Growing Cilantro from Seed

 

• Ideal Soil pH: 6.5

• Ideal Climate: Sunny and warm during growing season

• Daily sunlight for mature plants: Full sun but keep in cooler location if possible

• Watering mature plants:2 - 3 times per week (let the soil dry out between watering) 

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**Note: ALWAYS start cilantro from seed in the location you plan to keep it in (whether that is containers or in garden) because cilantro plants usually don't do well if transplanted.

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Step 1: Plant Cilantro in Containers or Sow in Garden?

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I recommend growing cilantro in containers because you can start it earlier in the season indoors and then keep it indoors (in your kitchen) if you'd like or move it outside to a back patio. Containers also help keep insects from eating holes in your cilantro leaves! Cilantro plants can be planted in just about anything, from mason jars to small pots to homemade herb boxes. With all this being said, you can always sow cilantro seeds directly in your garden if you are growing larger quantities. If sowing in the garden, plant seeds about 2 weeks before the last  frost date.

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Step 2: Where to get Cilantro Seeds

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Cilantro seeds are also known as coriander, and you can get these seeds just about anywhere including; home improvement stores, grocery stores, nurseries, and of course, online. I personally have always used Burpee Cilantro seeds (Coriandrum sativum) and have always gotten plants with big tasty cilantro leaves that grow very quickly.

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Step 3: Germinating Cilantro seeds

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I recommend starting the germination process indoors around the very beginning of spring. Sow your cilantro seeds in the containers that you plan to keep them in, do not use starter cells. This is because cilantro plants have a taproot that does not like to be transplanted. Fill your containers with potting soil that has a pH around 6.5 and is well-drained. Water the soil until it is moist all the way through (but not soaked), it should be just moist enough to hold its shape if you squeeze some together in your hand. Make holes that are 1/4 inch deep and place 1 seeds in each. Fill in the holes but do not compact soil over the seeds. Add a little more water (preferably with spray bottle) directly over where the seeds were planted and then place the containers in a warm location. If your house is still a little chilly because the the weather isn't playing nice yet, keep your containers next to vents that warm air comes through. I have also used the trick of placing the containers in the bathroom after I shower while it is still warm and moist (don't turn on your bathroom fan when you shower, let it get steamy). Your seeds should take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks to germinate and you will see little sprouts.

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Step 4: Caring for Cilantro Seedlings

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If your containers aren't already in a sunny location then it is time to move it to one after the seeds have sprouted. For young cilantro the more sun the better! This may mean moving it from different windows throughout the day to get it as much sunlight as possible (try to get your plants 10 hours of sunlight in these early stages). You can also move them outside to a location that get sun all day as long as it isn't too hot yet. Cilantro prefers temperatures between 55 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures below freezing. So even if you are still getting cold nights, moving cilantro plants outside should not be a problem. While the plants are young keep the soil fairly moist but be very careful not to over water. Over watering is generally worse than under watering when it comes to cilantro. You'll be surprised how fast you plant grows!

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Step 5: Location for Cilantro Plants

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Cilantro plants are known for bolting (going to seed) if it gets too hot, often above 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. When your plant goes to seed it will stop producing cilantro leaves so we want to avoid that as long as possible (unless of course you are growing for the coriander seeds). If you are in a cooler region then you can place your plants in a location that gets full sun and if you are in a warmer region then find a location that gets sun during the first half of the day but is shaded during the afternoon heat. 

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Step 6: Watering Cilantro Plants

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When it comes to cilantro, under watering is generally better than over watering. Wait until the soil is dried out before watering. This should be 2 to 3 times a week and try to water in the morning so that the any water that gets on the plant/leaves has time to dry off before the evening, this should help prevent diseases. 

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Step 7: Harvesting Cilantro

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You can harvest cilantro leaves at any time and when they are any size. Many people recommend harvesting from the bottom up or taking leaves from areas that are crowded to encourage air circulation which helps prevent diseases. I find that new leaves near the top of the plant tend to have a little more flavor so that may be something to keep in mind.

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Step 8: Continual Sowing and Plucking Flower Buds off of Cilantro Plants

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Cilantro has a relatively short life span and once the plant goes to seed (starts to flower) it is generally done growing, but once you notice flower buds developing you can pinch them off to encourage the plant continue growing. The best thing to do is to plant cilantro seeds every month or so which will give you fresh leaves throughout the entire growing season. Remember that cilantro grows incredibly quick so if you lose a plant to seed then just start another!