How to tell it is ready

Begin harvesting when plants are about 4 to 6 inches tall and have a good cluster of usable leaves. Choose fresh, tender leaves and stems before flower stalks appear or while plants are still compact.

How to harvest

Snip outer stems near the base or cut the whole plant slightly above the crown for a larger harvest. Leave the center growing point if you want more leaves. Cilantro can be harvested cut-and-come-again while plants remain leafy.

Timing

Cilantro often reaches first harvest in about 3 to 5 weeks for baby leaves, longer for full bunches. Pick in the morning and harvest repeatedly in cool weather. Once hot weather arrives, plants may bolt quickly.

After the harvest

Keep stems cool and out of direct sun right after cutting. Rinse if needed and dry gently, or stand stems in water for short-term holding. Refrigerate for best keeping.

Tips

Sow small batches every couple of weeks for steadier harvests. Cut plants early if warm weather is expected.

General guidance for US home gardens. Timing varies by variety and region; check your local frost dates. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.