How to Grow Cilantro

C(caps)ilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is an aromatic herb with savory, deep green leaves that are harvested fresh and used to flavor a variety of dishes. Cilantro is similar to parsley and hailing from the same family "Umbelliferae", the entire plant is edible. The stems, leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots. Cilantro is a cool-season aromatic plant that does best at temperatures between "50 and 85 degrees F". It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees F, but if temperatures exceed "85 degrees F" the plant will start to bolt. Cilantro won't survive in frosty conditions, and doesn't like extreme heat either.

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Cilantro Plant Description

Cilantro is a pretty annual, aromatic herb with feathery leaves and large white umbrella flower heads.

Cilantro and coriander are in fact different parts of the same plant. Cilantro refers to the leaves of the plant, which are used as a herb, while coriander refers to the seeds, which are typically used as a spice.

Always buy good seeds from sources that are trustworthy when growing coriander!

 🛒 Coriander seeds that are meant for sowing purposes from ➡️  Here! 🛒

The best time to start planting cilantro is in early spring, between the months of March and May. You can also plant cilantro late in the summer and allowing it to grow into the fall. Remember that if the weather becomes too hot, the plants will start to bolt, they will flower and go to seed, so choose your best time of year wisely!

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The biggest problem when growing cilantro is that the plants are so sensitive to heat, and also to stresses. Anything that stresses the plants will cause them to bolt, and they will grow a flower prematurely and set seeds.

By following these tips, you will succeed in growing this aromatic herb.

How to Plant Coriander Seeds 

• Plant cilantro in well-drained, loamy soil that has a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Work a good organic compost into the soil before sowing the seeds.

• Plant the seeds in succession, sowing 1 to 2 inches apart in two-week intervals. This ensures a longer, continual harvest. When a plant bolts, there will be a newer plant to harvest.

• Water regularly to keep the soil moist.

• The seeds take about two to three weeks to germinate.

• Cilantro will start growing vigorously. After around 4 weeks from the date of planting, they will have lots of leaves and can be harvested.  You need to water them thoroughly.

Watch How to Plant Coriander Seeds Video

Harvesting Cilantro Leaves 

When you harvest the cilantro leaves, make sure that you are using sharp, clean scissors. It’s best to harvest a few larger leaves from several plants, so they all keep producing.

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Always leave a few leaves on the intact stem so that the plant will still be able to grow. You should be harvesting cilantro about once a week. If the plant is growing well, you can harvest more often. 

Watch How to Harvest Cilantro Leaves Video

 Harvesting Cilantro Seeds 

Cilantro seeds can be harvested green, or you can wait until they have dried. The taste is a bit fresher in the green stage. Coriander seeds are harvested at the end of the plant's life cycle. The idea is to harvest the seed pods before they are dropped from the plant. Cut the seed clusters off the plant when the seeds are turning brown, and drop them into a paper bag. Some of the seed pods will release their seeds into the bottom of the bag within a couple of a day. The remaining pods can be rolled around in the palm of your hand. They will break open, releasing the seeds. Coriander seeds should be stored whole in a container in a cool, dark area of the kitchen. 

Cilantro Plant Care 

• Pay attention to the plants and look for pests, diseases and deficiencies. Never let coriander plants dry out, as they are very sensitive and any stress during the growing period will cause them to bolt.

• Always make sure your cilantro plants never dry out.

• Always grow cilantro where the air can circulate freely. As cilantro plants do not like humidity.

• Snip off the top part of the main stem as soon as it appears to be developing flower buds. By cutting off the flower heads, it redirects the cilantro plant's energy back into leaf, not flowering and seed production.

Cilantro Companion Planting 

Cilantro can be planted nearby spinach, beans and peas.

Now that you know how to grow cilantro, Just give it a try and grow it yourself and enjoy harvesting fresh cilantro leaves as they are so easy to grow! 

Please let us know your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below. If you like this, you can share with your friends! 

🛒 Quality Cilantro Seeds or Planting 🛒

Happy Organic Gardening

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