Cilantro: Why It Bolts and How to Slow It
Cilantro is a cool-season herb that bolts (goes to seed) above 75°F. Plant in spring or fall, and succession-plant every 2–3 weeks.
Cilantro is famously fast to bolt. It’s also one of the most-used herbs in the world.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to sprout | 7-10 |
| Days to harvest | 45-55 |
| Sun | 4-6 hours |
| Spacing | 6 inches |
| Bolt temp | Above 75°F |
| Flavor | Citrus, bright |
Why Grow It
- Fast. 45-55 days.
- Versatile. Mexican, Asian, Middle Eastern cooking.
- Coriander seeds. If it bolts, harvest the seeds.
- Cool-season. Thrives in spring and fall.
How It Fails
Failure 1: Bolting. Above 75°F. Plant in cool weather. Failure 2: Slow germination. Hard seed coats. Soak 24 hours. Failure 3: Yellow leaves. Nitrogen deficiency or too hot.
Comparison
| Variety | Bolt Resistance | Flavor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cilantro | Low | Citrus | Standard |
| Slow-bolt | Moderate | Similar | Lasts longer |
| Vietnamese | High | Different | Perennial (hot climates) |
| Culantro | High | Stronger | Different plant |
Common Questions
Why did my cilantro bolt in 3 weeks? Too hot. See: Cilantro Bolted.
Can I still eat bolted cilantro? Leaves get bitter. But seeds (coriander) are usable.
How do I slow bolting? Shade in afternoon. Plant in cool season. Succession plant.
Can I grow it indoors? Yes. Cool room helps.
Can I freeze cilantro? Yes. Chop and freeze in ice cube trays with oil.
How do I harvest? Cut outer stems at base. Don’t cut the center.