Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a popular herb used in everything from salsas to curries. However, one common challenge gardeners face—especially in warm climates—is cilantro’s tendency to bolt quickly in hot weather. Bolting causes the plant to go to seed, making the leaves turn bitter and halting further leaf production.
The good news is that with a few strategic growing techniques, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful cilantro even when temperatures rise. Here’s how to grow cilantro that resists bolting and thrives in the heat.
What Is Bolting?
Bolting is when a plant prematurely sends up a flower stalk, shifting its energy from leaf production to seed production. Cilantro is particularly prone to this when exposed to heat, long daylight hours, or stress from lack of water. Once it bolts, the leaves become sparse and lose their signature taste.
Choose Bolt-Resistant Varieties
One of the best ways to grow cilantro in hot weather is by selecting slow-bolting or bolt-resistant varieties. Look for varieties such as:
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‘Slo-Bolt’
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‘Calypso’
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‘Caribe’
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‘Long Standing’
These types have been bred to resist flowering for longer, allowing you to harvest more leaves over an extended period.
Grow in Partial Shade
Cilantro typically prefers cooler conditions. In hot weather, growing cilantro in partial shade can help reduce heat stress and delay bolting. If you’re growing outdoors in summer, position your plants where they’ll receive morning sun and afternoon shade, or use a shade cloth to filter strong sunlight.
If you’re growing in containers, move them to shadier spots during the hottest part of the day.
Keep the Soil Cool and Moist
Cilantro thrives in cool, consistently moist soil. Dry, compacted, or overheated soil accelerates bolting. To maintain a stable root environment:
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Use a mulch layer of straw, shredded leaves, or compost to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
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Water frequently and evenly, especially during hot spells. Cilantro has shallow roots and benefits from consistent hydration.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but ensure it’s not waterlogged either. Good drainage is key.
Plant in the Right Season
While cilantro is typically considered a cool-season herb, you can still grow it in warm weather by adjusting your timing. In hot climates, consider planting cilantro in early spring, late summer, or early fall when temperatures are milder.
If you’re planting in midsummer, try sowing seeds in containers you can move, or in areas with natural shade to give plants a better chance at surviving the heat.
Use Succession Planting
Because cilantro matures quickly and tends to bolt without much warning, succession planting ensures you always have a fresh crop on hand. Sow a new batch of seeds every 2–3 weeks throughout the growing season.
This way, if one set bolts, a younger one will be ready to harvest. It’s an efficient strategy for a continuous supply of tender leaves.
Space Plants Appropriately
Cilantro benefits from good air circulation, which helps reduce heat stress and lowers the risk of disease. When sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings, allow enough space between plants—at least 6 inches apart—so they aren’t crowded.
Proper spacing also gives roots room to grow and access more nutrients, contributing to a healthier, slower-to-bolt plant.
Harvest Frequently and Early
Regular harvesting helps prevent cilantro from bolting. Begin harvesting the outer leaves when the plant is about 4–6 inches tall. Cut leaves in the morning, when they are most flavorful and hydrated.
Never remove more than one-third of the plant at once, and always cut leaves just above the base to encourage new growth from the center.
Grow Indoors or in Containers
If outdoor temperatures are consistently high, consider growing cilantro indoors near a bright window or under grow lights. Container growing allows for more control over light exposure and temperature. Choose deep pots (at least 8–10 inches) to accommodate the taproot, and make sure they have good drainage.
Use lightweight potting soil and water consistently. With the right indoor setup, you can grow cilantro all year round.
Let One Plant Bolt (Optional)
While the goal is to avoid bolting, letting one or two plants flower and go to seed isn’t always a bad thing. You can harvest coriander seeds from the dried seed heads for cooking or for replanting. Cilantro is self-seeding and may even re-sow itself in the garden if allowed to drop seeds.
Conclusion
Growing cilantro that resists bolting in hot weather is all about variety selection, temperature management, and consistent care. By using bolt-resistant types, providing shade, keeping soil cool and moist, and harvesting regularly, you can extend your cilantro harvest even in the heat of summer. Whether you’re using it in tacos, soups, or salads, fresh cilantro from your garden is always worth the effort.
