When to Cut Cilantro Spice?

Pruning

• Cilantro grows quickly and often goes to seed within two months of planting. Cutting back the plant during its early growth helps it grow full and dense so it provides more foliage for harvest. Begin pinching the plant once it grows 4 to 6 inches tall. Pinch off the tip of each stem above the topmost leaf set. The cilantro branches at each of the pinched tips, which allows it to produce twice as much foliage.

Harvesting Leaves

• The majority of cutting on a cilantro plant is for leaf harvesting. Begin harvesting once the plant reaches a 6-inch height. Cut off the entire leaf stem where it attaches to the main upright stems of the plant. Remove no more than half the leaves at one time. The plant continues to produce new foliage for continual harvest until it sets seed if you don't cut down the whole plant. If you don't want to harvest seeds, harvest the entire plant before it sends up its flower stalk by cutting it off at the soil surface.

Harvesting Seeds

• The seeds of the cilantro plant are called coriander spice. The plant forms seeds after flowering. The leaves lose their flavor once the cilantro begins to flower, so stop cutting the leaves once the stalk grows. Cut the flower stalk from the plant once the blossoms drop and after the seed heads dry. Cut out the stalk at its base and place it in a paper bag. The bag catches any seeds that separate from the flower head after harvest. Cut down the entire cilantro plant after harvesting and dispose of the remaining foliage.

Cutting Tips

• Clean shears used only for herb harvesting prevent the spread of disease in the garden. Wash the shears after each use so they remain clean and safe to use. Harvest the cilantro in late morning or early afternoon, when the morning dew has dried on the plants. Cutting wet plants is more likely to spread disease, and wet leaves have a shorter shelf life after harvest. Use the harvested leaves fresh or dry them immediately after cutting for long-term storage. Both the dried leaves and seeds store for up to one year in an airtight container.