Whether you’re growing these plants for the cilantro leaves or coriander seeds, you need consistent care and proper growing conditions. About six hours of sunlight is good, but too much sun or hot temperatures will make plants go to seed early. This is great for coriander, but not for cilantro. It does best in temperatures of 60-70 degrees. Use fast-draining, slightly acidic soil, and water the plants lightly whenever the top layer feels dry.

Cilantro is a common companion plant because its fragrance naturally repels many pests. Still, aphids, cutworms and herbivores are known to devour it, so use appropriate repelling methods. Also be aware of diseases such as fusarium wilt, septoria leaf spot and root-knot.

Once you have planted cilantro in-ground, it will often self-seed for the following season. For first-time growing, or if you want to rotate crops, you can start cilantro inside by seeding in trays of moist seed-starting or potting mix. Sow the seeds a half-inch deep, place the trays next to a sunny window, and mist or lightly water the seeds with about one inch of water per week. Transplant the seedlings as soon as they develop true leaves; any later will over-stress the plants.

There are two good times to plant cilantro. One is in the spring once the final frost threat has passed. The other is in the early fall for a second harvest. In southern climates, choose a spot that will have indirect sun or partial shade during the hottest parts of the day. Unlike some plants, cilantro likes crowded conditions, so you don’t have to worry as much about spacing.

Containers can be used outdoors or indoors to grow cilantro, and the plant’s small size is ideal for apartments and patios. You’ll need a pot that is at least 8x8 inches and has drainage holes.

Fertilizing cilantro is only needed if you have poor soil quality or are growing indoors. This can be determined with soil testing. You can use organic matter like compost, rotted manure and blood meal, or choose a synthetic blend. Lean toward balanced fertilizers for container plants and high-nitrogen fertilizers for in-ground plants. One or two feedings during the growing season should be sufficient.

Cilantro is an annual plant, and most varieties have a life cycle of 50-60 days. However, some cultivars (like calypso) can go up to 150 days before bolting if conditions are right. Add row covers, cold frames or other warming methods to continue growing these varieties into the late fall (or early winter in higher grow zones).

With cilantro, harvesting and pruning are essentially the same thing. The one additional step you can take is trimming flower buds to help the leaves grow long. Do not do this, though, if you want to collect coriander seeds (for planting or as a spice) at the end of the life cycle.

Leaves can be harvested once the plant reaches six inches tall, which is as little as four weeks. Pinch leaves off the upper stems and don’t harvest more than one-third of the plant at once. Cilantro grows back for as long as its life cycle lasts, so harvest away and store any extra leaves by drying or freezing.