Quck answer
Cilantro is a herb that can be regrown easily at home. Follow these steps to regrow cilantro:
1. Cut off the leafy stems of the cilantro plant, leaving about an inch of stem attached to the roots.
2. Place the stems in a glass of water and put it in a sunny spot.
3. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
4. After a week or two, you will start to see roots growing from the stems.
5. Once the roots are about an inch long, transfer the cilantro stems to a pot filled with moist soil.
6. Place the pot in a sunny area and water it regularly.
7. In a few weeks, you will have fresh cilantro leaves ready to be harvested.
Regrowing cilantro is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to enjoy this flavorful herb whenever you want.
Cilantro, also known as Coriandrum sativum, is often seen as a polarizing ingredient in Mexican cuisine. However, it is also the source of coriander seed and ground coriander, which are commonly found in the spice section of grocery stores. Besides its culinary uses, coriander seeds are a reliable way to grow fresh cilantro in your garden. If you run out of cilantro seeds, you can regrow your existing plants and extend your harvesting season after the initial harvest.
Cilantro’s Quick Growth and Maturation
Cilantro is a plant that grows and matures rapidly, making it a great choice for gardeners who prefer quick results. When you sow cilantro seeds directly into your garden, you can start harvesting the leaves in about three to four weeks, and the seeds in about 45 days. While this quick growth is advantageous, it also poses a challenge for many gardeners. Cilantro tends to go to seed as soon as it is ready to harvest, and its fresh herb flavor quickly diminishes once this happens.
A common strategy to extend the harvesting season is to plant cilantro at two-week intervals. This means that you will have new plants ready for harvest just as the previous ones start going to seed. Depending on the quantity you grow, it is possible to run out of seeds before the gardening season is over. In such cases, regrowing your existing plants is a viable option to continue harvesting cilantro.
Trimming Cilantro Plants
Regrowing cilantro plants is a straightforward process. Harvest your fresh cilantro when the plants are at least 6 to 7 inches tall, or even taller in cool weather. It is important to harvest before the plants start going to seed. When they reach this stage, they will produce thicker stems with feathery foliage instead of the usual flat leaves. If one plant starts to bolt, meaning go to seed, harvest all the other plants that were seeded at the same time, but skip the one that has already bolted.
Instead of pulling the plants out by their taproot, cut them cleanly about one inch from the ground using sharp scissors, garden shears, or a suitable knife. Over the next few weeks, the plant will regenerate and produce a new batch of stems and leaves. The second harvest may not be as abundant, but even a moderate yield is better than no harvest at all.
Alternative Methods to Regrow Cilantro
Aside from regrowing the main stem of an existing plant in its bed, you have a few other options to regrow cilantro. One option is to take healthy cuttings from a vigorous plant. Cut a stem that is at least 3 to 4 inches long, remove the bottom pair of leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and carefully place it in moist, well-drained potting soil. These tender cuttings will require shelter while they root and establish themselves. Although you can theoretically do this outdoors in a cold frame or cloche, your success rate will be higher when growing them indoors.
One option for both gardeners and non-gardeners is to regrow cilantro purchased from the supermarket. If you bought a bundle without roots, select a few sturdy stems and treat them like regular cuttings. If you have cilantro with roots, you can cut it down to 1 inch above the root level, just like in the garden. Then, transplant it into a small pot with moist and well-drained potting soil.
A useful tip is to handle cilantro with care because it has a taproot and doesn’t like being transplanted. First, hold the stem against the pot to determine the depth of the root. Hold the pot horizontally and fill it halfway with soil, gently compressing it. Place the cilantro root horizontally on top of the soil, being careful not to bend the taproot. Position it so that the top of the pot aligns with the point where the root meets the stem. Finish planting by adding enough soil to fill the pot, and then adjust it to its final vertical position once there is sufficient soil to hold the root in place.
