Parsley
Petroselinum crispum
Cilantro/Coriander
Coriandrum sativum
Parsley vs Cilantro: Which Herb Grows Faster in Containers
Comparing parsley and cilantro growth speed for container gardens. Learn which is faster to harvest, easier to grow, and more productive for beginners.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | 🌿Parsley | 🌱Cilantro/Coriander | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy | moderate | Parsley |
| Days to Harvest | 70 days | 45 days | Cilantro/Coriander |
| Container Size | 6 inch pot | 6 inch pot | Tie |
| Sunlight | partial sun | partial sun | - |
| Water Needs | moderate | moderate | - |
| Yield | Higher | Lower | Parsley |
| Beginner-Friendly | Moderate | ⭐ Yes | Cilantro/Coriander |
Key Differences
Speed to Harvest
70-90 days to full size. Slow germination (2-3 weeks). Baby leaves at 6 weeks.
3-4 weeks from seed to harvest. Fast germination (7-10 days). Fastest herb.
Germination Difficulty
Slow, challenging germination. Requires patience. Soak seeds overnight for better results.
Easy, reliable germination. Seeds sprout readily without special treatment.
Harvest Duration
Long harvest period. Cut-and-come-again for 6-12 months. Slow to bolt.
Short harvest window (4-6 weeks). Bolts quickly. Must succession plant every 2-3 weeks.
Temperature Preference
Tolerates wide range. 50-80°F. Grows year-round in mild climates. Cold hardy to 20°F.
Cool weather only. 50-70°F ideal. Bolts immediately in heat (75°F+). Very temperature-sensitive.
Maintenance Level
Low maintenance once established. Slow but steady. Occasional harvesting promotes growth.
Moderate maintenance. Requires succession planting every 2-3 weeks for continuous supply. Constant replanting.
Culinary Versatility
Universal garnish. Dries well. French, Middle Eastern, Italian. Works in most cuisines.
Best fresh. Mexican, Asian, Indian. Loses flavor when dried. Specific cuisines only.
Best for Parsley
Choose Parsley if:
- You want long-term harvests (6+ months)
- You prefer reliable, steady production
- You use herbs for garnish consistently
- You want cold-hardy herbs
- You prefer slow-bolting plants
Best for Cilantro/Coriander
Choose Cilantro/Coriander if:
- You want ultra-fast harvests (3-4 weeks)
- You love Mexican and Asian cuisine
- You can succession plant every 2-3 weeks
- You prefer fresh, not dried herbs
- You want quick wins for motivation
Can They Grow Together?
Yes, they can grow together!
Parsley and cilantro can grow together in large containers (10+ inches wide) but have opposite seasonal preferences. Plant cilantro in early spring or fall when it's cool; plant parsley for year-round production. Cilantro will bolt and finish while parsley continues producing.
The Bottom Line
Parsley
Choose parsley for reliable long-term harvests, slow bolting, cold hardiness, and if you want one planting to last months with minimal maintenance.
Cilantro/Coriander
Choose cilantro for ultra-fast results (3-4 weeks), fresh vibrant flavor, and if you can commit to succession planting every 2-3 weeks for continuous supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to grow: Parsley or Cilantro/Coriander?
Parsley is generally easier to grow in containers. It requires less maintenance and is more forgiving of mistakes.
Which grows faster: Parsley or Cilantro/Coriander?
Cilantro/Coriander reaches harvest maturity faster, typically in 45 days compared to 70 days for Parsley.
Can I grow Parsley and Cilantro/Coriander together?
Yes! Parsley and cilantro can grow together in large containers (10+ inches wide) but have opposite seasonal preferences. Plant cilantro in early spring or fall when it's cool; plant parsley for year-round production. Cilantro will bolt and finish while parsley continues producing.
Which needs less space: Parsley or Cilantro/Coriander?
Both Parsley and Cilantro/Coriander have similar space requirements and work well in small containers.
Which produces more: Parsley or Cilantro/Coriander?
Parsley typically produces more harvest per plant over the growing season, making it better for maximum yield in limited space.
Which is better for beginners: Parsley or Cilantro/Coriander?
Cilantro/Coriander is more beginner-friendly due to its forgiving nature and easier care requirements. It's a great first plant for new container gardeners.
What are the main differences between Parsley and Cilantro/Coriander?
The key differences include: speed to harvest, germination difficulty, harvest duration. See the detailed comparison above for complete differences.
Should I choose Parsley or Cilantro/Coriander for my balcony?
Choose parsley for reliable long-term harvests, slow bolting, cold hardiness, and if you want one planting to last months with minimal maintenance. Choose cilantro for ultra-fast results (3-4 weeks), fresh vibrant flavor, and if you can commit to succession planting every 2-3 weeks for continuous supply. Consider your space, sunlight, and what you want to grow when making your decision.
Related Plant Guides
Complete Parsley Growing Guide
Learn everything about growing Parsley in containers.
Complete Cilantro/Coriander Growing Guide
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