How to Grow Cilantro From a Root Stem

Cilantro is a popular culinary herb, also called Chinese parsley or coriander. Coriander is actually the name for the adult plant (as well as the seeds, also used as a culinary spice) while cilantro is the fresh, tender baby leaves. Cilantro is usually grown from seed, but you can also grow it from a root stem with a little care. The best root stems to use are ones that have been pulled fresh from a friend or neighbor's garden --- with permission, of course --- rather than a root from a bunch of cilantro bought at the store.

Cilantro root

Glass jar

15-inch-tall by 10-inch-wide planter

Potting soil

Watering can or sprayer

Balanced fertilizer

Place the freshly pulled cilantro root into a glass jar with water while you prepare the planter. Cilantro have long roots, and dislike being transplanted, so the best thing you can do for transplant while it waits for its new home is give it a drink.

Fill a 15-inch-tall by 10-inch-wide planting pot with a good, rich potting soil. You need a tall planter for cilantro, as their roots easily become cramped in shorter pots.

Make a hole in the center of the soil deep enough for the cilantro root to sit in comfortably without being scrunched up.

Place the cilantro root cutting into the hole and lightly cover with potting mix. Dampen the soil with water using a watering can or sprayer and spray or water lightly daily.

Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks to the cilantro during the growing season (spring through fall). Once the cilantro grows up (only around eight weeks) it will go to seed. The seeds can be used right away to plant and grow more cilantro. For a good supply of the herb, plant new seeds every two to three weeks.

Once cilantro has "bolted" or gone to seed, it can be placed in the garden to attract beneficial bugs like lady beetles and parasitoid wasps.