How to Harvest Cilantro for Bushier Plants

Knowing how to harvest cilantro is the difference between one small picking and weeks of fresh leaves. The step-by-step Kratky method guide for cilantro sets out the basics. This post adds the reasons behind them and some practical detail.

Wait until the plant is established

Start when the plant has plenty of leaves, not when the first seedlings appear. Cutting too early slows the plant, because it needs its leaves to grow.

Harvest in the morning

The guide says to harvest in the morning, when the essential oils are most concentrated. That gives the freshest flavor.

Cut the right way

1. Use sharp scissors for a clean cut.
2. Snip the stems about one-third of the way down, as the guide recommends, so enough foliage remains for the plant to keep growing.
3. Take the outer, older stems first. Cilantro grows from the center, so the young growth in the middle keeps going.
4. Never strip the plant bare. A plant with no leaves cannot feed itself.

How often

Aim to harvest every week or two to maintain a steady supply of fresh leaves, according to the guide. Regular cutting encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from bolting too soon. If the plant starts to flower, see how to stop cilantro from bolting.

What to do with the harvest

• Use it fresh, in dishes like the ones on our cilantro recipes page.
• Store what you cannot use right away. How to store fresh cilantro covers the fridge and the freezer.

Keep the plants healthy between cuts

A harvested plant needs light and nutrients to regrow. Keep checking the water level and the pH, and rotate the container so growth stays even. For more on that, see leggy cilantro: causes and fixes.

Scissors, not fingers

Pulling stems with your fingers can tear the plant and damage the roots. Sharp scissors make a clean cut that heals quickly. Wipe them with a clean cloth before you start, and again if you are cutting a lot of plants one after another.

Common questions