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How to kill an herb in less than a week!

By Debbiedoo's Team Published: May 18, 2011

OK, someone please tell me what I have done wrong to the Cilantro?
Too much water?
Too much sun?
Too little water?
Not enough sun?
I really thought I would have some fresh herbs this year on hand when cooking.
One day I decided to chalk board these little terracotta planters.
I thought herbs would be a perfect fill.
So far so good on the Basil, but as you can see..Cilantro, not so good.
 yellow?

Basil is doing OK, except I do see a bit of brown on the leaves, is this normal?

Well if nothing else, I sure made some cute chalk  pots!
Update 101:

 Cilantro is GONE!
What in the world did I do wrong?

NEWBIE party still going on
HERE

Diy, thrifty home decor. Painting furniture, crafts, stenciling, burlap projects.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. La

    May 18, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    My thumbs are pretty brown, but I always thought yellow leaves mean too much water. I'm trying to grow some from seeds and they are pretty enemic looking at this point. I will give them a couple weeks to perk up before I go to the nursery and buy some sturdier plants.

    Those are some fine looking pots though! :o)

    Reply
  2. Erin

    May 18, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    Yep, I am guessing too much water as well. It will be okay, just give it some sunshine and love and it'll green right up:)

    Reply
  3. Grammy Goodwill

    May 18, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    I feel your pain ~ but no advice.

    Reply
  4. Pattie

    May 18, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    Debbie, I would like to think that I have a green thumb, everything grows beautifully outside, But the min. I bring it inside. So don't feel bad. But I do know that Thyme, Sage and Oregano can be planted in the ground and will come back ever year bigger and Bigger……have a good day

    Pattie

    Reply
  5. Amanda

    May 18, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    LOL! I think there's a certain knack to growing herbs, one I don't have! Literately, between removing the herbs from their pots and replanting them, they just gave up, was minutes at the most! The next morning all raggedy looking!

    The basil looks great though, mmmm making me want some pesto!

    Reply
  6. Rosie Goins

    May 18, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    I find that benign neglect works wonders with most plants (ie. don't overwater).

    Reply
  7. ourlifeinaclick.blogspot.com

    May 18, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    I don't know either but those pots are adorable!! I usually plant the herbs outside in pots in the summer.

    Reply
  8. Kim @ Savvy Southern Style

    May 18, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    I don't know because I have never tried to grown herbs. I am sure I would kill them, too. I am good at killing live plants inside.

    Reply
  9. Judy

    May 18, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    If I were in charge of the herbs I would have killed them in hours, much less a week. Inside plants and me don't see eye to eye. I would love to grow herbs. I've tried and failed. Hope someone out there can help you…I can just relate all too well.

    Reply
  10. Penny @ The Comforts of Home/Lavender Hill Studio

    May 18, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    I have tried growing herbs indoors and they die too. I have only be successful with outside herbs. The same thing happens with me with indoor regular plants like ivy and ferns…

    Reply
  11. laurie

    May 18, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    I agree, yellow usually means too much water,, try letting it dry out completely , then water,,love the rooster

    Reply
  12. Pam - diy Design Fanatic

    May 18, 2011 at 1:24 pm

    I've never grown cilantro, only parsley and basil and then it was out on the deck or in the ground.
    Here's a link for growing cilantro, in case you're brave enough to try again… http://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/growing-cilantro.html

    Reply
  13. Ms. Bake-it

    May 18, 2011 at 1:26 pm

    Hi Debbie,

    Judging by appearance, it seems that it was over watered. Then again, it will also turn yellow it it did not get enough water. Cilantro likes shady places or at least where it does not get hit with direct sunlight or heat. I only water mine when the soil is almost dry and even then I only water it enough to dampen the soil, not saturate it. Also, when it buds you need to pinch them off before they open because it if goes to seed, the plant usual dies. When trimming, cut low because it is easier for it to grow back and fill out. Don't be discouraged, get another one and try again!

    ~ Tracy

    Reply
  14. Cherie

    May 18, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    Cilantro really needs full sun – meaning at least 6 hours of full sun. It will survive on less, but won't be as full or vibrant

    Reply
  15. MyBluePeacock

    May 18, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    I plant mine in pots outside on my deck as well, my herbs get morning sunlight a couple hours and seem to do really well…with cilantro, it's very easy to over-water.

    Reply
  16. shannon i olson

    May 18, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    I would say too much water is a possibility, also transplant shock could have happened. If you bought the plant it could have been from the nursery also.
    Basil is tougher than cilantro, it tends to be a little wimpy at first. You sid it was gone? or does it look like the photos still, if so it can be salvaged. Cut off the yellow leaves, let it dry out ( not bone dry) between waterings.
    For the basil, be sure on pinch off the blooms, don't let them appear, and don't be afraid to cut it and use it, it will stimulate the growth!
    I have to say yeah….cuz I hate cilantro! sorry:)

    Reply
  17. At The Picket Fence

    May 18, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    Hi Debbie! Cilantro is one of the hardest herbs to grow, especially outside of it's "element" which is warmer temps lots of sunshine, etc. I grow lots of herbs every summer and never seem to have much luck with cilantro..so don't think it's just you…it's a fickle little herb. 😉

    Heather

    Reply
  18. Glenda/MidSouth

    May 18, 2011 at 2:10 pm

    Sorry I am of no help. I can kill a pot of rosemary in a very short time. 🙁

    Reply
  19. Kris

    May 18, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    Hey Deb. Sorry about your herbs! I have had to deal with the munching bunnies and a voracious racoon!!!

    Reply
  20. Val

    May 18, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    I always find that the more you ignore herbs the better they are…hehe. I love your pots and have a great day sweetie!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  21. Jo

    May 18, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    We are both murderer's,I have tried to grow herbs from seeds,and have succeeded in killing them all,but somehow one very small basil plant is hanging on for dear life…hopefully we can save the basil,I'll let ya know if it too goes to the compost pile.NO MRS GREENGENE'S HERE!I'm really good at spraying "round-up" weed killer.Mr has invented easy way to spray.Come see!

    Lovely pots,good thing it's chalk paint!teehehe
    You know I love ya gurlfriend,but
    "master-gardener's" we ain't!
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

    Reply
  22. linda

    May 18, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    yellow always is to much water it is very hard to grow herbs in the house .Pinch the leaves off i put the ones i pinch of in a plastic bag in the freezer .you could have still used the cilantro if you just sniped it and put in a freezer bag i freeze all my herbs the more you pinch basil the more it will grow.i would get a nice herb pot the clay one with the holes and keep it on your patio by the kitchen door.Like i do i love the smell when walking by and its so much fun just to go out the door to get fresh herbs i love the little chalk board pots by the way

    Reply
  23. Victoria

    May 18, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    Don't faint Debbie but I might actually have some advice for you. When you water them always water them with a spray bottle filled with a little fertilizer and I do believe herbs grow better outside. They don't like to be transplanted either. I spray the soil daily but very lightly and move them to a sunny outdoor spot for a couple of hours. Your little pots are very cute!

    Reply
  24. laxsupermom

    May 18, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    You've gotten some great advice already. I'd try again with less water and more sun. The pots are adorable, even though the cilantro didn't work out for you.

    Reply
  25. Daniella

    May 18, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    When you find out, please promise to let me know!!
    I had 7 herbs last summer. Each in it's own lovely pot. They grew from a seed in under a week!! I figured I was a genius!!! Then, dead by the end of the next week. I bought the pots that you water from the bottom, so as not to over water!!! I am a killer of herbs. ugh.

    Good luck!
    xxDaniella

    Reply
  26. Christie

    May 18, 2011 at 4:13 pm

    Had to laugh here…everything you do turns out just swimmingly…perhaps that's why it's over watered! lol~ Sorry for the pun…My herbs are still sitting in the garage as it's sill too cold here!

    Reply
  27. AshTreeCottage

    May 18, 2011 at 4:22 pm

    Hi Debbie! I wish I could give you some advise ~ but I have never had any luck with cilantro. All of my other herbs just thrive in my garden but I have never been able to grow cilantro. I love to make salsa so it's a big disappointment. If you discover the solution, please let me know! Give Lucy a hug from me.

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

    Reply
  28. Sarah

    May 18, 2011 at 5:12 pm

    Debbie, you might have better luck outside. We grow herbs in a small section of garden with gravel at the base of our bird bath. Things like to flourish there. It gets good drainage and lots of sunshine. ~ Sarah

    Reply
  29. Bonnie@Creative Decorating

    May 18, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    Good luck! I sometimes am very lucky with plants and other times they just die! Not sure why! So I give up and go back to the kind I can't kill! lol

    Reply
  30. Designs on 47th Street

    May 18, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    Hi Debbie, if it makes you feel any better, I think cilantro is one of the harder herbs to grow. I don't have a whole lot of luck with it. Basil, parsley and many of the others grow well for me but not so much on the cilantro!
    Donna

    Reply
  31. lvroftiques

    May 18, 2011 at 6:00 pm

    My thumbs are BLACK! The only things I can't kill are WEEDS!….Oh and I grow some great moss. LOL! Sorry for your loss Debbie. I *sniffle sniffle* for ya….I have fake herbs in pots *winks* Vanna

    Reply
  32. Vicki

    May 18, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    Ok,I grew some last year and loved it. It doesn't like be transplanted, so could have just been that. Also, needs a deeper pot (like 8-12 inches deep) because it has long roots. Needs lots of sun. Wondering if too shady there. Water frequently but not too much (yellow leaves?). I could not find any healthy looking seedlings this year. It is a shame because I love, love, love cilantro! Try again with a deeper pot and some of that new Miracle Grow Potting soil for containers that helps absorb water.

    Reply
  33. Becca

    May 18, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    I wish I could help, but, alas, I have a "silk" thumb. 🙂

    Reply
  34. Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti

    May 18, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    Hi Debbie
    I've never had luck with windowsill herbs. I think they grow a lot of roots and need more soil than a small flower pot can provide. Try putting them in larger post out on your deck or backyard and they should thrive if you water only when they dry out. Keep clipping the top basil leaves so it doesn't bolt and go to seed.

    Buy some African violets and put them in your cute chalkboard pots ..they grow well indoors and look pretty!

    Reply
  35. Gina

    May 18, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    I've grown basil & Italian parsley, but never cilantro. I'm thinking yellow leaves might be too much water.

    Reply
  36. Carolyn@SweetChaos

    May 18, 2011 at 7:26 pm

    Here's my only advice: stick with succulents. They won't taste good in your food, but they're hard to kill 🙂

    Reply
  37. Melissa

    May 18, 2011 at 8:15 pm

    You are too funny – I can't grow herbs indoors but do very well with them outside…

    Reply
  38. ♥ Sonny ♥

    May 18, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    so sorry deb.. all mine are outside on the patio and seem to be doing ok..
    try again- maybe put them on that rack you have out there..
    good luck.

    Reply
  39. ℳartina @ Northern Nesting

    May 18, 2011 at 9:31 pm

    I grow basil every year but it's in large pots outside. Your basil looks good I think the cilantro might be going yellow from to much water. I tell ya one thing Deb it made a real pretty vignette:) Love the pictures!! Martina

    Reply
  40. Vintage Beachgirl

    May 18, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    Herbs in general, cilantro in particular will grow and be healthier out of doors. Try again in a larger pot, maybe a strawberry jar as someone above suggested. (I think that's what she meant by a pot with holes in it by your door?) Anyway, I don't know where you live but here in southeast Alabama it is almost past time to grow cilantro very successfully, it likes cool weather and sunshine. If it's still cool where you live try another one in an unpainted pot outdoors. You will be surprised how well it will do. The paint on the clay pot keeps the soil from getting much oxygen and also keeps the pot from drying out between watering. Cilantro by nature would be hard to grow indoors, try rosemary, thyme, lavender or any woody stemmed herb. Good luck, hope this helps. Take care, VBg

    Reply
  41. xinex

    May 19, 2011 at 12:22 am

    Hmmm, not sure, Debbie. I plant cilantro but not in a pot. They are in the soil in a raised vegetable garden and they do well…Christine

    Reply
  42. The Polka Dot Closet

    May 19, 2011 at 12:36 am

    Cilantro, Go to produce section of nearest grocery store and buy!! That is my extent of a green thumb LOL!

    Carol

    Reply
  43. Jemsmom

    May 19, 2011 at 2:15 am

    I am no help to you because… My name is Kathryn and I am a serial plant killer!

    Reply
  44. NanaDiana

    May 19, 2011 at 2:16 am

    Cilantro likes to be outside and needs lots of sun and water but also likes good drainage…either that or it doesn't like its name chalked on the side of the pot and is going to show YOU who is boss! xxoo Diana

    Reply
  45. Pamela

    May 19, 2011 at 2:22 am

    Herbs have to be outside. I don't like cilantro at all so i have never bought it but i do know basil dies quickly if left inside. The only herb i found that can tolerate being in is rosemary and even she can be fussy!
    Hope that helps Debbie!

    Reply
  46. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal

    May 19, 2011 at 3:54 am

    Cilantro is a fussy herb to grow. It doesn't like the heat. Sun is okay but when it gets hot outside it will go to seed. Meaning it will send up some long shoots. I usually don't have a problem with basil but this year it is not growing well for me. And I killed a lemon thyme plant before I even got it potted up!

    Reply
  47. Farmer's Wyfe

    May 19, 2011 at 4:30 am

    I agree with everybody: I can't grow herbs inside either: great gardener outside, but kill it all inside, except my rabbit paw fern looks GREAT, and they're neat looking. They grow these little furry roots that climb out over the pot. You could try one of them. I even kill African Violets. I can do spider plant also, and aloe. Aloe is ugly though. But I use it because I seem to burn myself cooking every other day. My poor aloe is so picked at!

    Reply
  48. The Decorative Dreamer

    May 19, 2011 at 11:11 am

    Mmmm…I don't know what to say? Temperamental plant maybe? I didn't realize you were growing Herbs too. It is quite different isn't it. Mine are doing well except for the Lavender (not really an Herb is it) that I had to move out in the sun more. My herbs are outside on the porch…fresh air and filtered sunlight. Just try another one or another type, don't give up just yet! I've seen your yard, you do have a green thumb. You can do!

    Reply
  49. Pat

    May 19, 2011 at 8:40 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing these fabulous images. Wonderful inspiration Debbie.

    I don't know what your plant problem is. I've had those brown spots before too. A puzzlement for me.

    Reply
  50. Kathy

    May 20, 2011 at 12:22 am

    Boy you are asking the wrong person here but sure are enjoying reading all the comments!! I can't grow my nails let alone plants!

    Reply
  51. Sue

    May 20, 2011 at 3:02 am

    Herbs are difficult to grow inside. This year my SIL planted three herb plants in a pot for me and we put it outside. They are thriving. And I have the darndest brown thumb in Ohio! Probably even worse than La's. ha ha I have killed every herb I have tried to grow inside for the past three years. I either over water or I forget to water. I'm blaming their demise on their own temperament! 🙂

    Reply
  52. Life in Rehab

    May 24, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    Debbie, those babies need to go outside. I have murdered more cilantro than I care to think about, but this year I put it in a bed, and it's going nuts!

    Reply
  53. candysu

    May 25, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    UGH, Cilantro is the death of me (in terms of growing, not eating. I gobble that herb up!)

    Reply

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