To prune cilantro, the general guidance is to regularly trim or pinch the plant, focusing on removing damaged or yellowing leaves and cutting back the tops just above a leaf node or growth point. This encourages the plant to bush out and produce more leaves instead of flowering and going to seed (bolting). It is recommended to prune about once a week, cutting no more than one-third of the plant at a time to keep it growing well. When flowers start appearing, pinch them off to prevent the plant from going to seed too early. Also, trimming back taller stems near leaf buds encourages new stem and leaf growth. Proper pruning helps prolong the life of the cilantro and provides continuous fresh harvests. Using scissors or pinching with fingers are common pruning methods. Avoid cutting everything down to the ground; leave about 1-3 inches so the plant can regrow. In summary:
- Prune damaged leaves and yellowing growth regularly.
- Cut back stems about 1/3 at a time.
- Pinch off flower buds to prevent bolting.
- Cut just above leaf nodes or growth points.
- Leave some stem base to allow regrowth.
- Prune weekly for best continuous growth.
These practices help maintain a healthy, lush cilantro plant for weeks.
