How long does cilantro take to grow?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Grasping when cilantro grows and develops helps gardeners harvest successfully. Generally, from seed sowing to first harvest takes 50-55 days in good conditions. Cilantro germinates the fastest at soil temperatures of 55-68°F. I have also found that consistent moisture during this time stops stunted seedlings. Several distinct stages of growth need care.
Germination Phase
- Seeds sprout in 7-10 days at proper temperatures
- Requires consistently moist but not waterlogged soil
- Shade cloth helps maintain cool soil conditions
Leaf Development
- True leaves appear 10-14 days after sprouting
- Plants reach harvest size in 3-4 weeks
- Pinch tips to encourage bushier growth
Seed Production
- Flowering begins 5-6 weeks after planting
- Seeds mature 30 days post-flowering
- Harvest when seeds turn brown and rattle
Several factors influence the speed of growth more significantly than others. Soil temperature can dramatically impact germination rates. Lighting needs to change between stages as well. Seed quality can vary significantly as well. I suggest using certified organic seeds to achieve better results. Proper spacing will reduce competition for nutrients. Consistent moisture is always the most important.
Accelerate growth using tried-and-true methods: First, pre-soak your seeds overnight before planting. Second, floating row covers will help keep them warm. Third, apply dilute seaweed extract every two weeks. Together, these approaches can reduce harvest times by 5-7 days. Really pay attention to plants when they start rapid growth, especially on a day-by-day basis.
Temperature Control
- Use cloches for early spring planting
- Provide afternoon shade in warm climates
- Monitor soil temperature with probe thermometer
Nutrient Management
- Apply balanced fertilizer at 3-week intervals
- Side-dress with compost when plants reach 4 inches
- Test soil pH monthly maintaining 6.2-6.8 range
Identify growth problems as early as possible. Slow germination typically means cool soil or old seeds. Yellowing leaves indicate not enough nitrogen. Leggy growing means low light. Bolting before harvesting is a response to temperature stress. Solve problems quickly to stay on track.
Schedule your succession planting based on the growth rates of your plants. You may choose to sow in intervals as short as every 14 days to 21 days to develop continuous harvests. Document when you planted seeds and when you harvested food; you will find this information useful in the following seasons, as your notes will become a valuable reference book.
Read the full article: How to Grow Cilantro: Ultimate Beginner Guide
