Want to learn how to grow cilantro in your own garden? This easy step-by-step guide will show you everything you need, from seed to harvest. Cilantro is a fast-growing herb that can be tricky for some, but with the right know-how, you’ll have a steady supply for all your favorite dishes.
How to Grow Cilantro – Easy Step-by-Step Guide
This guide breaks down the entire process into simple, managable steps. We’ll cover planting, care, and how to keep it growing longer. Whether you have a garden bed or just a pot on a balcony, you can succeed.
Why Grow Your Own Cilantro?
Store-bought cilantro often wilts too quickly. Growing your own means fresh, flavorful leaves whenever you need them. You also get the bonus of coriander seeds if you let some plants flower.
It’s a cost-effective way to always have this popular herb on hand. Plus, the young seedlings are tender and full of flavor.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Gathering your supplies first makes the process smooth. You don’t need anything fancy.
- Cilantro Seeds: Also sold as coriander seed. Use fresh seeds for the best germination rate.
- Containers or Garden Space: A pot at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes, or a sunny spot in your garden.
- Potting Mix: Well-draining soil is crucial. Use a quality potting mix for containers.
- Watering Can: With a gentle rose attachment to avoid disturbing seeds.
- Fertilizer: A balanced, organic liquid fertilizer works well.
Choosing the Right Time and Place
Cilantro prefers cooler weather. It bolts quickly—meaning it goes to flower and seed—in hot summer heat.
Best Planting Times
- Spring: Plant 2-3 weeks after the last frost date.
- Fall: Plant 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost for a fall harvest.
- In mild climates: You can grow cilantro through the winter.
Sunlight Requirements
Plant in a location that gets full sun to light afternoon shade. In hotter regions, afternoon shade helps prevent early bolting. Too much shade will result in leggy, weak plants.
Planting Your Cilantro Seeds
Follow these numbered steps for planting success. Cilantro does not like to be transplanted, so it’s best to sow seeds directly where they will grow.
- Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil in your garden bed or fill your container with moist potting mix. Rake it smooth.
- Sow the Seeds: Plant seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Space them 1-2 inches apart in rows, or scatter them in a container.
- Cover and Water: Gently cover the seeds with soil. Water thoroughly but softly to avoid washing them away. Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Wait for Germination: Seeds typically sprout in 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart when they are a few inches tall so they have room to grow bushy.
Caring for Your Growing Cilantro
Consistent care is simple but key to a healthy, productive plant. The main goals are to keep it cool and moist.
Watering Correctly
Cilantro likes soil that is evenly moist, but not soggy. Check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. In pots, you may need to water every day during hot weather. Uneven watering can stress the plant.
Feeding for Growth
If your garden soil is good, you may not need extra fertilizer. For containers, feed with a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can reduce flavor.
Managing Weeds and Bolting
Keep the area around your cilantro free of weeds, which compete for nutrients. To delay bolting, keep plants well-watered and harvest frequently. Once a central stalk shoots up, leaf production slows—this is the plants natural cycle.
Harvesting Your Cilantro
You can start harvesting quite early. This encourages the plant to become bushier.
- Leaf Harvest: Once stems are 6-8 inches long, you can start cutting. Use clean scissors to cut outer leaves near the base of the plant, leaving the inner core to continue growing.
- Continuous Harvest: Never cut more than one-third of the plant at once. Regular harvesting is the secret to a longer harvest period.
- Seed Harvest (Coriander): If you let plants flower, they will produce green seeds that turn brown when ripe. Cut the seed heads, place them in a paper bag, and hang them upside down in a dry place. The dried seeds will fall into the bag.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Even with good care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to handle them.
Yellowing Leaves
This is often a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure your pot has holes and let the soil dry slightly between waterings. It can also indicate a need for fertilizer.
Leggy, Weak Plants
This usually means not enough sunlight. Move your plant to a sunnier location. Also, ensure they are not overcrowded; thin them out if necessary.
Pests: Aphids and Leafhoppers
A strong spray of water from the hose can dislodge aphids. For persistent problems, use a mild insecticidal soap. Leafhoppers can spread disease, so remove affected leaves promptly.
Tips for a Non-Stop Cilantro Supply
The trick to always having cilantro is succession planting. Since each plant has a relatively short life before bolting, plant new seeds every 2-4 weeks. This way, as one planting finishes, another is ready to harvest.
You can also grow cilantro indoors on a sunny windowsill during winter. Just ensure it gets at least 5-6 hours of direct light.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about growing cilantro.
Why does my cilantro always bolt so fast?
Cilantro is genetically programmed to bolt in response to heat and longer daylight hours. Choose slow-bolt varieties, plant in partial afternoon shade, and keep the soil moist to slow the process down.
Can I grow cilantro from cuttings?
Unlike some herbs, cilantro does not root reliably from stem cuttings. It is much faster and easier to grow it from seed. The seeds germinate quickly, so starting from scratch is best.
What’s the difference between cilantro and coriander?
In many places, “cilantro” refers to the fresh leaves and stems of the plant. “Coriander” refers to the dried seeds. They are different parts of the same plant, Coriandrum sativum.
How do I store fresh harvested cilantro?
Trim the ends, place the stems in a jar of water (like a bouquet), loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag, and refrigerate. Change the water every couple days. You can also freeze chopped cilantro in ice cube trays with water or oil.
Growing cilantro is a rewarding project that pays off quickly. With this easy step-by-step guide, you have all the information to plant, nurture, and harvest this versatile herb. Remember the key points: direct sowing, consistent moisture, frequent harvesting, and succession planting. Before you know it, you’ll have more fresh cilantro than you know what to do with, and you’ll never have to buy a limp bunch from the store again. Give it a try this season!