Replanting Cilantro

Transplanting Cilantro

• Cilantro produces a deep, central taproot that must be moved carefully when relocating the plant. Damage to the taproot can cause damage to the plant itself because it is the primary part of the root system. Transplanting cilantro can also cause the plant to bolt, which will diminish the flavor of its leaves and turn it toward coriander production. To avoid this, move the plants when they are young, before the taproot has reached a great length, and keep the taproot intact when gathering the roots for relocation. If you buy seedlings, avoid plants with roots showing through the container as they may not respond to transplanting as well.

Sowing Seeds

• When starting cilantro seeds indoors or in containers, select peat or paper pots, which can then be placed directly in the garden when ready for outside planting. Using peat pots is the best way to plant cilantro seeds if not sowing directly, because it allows relocation without root disturbance. Otherwise, directly sowing seeds into the garden is a surefire way to avoid transplant stress. Plant seeds every three weeks for successive harvests, and thin to 4 inches apart once they are growing.

Location

• Replanting cilantro is often necessary if the original location does not have appropriate conditions. Too much heat or a lack of moisture is detrimental to cilantro because bolting will occur once roots reach a temperature above 75 F. When the soil is too hot for a cilantro plant, providing shade, additional moisture and mulch around the roots can help keep the roots a bit cooler for optimal flavor. Alternatively, planting cilantro in containers allows the option of moving the pots to a cooler spot once temperatures rise too high.

Care

• It is typical for a cilantro plant to provide a short-lived leaf harvest before bolting, so don't blame yourself if this occurs. Cilantro is a very short-lived plant. One way to ensure continuous production is to collect the seeds once the plant has gone to flower, and sow them successively every three weeks. Plant in early spring or fall to avoid hot summer temperatures, or plant in a shady spot to keep the roots cool and prolong leaf production. Once the cilantro transitions to coriander, you can collect the seeds and use them to spice up curries and sauces.