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Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb grown for its citrusy foliage.
The herb is commonly called coriander in many parts of the world.
Cilantro grows rapidly during the cool season and bolts quickly once temperatures start to rise.
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Plant once and you’ll also be able to grow a new crop from saved seed every year.
Here’s how to grow cilantro from seeds.
Each dried husk contains two seeds.
Removing and soaking them can improve germination.
Crush the thin husks between your thumb and forefinger to release seeds.
In southern gardens, it’s most successfully planted in autumn for a winter crop.
Northern gardeners grow cilantro in early spring to early summer depending on climate.
Succession sowing a second crop in a partially shaded location can extend the growing season.
A second crop can also be planted in autumn once temperatures drop.
Slow bolt varieties are available and hold up better in warmer climates.
Direct sowing is the preferred method for growing this herb as it does not transplant well.
Germination is most successful in fertile soil between 55 to 68F.
Amend clay and poor soils with sand and aged compost to improve drainage.
Thin to 8 inches apart once seedlings emerge and allow 18 to 24 inches between rows.
Transplanting is risky due to a long tap root and a tendency toward transplant shock.
But, seeds can be started in containers for growing indoors and outdoors.
Choose a wide (18-inch), deep pot with plenty of drainage holes.
Terracotta and plastic are two good choices.
Fill the pot with moistened premium potting mix.
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and about 1/2 inch apart and cover lightly.
A plastic dome or covering increases humidity to aid germination.
Place the pot in a location that receives 4 to 5 hours of bright sunlight daily.
Germination occurs in 7 to 10 days.
Once seedlings emerge remove plastic and thin plants to 3- to 4-inches apart.
You need a sunny window or grow lights toharvest cilantro indoorsyear-round.
Setting plants on apebble trayor adding a humidifier may become necessary during winter months.
From the time seed is sown this takes an average of four weeks.
Starting at the bottom of the stem, look for larger, outside leaves that resemble parsley.
you’re able to pinch off a few leaves or take as much as one-third of the foliage.
New leaves regrow for continued harvest.
The entire plant is harvested or can be cut down to almost ground level with the potential to regrow.
Once a plant starts to bolt and flowers appear, the process is all but impossible to stop.
Cilantro seeds won’t germinate in cold soil.
The seeds of a cilantro plant are often called coriander which gets confusing.
Just remember it’s all the same plant.
Seeds from a cilantro plant grow cilantro.
Cilantro, a Unique Culinary Herb.PennState Extension.
Cilantro/Coriander Coriandrum Sativum.Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension.
Coriandrum Sativum.NC State Extension.
Cilantro/Coriander in the Garden.Utah State University Extension.
