Cilantro is prized for its leaves. Yellowing or wilting foliage can quickly ruin the herb's appeal. Find and fix the problem before the entire herb is ruined.

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb that gardeners prize for its flavorful, aromatic leaves. If those leaves start to turn yellow, don't despair. Several common issues may be at the root of the problem, and a combination of cultural controls can save your plant and boost the health, size and flavor of your cilantro harvest.

Reduced Sunshine, Reduced Health

Insufficient sunlight can lead to pale green or yellow leaves, stunted growth and wilting. Cilantro, like most herbs, thrives best when it receives full sun, although it can get by on partial sun. Full sun is six hours of direct sunlight or more. Partial sun is four to six hours of direct sunlight. Observe how sunlight hits your garden, and note how long your herbs are exposed to direct sun. If necessary, cut back nearby shrubs, tree branches and dense foliage that may be casting shade on the cilantro.

The Importance of Moisture

Drought stress causes cilantro leaves to curl inward and, if not fixed quickly, can lead to yellowing, wilting and foliage loss. Cilantro should be kept evenly moist after it first germinates. Once the cilantro is a few inches tall, its root network is established and it needs less water. Water deeply using enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Then, allow the soil to dry out before watering the cilantro again.

Tip

Always water cilantro in the morning, which allows the plant's leaves to dry out completely before nighttime.

The Pros and Cons of Fertilization

Slow growth and yellow or pale leaves can be a symptom of poor soil nutrients. Fertilizer boosts plant growth and enhances the appearance and health of cilantro leaves, but too much fertilizer can actually cause the leaves to lose their characteristic flavor. Fertilize the herbs just once, approximately one or two months after planting the cilantro. When fertilizing, use 1/4 cup of 34-0-0 or 21-0-0 fertilizer for every 25 square foot of gardening space.

Warning

Don't allow the fertilizer to touch the cilantro's stems or leaves. This can cause nitrogen burns, which will make leaf yellowing or wilting worse.

Pest Patrol

The strong-smelling essential oils in cilantro's leaves repel most common garden pests. In rare cases, soft-bodied insects, such as mites and aphids, may occasionally feed on cilantro. This can cause plant stress and symptoms such as leaf loss, leaf yellowing and stunted growth.

Shoot down your cilantro plant with a strong blast of water from a garden hose. This dislodges and kills aphids, whiteflies, mites and many other pests.

If insect problems recur, make a safe, homemade insecticide.

Things You'll Need

Plastic spray bottle

Dish detergent

Measuring spoon and measuring cup

Step 1

Pour a quart of water into a plastic spray bottle.

Step 2

Add 2 tablespoons of liquid dish detergent.

Step 3

Mix thoroughly.

Step 4