Cilantro: How to Grow Fragrant Greens and Prevent Bolting

Cilantro (or coriander) is one of the most controversial herbs: you either love it or you don't. But for the gardener, it's tricky for another reason: as soon as you relax, a lonely seed umbrella appears instead of a lush bush. Let's figure out how to "tame" this crop.

The Main Secret: Cold and Daylight

Cilantro is a cool-season plant. As soon as the summer heat sets in and the daylight hours get longer, the plant immediately switches to reproduction (flowering) mode.

• Early Start: Plant cilantro in mid-April. It’s not afraid of light frosts and loves the moist spring soil.
• Conveyor Method: To have greens on the table constantly, sow new seeds every 2 weeks. Cilantro grows fast and finishes fast, so constant renewal is the best option.

Watering and Harvesting

To ensure the leaves are tender and fragrant, any stress to the plant must be eliminated:

• Consistent Moisture: Drying soil is a sure signal for cilantro to start flowering. Watering should be regular, especially on sunny days.
• Correct Cutting: Start harvesting when the bush reaches a height of 10-15 cm. Cut only the outer leaves, leaving the growth point in the center so the bush continues to develop.

Companion Planting

In the AgroPlanner system, we recommend planting cilantro next to potatoes or legumes. Its specific scent helps repel some pests, while it doesn't compete with larger plants for nutrients.

If you're too late and the cilantro has flowered—don't worry! Let the seeds (coriander) ripen. Homegrown coriander is much more aromatic than store-bought and will be an excellent spice for your kitchen.