Cilantro, also known as coriander in many parts of the world, is a versatile and fragrant herb that brings a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor to countless dishes, from Mexican salsa to Indian curries. It’s also a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, and beneficial compounds that support digestion and immune health.
Many gardening enthusiasts and culinary lovers dream of growing their own cilantro, but traditional soil gardening isn’t always practical—especially for those living in urban apartments, small spaces, or areas with poor soil conditions. The good news is that cilantro is surprisingly easy to grow hydroponically, or without soil, using just water and a few simple materials.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about growing cilantro without soil using a method that’s beginner-friendly, low-maintenance, and remarkably productive.
Why Grow Cilantro Without Soil?
Before diving into the method, let’s explore the benefits of soil-free gardening, also known as hydroponics or water-based cultivation:
1. Space Efficiency
Hydroponic systems require very little space, making them ideal for balconies, windowsills, and indoor gardening.
2. No Mess or Dirt
No soil means no mud, no weeding, and no pests commonly associated with traditional gardening.
3. Water Conservation
Hydroponic systems use significantly less water than traditional soil gardening because the water is recycled and reused.
4. Year-Round Harvest
Indoor water gardening allows you to grow cilantro any time of the year, regardless of the season or weather.
5. Faster Growth
Plants grown in water often grow faster due to direct nutrient access and optimized growing conditions.
The Easiest Method: Growing Cilantro in Water Using Cuttings
There are several hydroponic approaches to growing herbs like cilantro, including full-fledged systems using nutrient-rich solutions, but in this guide, we focus on a simple, low-tech approach—growing cilantro from cuttings in water.
This method is especially useful for those who want to start small, with minimal investment and maximum convenience.
Materials Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A bunch of fresh cilantro stems (store-bought or garden-harvested)
- Clean glass jars or containers
- Filtered or tap water (left to sit overnight to remove chlorine)
- Sunlight or grow light
- Optional: Liquid plant food or hydroponic nutrients
- Sharp scissors or pruning shears
Step-by-Step Guide: Growing Cilantro from Cuttings in Water
Step 1: Select the Right Cilantro Stems
Start with a fresh, healthy bunch of cilantro. If buying from the store, look for vibrant green leaves and sturdy stems. Ideally, the stems should be 4 to 6 inches long and free of rot, wilting, or yellowing.
Step 2: Cut Below the Nodes
With clean scissors, snip off the bottom of the stems just below a leaf node (the small bump where leaves grow out of the stem). This node is critical because it’s where roots will emerge when placed in water.
Trim off any lower leaves that might sit in the water, as submerged leaves can rot and encourage bacterial growth.
Step 3: Place in Water
Fill a glass jar or container with filtered or dechlorinated water. Insert the cilantro cuttings so that only the bottom inch of the stem is submerged, with the leaf node underwater. Make sure the leaves stay above the water line to prevent rotting.
Use a narrow jar if possible to help keep the stems upright, or use a piece of plastic wrap with holes poked through to support them.
Step 4: Provide Sunlight
Place the container in a well-lit area, such as a sunny windowsill that receives 4–6 hours of indirect sunlight daily. If natural sunlight is limited, you can use a grow light positioned about 6–12 inches above the plants for 12–14 hours a day.
Light is crucial for photosynthesis and healthy leaf development.
Step 5: Change the Water Regularly
To prevent algae buildup and bacterial growth, change the water every 2–3 days. Rinse the jar and refill it with clean water. Be gentle with the cuttings, especially once roots begin to form.
After about 7–10 days, you’ll start to see small roots developing at the leaf nodes.
Step 6: Feed Your Plants (Optional)
Once the roots are around 1–2 inches long (usually after 10–14 days), you can begin adding a diluted hydroponic nutrient solution or a few drops of liquid organic fertilizer to the water to boost growth. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it can lead to fuller, lusher plants.
Use fertilizer sparingly—over-fertilizing can cause leaf burn or water contamination.
How to Harvest Your Cilantro
When the plants have grown to about 6–8 inches tall and developed several sets of leaves, they are ready to be harvested.
Use scissors to snip off the outer leaves first, leaving the inner growth intact so the plant can continue to produce new shoots. Harvesting regularly encourages bushier growth and delays bolting (when the plant produces flowers and seeds).
For ongoing harvests, avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Tips for Success
Growing cilantro in water is easy, but here are some additional tips to optimize your results:
1. Keep the Temperature Right
Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures between 15–22°C (59–72°F). Avoid placing it near heaters, vents, or in hot afternoon sun.
2. Watch for Bolting
Cilantro naturally bolts (goes to seed) in warm temperatures. Once it bolts, the leaves become sparse and bitter. You can delay bolting by keeping it in cooler conditions and harvesting regularly.
3. Rotate or Turn the Jar
If you’re using sunlight from a window, rotate the jar every day or two to ensure even light exposure and prevent the plants from leaning.
4. Prevent Algae
To discourage algae growth in your jars, use a dark-colored or opaque container, or wrap the jar with paper or cloth. Algae compete with your plant for nutrients and oxygen.
5. Don’t Overcrowd
Avoid putting too many cuttings in a single jar. Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation and a greater risk of rot.
Advantages of Growing Cilantro in Water
Now that you know how to do it, let’s highlight why this method is so ideal, especially for beginners and busy individuals:
- Low Maintenance: No soil to deal with, and minimal pest problems.
- No Weeds or Mess: Your kitchen stays clean while still producing fresh herbs.
- Fresh Cilantro Anytime: Always have a fresh supply of cilantro at your fingertips.
- Educational and Fun: It’s a great way to learn about plant growth and propagation.
Can Cilantro Live in Water Forever?
Technically, yes and no. Cilantro can live and grow in water for several weeks to months if properly maintained. However, since cilantro is an annual plant, it will eventually bolt and complete its life cycle, even in water.
To ensure a continuous supply, you can stagger your planting by starting new cuttings every few weeks. This way, as one plant reaches the end of its productive life, a new one is ready to take its place.
Alternatively, rooted cuttings can also be transferred to a pot of soil or a hydroponic setup for longer-term growth.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even though this method is simple, you might encounter a few hiccups along the way. Here’s how to deal with them:
1. Yellowing Leaves
Caused by poor light, old water, or lack of nutrients. Ensure your cilantro is getting enough sunlight or artificial light, change the water regularly, and consider adding a mild fertilizer.
2. Root Rot
Usually a result of stagnant or dirty water. Always trim away rotting parts and keep your jars clean.
3. No Root Growth
This may happen if the water is too cold, the stems are too old or damaged, or the nodes are not submerged. Try fresh cuttings and warmer room conditions.
Conclusion: Fresh Cilantro Without Soil – It’s That Easy
Growing cilantro at home without soil isn’t just possible—it’s incredibly easy and satisfying. With just a few cuttings, a glass of water, and a sunny windowsill, you can cultivate a continuous, soil-free source of this flavorful herb.
Whether you’re an experienced gardener looking to expand your indoor garden or a beginner trying to green up your space, this method offers a perfect blend of simplicity and reward. And let’s not forget the culinary advantage—there’s nothing like the aroma and taste of freshly snipped cilantro in your favorite dishes.
So go ahead, grab that bunch of cilantro from your kitchen counter, snip a few stems, and let nature take its course. Your indoor herb garden is just a glass of water away!
