History
Slow Bolt Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is the culinary world's most polarizing herb — you either love its bright, citrusy, herbaceous punch or you don't, but for those who do, there is no substitute. Cilantro has been cultivated for over 3,000 years, with origins tracing back to the Mediterranean, Middle East, and South Asia, where it has been a kitchen staple in cuisines from Mexican and Indian to Thai, Vietnamese, and North African. The Slow Bolt variety was selected specifically for gardeners — bred to delay the flowering (bolting) process that causes cilantro to lose its leaf flavor and go to seed. More leaves, longer harvest, better flavor in the garden. Open-pollinated and non-GMO, Slow Bolt Cilantro is the smart grower's choice for a reliable, long-lasting herb harvest.
Plant Profile
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Days to Maturity: 50–55 days (from seed to first harvest)
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Plant Size: Upright, 18–24 inches tall
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Leaf Color: Bright green, deeply lobed lower leaves; feathery upper leaves
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Plant Type: Open-pollinated, non-GMO heirloom; annual
Flavor Profile
Slow Bolt Cilantro delivers the bold, bright, citrusy flavor that defines fresh cilantro — herbaceous and lively with a clean, slightly peppery finish. The flavor is at its peak before flowering; Slow Bolt's extended leaf production window means you get more of that peak flavor before the plant transitions to seed production. The seeds (coriander) have an entirely different flavor profile — warm, nutty, and spiced — making this one plant that gives you two distinct culinary ingredients.
Growth Type & Harvest Yields
Slow Bolt Cilantro grows quickly as an upright annual, producing abundant foliage before eventually flowering and setting seed. Its key advantage over standard cilantro varieties is a significantly extended leaf harvest window — it holds its leaf production longer under warm conditions that would cause standard varieties to bolt immediately. Successive sowings every 2–3 weeks extend your fresh cilantro supply throughout the season.
Disease Resistance
- Good tolerance to moderate heat compared to standard cilantro varieties
- Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid, crowded conditions — ensure good air circulation
- Bolt-resistant but not bolt-proof — will eventually flower in sustained heat; succession sow for continuous harvest
- Tip: Grow in partial shade during summer to further extend the leaf harvest window
Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions
- Spacing: 6–8 inches between plants; thin to allow good air circulation
- Sow depth: ¼ inch — gently press seeds into moist soil and cover lightly
- Germination: 7–10 days at soil temps of 55–68°F; cooler soil = better germination
- Best in full sun to partial shade — partial shade helps slow bolting in summer
- Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil — avoid overly rich soil which promotes bolting
- Direct sow is preferred — cilantro dislikes transplanting due to its taproot
- Succession sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest from spring through fall
- Allow some plants to go to seed for a self-sowing crop the following season
When to Plant
Direct sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked — cilantro prefers cool weather and germinates best in cool soil. Sow again in late summer/early fall for a second harvest before frost. Avoid planting in the heat of midsummer unless you have a shaded spot. Find your frost dates and hardiness zone at the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits
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Tomatoes — cilantro attracts beneficial insects that prey on tomato hornworms and aphids
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Peppers — cilantro deters aphids and spider mites from pepper plants
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Spinach & Lettuce — cilantro provides light shade and shares the cool-season growing window
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Anise — mutually beneficial; both attract the same beneficial pollinators
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Avoid planting near: fennel — cilantro and fennel inhibit each other's growth
How to Enjoy
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Fresh Salsa & Guacamole: The essential fresh herb — chop and stir in generously right before serving
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Curries & Stews: Add fresh cilantro as a finishing herb over Indian, Thai, and Southeast Asian dishes
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Herb Rice: Blend fresh cilantro into rice for a bright, aromatic side dish
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Coriander Spice: Allow plants to bolt and collect the dried seeds for homegrown coriander spice
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Chimichurri & Herb Sauces: Blend with garlic, lime, and oil for a vibrant finishing sauce
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Fresh Garnish: Scatter whole leaves over tacos, soups, noodles, and grilled fish just before serving
Why Gardeners Love Slow Bolt Cilantro
- Extended leaf harvest window — the smart choice for gardeners who want more cilantro, longer
- One plant, two ingredients — fresh cilantro leaves AND homegrown coriander seed
- Fast growing — first harvest in just 50–55 days from seed
- Open-pollinated and non-GMO — save your own seeds year after year
- Self-sowing — let a few plants go to seed and enjoy a volunteer crop the following season
- A beneficial companion plant — attracts pollinators and deters common garden pests
Harvest Tips
- Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants reach 6 inches tall — snip stems at the base
- Harvest in the morning for peak flavor and freshness
- Never harvest more than one-third of the plant at once — keep roots in the ground for continued production
- Once flowering begins, harvest seed heads when they turn tan and dry — store in an airtight jar for coriander spice
- Use fresh cilantro immediately — it wilts quickly; store stems in a glass of water in the refrigerator for up to a week
Order Today
Add Slow Bolt Cilantro Heirloom Herb Seeds to your herb garden this season and grow the bold, bright herb that belongs in every kitchen. Choose your pack size and begin to grow.
