Startup costs

Startup costs are generally low. Seed, bed prep, irrigation, and standard bunching supplies are the main needs. Wash-pack is simple, though cooling is important for bunch quality. Protected culture can help with shoulder-season production.

Ongoing costs

Ongoing costs include repeated seeding, weed control, harvest, washing, bunching, and cooling. Labor is moderate because cilantro often requires frequent succession planting and quick handling. Bolting can increase waste if timing slips.

Yield & how it sells

Cilantro is sold by bunch, bag, or as part of mixed herb offerings. It can be productive in cool conditions, but turnover of plantings is often fast because quality drops as plants mature. Value per area can be good when succession timing is tight and sales are steady.

What makes it profitable

Cilantro is often a moderate to higher-margin herb for farmers markets, CSA shares, restaurants, and local retail. It sells broadly and can move quickly, but profitability depends on consistent succession planting and minimizing bolting losses. It is usually more of a strong supporting earner than a single flagship crop.

Financial risks

Main risks include bolting in heat and long days, uneven stands, bunch shrink, and short holding quality if not cooled fast. Disease pressure can rise in wet conditions. Market saturation can also happen if many growers harvest at the same time.

Tips to improve returns

Sow small successions often instead of planting large blocks that mature all at once. Harvest and cool quickly because turgid, fragrant bunches sell much better than limp ones. Check with your local Cooperative Extension and Small Business Development Center to model succession frequency, labor, and expected bunch sales realistically.

General planning information, not financial or investment advice, and not a guarantee of profit. For real budgets, work with your Cooperative Extension office and local Small Business Development Center. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.