What Happens if I Don't Trim My Cilantro?

Coriandrum Sativum

• Sometimes known as Chinese parsley, cilantro is a common seasoning in Asian and Mexican foods, along with coriander. But Coriandrum sativum originated in and around the Mediterranean and was the first herb described in print -- in ancient Sanskrit texts. Growing this short-lived plant is still a challenge. According to vegetable breeder Jim Myers of Oregon State University, both day length and temperature influence flowering and seed set. When temperatures rise -- when plant roots get warmer than 75 degrees -- the plant life cycle gets shorter, encouraging seed production. When planted and grown during the shorter, cooler days of both spring and fall, cilantro will grow for weeks, if not months, longer before flowering and setting seed.

Planting for Cilantro

• Grow cilantro from seed, because small plants grown in nurseries often get too warm -- which means they will “bolt,” or go to seed, much too soon. Sow seeds in early spring and you’ll typically have cilantro growing for eight to 10 weeks before plants bolt. You can also start seeds early indoors, in peat or paper pots, and transplant them into the garden later, taking care to avoid disturbing the taproots. Heavily mulch to help keep roots cooler. According to Oregon State University Extension, you can also extend cilantro’s season by growing it in a cooler or semi-shaded part of the garden or by planting in early spring and again in late summer. Another strategy is to plant in successive batches, to keep fresh cilantro coming through fall.

Trimming Cilantro

• Trim leaves and stems from cilantro whenever you need some for salsa or other favorite recipe. Pick leaves in the morning for best flavor. Another harvest strategy is to harvest large, outside leaves when plants are 6 inches tall and then do it again later. Or harvest the entire plant before it bolts, when leaves become bitter. Cilantro doesn’t keep well, so rinse foliage, cut stems with sharp scissors or garden snips and place all stems in a glass of water. Keep the glass and cilantro in the refrigerator.

Planting for Coriander

• Plant seeds in early and mid-summer if all you really want is coriander. Planted and grown during long, warm or hot days, plants will grow, flower and set seeds within four to six weeks. Or, instead of harvesting cilantro as temperatures start to warm up, leave plants in the garden and let them set seed. Make sure seeds are fully mature and brown before harvesting and using them, though, or they’ll be bitter. Shake seed heads in a brown paper bag. Allow the seeds to dry for several weeks and then store them in airtight jars.