An AI companion helps with the rest.

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