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Pruning Tips That'll Help Your Cilantro Plant Thrive
By RIA BHAGWAT
Pruning cilantro properly is crucial for enhancing its growth and extending the harvesting period, making it an essential practice for gardeners who cultivate this culinary herb.
It's best to plant cilantro during the cooler seasons of fall or early spring to prevent the herb from bolting prematurely due to high temperatures, which can make it taste bitter.
Once the cilantro reaches about 6 inches tall, it's ready to be pruned. Start by sterilizing your gardening shears with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of diseases.
Then, starting from the base, carefully remove any damaged, yellowed, or dead stems. If the plant has started to flower, these should be gently snipped off at the base as well.
For the best results, make it a routine to prune the cilantro about once a week, taking care not to remove more than ⅓ of the plant in a single session to avoid stress.
Additionally, regularly harvesting the leaves as the plant grows helps maintain healthy cilantro and ensures a steady supply of this fresh herb throughout the growing season.