Growing cilantro from seeds is an easy and rewarding experience.
With the right preparation, you can have your own home-grown supply of fresh cilantro for salads, sauces, and other dishes.
From choosing the best type of seed to planting outdoors or indoors in pots or containers—we’ll show you how to grow cilantro from seeds so that you can enjoy its unique flavor all year round!
Learn tips on preparing soil and harvesting this aromatic herb with our comprehensive guide on growing cilantro (also known as coriander) at home.
How to Grow Cilantro Cheat Sheet
| Attribute | Cilantro |
|---|---|
| Planting Months | March to April (spring), August to September (fall) |
| Harvest Months | May to June (spring), October to November (fall) |
| Temperature | 50 – 75 F |
| Planting Depth | 1/4 – 1/2 inch |
| Spacing | 6-8 inches apart, rows 12-15 inches apart |
| Sunlight | 4-6 hours per day (partial shade) |
| Direction | South or Southeast |
| Drainage | Good Drainage |
| pH Level | Slightly acidic to neutral (6.2 to 6.8) |
| Companion Plants | Spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, and peas |
| Health Benefits | Antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and iron. Supports digestion and immune system, has anti-inflammatory properties |
Note: Cilantro and coriander are the same plant, and their names are often used interchangeably. The leaves and stems are commonly referred to as cilantro, while the seeds are called coriander. The table above applies to both cilantro and coriander.
Choosing the Right Seeds
When growing cilantro from seeds, it is important to select quality seeds that are suitable for your climate and buy enough to ensure a successful harvest.
Selecting Quality Seeds
The first step in choosing the right seed is selecting quality ones.
Look for organic or non-GMO labeled seeds, as these have been grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
Check the expiration date on the package and make sure you purchase them from a reputable source.
If possible, try to find locally sourced seeds that have adapted well to your region’s climate conditions.
Determining the Best Variety for Your Climate
Different varieties of cilantro may perform better in certain climates than others due to their ability to tolerate cold temperatures or heat waves better than other types of plants.
Consider what type of weather patterns occur in your area before deciding which variety would work best in your garden space.
We’re partial to these slow bolt cilantro seeds at SeedsNow. They’re 100% heirloom, non-hybrid, and non-GMO.
When purchasing cilantro seeds, keep in mind how much space you have available for planting as well as how many plants you plan on harvesting at once.
Generally speaking, one packet should contain more than enough seeds if planted correctly with proper spacing between rows.
However, if you want multiple harvests throughout the season then buying additional packets might be necessary depending on the size of the area that needs coverage.
Key Takeaway: When growing cilantro from seeds, it is important to select quality organic or non-GMO labeled seeds and research different varieties that will best suit your climate. Consider the size of the area you have available for planting and buy enough packets to ensure a successful harvest.
Preparing the Soil
Preparing the soil is an essential step for growing cilantro from home.
Before planting, it is important to test the soil pH level and add any necessary nutrients to ensure optimal growth.
Testing the Soil pH Level
The first step in preparing your soil for cilantro seeds is testing its pH level.
A slightly acidic or neutral environment (pH 6-7) is best for cilantro plants, so if your soil’s pH falls outside of this range you may need to adjust it with lime or sulfur before planting.
Testing kits are available at most garden centers and will help you determine what adjustments need to be made.
Adding Nutrients to the Soil
Once you have tested and adjusted your soil’s pH as needed, adding organic matter such as compost or manure can help provide additional nutrients that will benefit your cilantro plants during their growth cycle.
This should be done prior to sowing seeds, as these materials take time to break down into usable forms of nutrition for plants.
When selecting a location in which to plant your cilantro seeds outdoors, make sure it has good drainage and access to sunlight throughout the day – preferably six hours or more per day – but also protection from strong winds that could damage delicate seedlings after germination occurs.
If possible, choose a spot near other companion plants like tomatoes or carrots since they can offer natural pest control benefits when planted together with herbs like cilantro.
Planting Cilantro Seeds Outdoors
Planting cilantro outdoors should be done at the right time of year for best results.
Planting in early spring or late summer is ideal, when temperatures are mild and there is no risk of frost.
When planting cilantro seeds, it’s important to space them correctly. The recommended spacing between plants is 6-8 inches apart, with rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.
When planting cilantro seeds outdoors, make sure they are planted at the correct depth.
Cilantro seeds should be planted 1/4 inch deep into moist soil that has been worked over with a rake or hoe to loosen it up and remove any clumps or debris.
After planting, water thoroughly but gently so as not to disturb the newly sown seedlings.
Water regularly until germination occurs; this usually takes about 7-10 days depending on temperature and other conditions such as sunlight exposure and humidity levels.
Growing Cilantro Indoors in Pots or Containers
Growing cilantro indoors in pots or containers is a great way to enjoy fresh herbs all year round.
When selecting the right container, it’s important to choose one with good drainage holes and use a potting mix that is well-draining yet retains moisture.
Sowing the seeds according to instructions on the packet will ensure they have enough space for proper growth.
Selecting Appropriate Containers and Potting Mixes
Cilantro grows best in small containers that are 6-8 inches deep and wide, such as terra cotta or plastic pots.
Make sure your chosen container has adequate drainage holes at the bottom so excess water can escape easily.
The soil should be light and airy, allowing for good aeration of roots while still retaining some moisture; look for a quality potting mix specifically designed for growing herbs like cilantro.
Plant 2-3 seeds per inch at 1/4 inch depth into pre-moistened soil; thin out seedlings once they reach 3 inches tall by snipping off extra plants with scissors at ground level (not pulling them up).
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy during germination period which takes about 7 days.
After germination, reduce watering frequency but do not let the soil dry out completely between waterings as this encourages deeper root growth, which helps plants withstand drought conditions better later on in their life cycle.
Place your potted cilantro plant near an east facing window where it can receive bright indirect sunlight throughout most of the day.
If you do not have access to natural light, then invest in grow lights that provide full spectrum lighting suitable for indoor gardening needs.
These come in various sizes depending on how many plants you want to grow indoors simultaneously.
The optimal temperature range is 60°F – 70°F (15°C – 21°C) during daytime hours when lights are switched on, dropping down slightly lower overnight when lights are turned off.
Harvesting Cilantro from Home Gardens
Identifying when to harvest cilantro leaves is key in order to get the most out of your plants.
When harvesting, look for signs such as yellowing of leaves or flower buds forming on stems.
Once these signs are present, it’s time to start harvesting.
When properly harvested, cilantro can be stored for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
To store freshly harvested herbs, wrap them in damp paper towels or place them in airtight containers filled with a little bit of water before refrigerating them until ready to use.
This will help keep your herbs fresh and flavorful for longer periods of time.
If desired, you can replant after harvesting for continuous production throughout the season.
Cut off any dead or wilted parts and leave about one inch above soil level before adding more fertilizer and water if needed.
Planting new seeds every few weeks during peak growing seasons ensures that you have a steady supply of fresh cilantro all year round.
How to Grow Cilantro From Seeds FAQs
How long does cilantro take to grow from seed?
Cilantro is a fast-growing herb that can be grown from seed. It typically takes between 7 to 14 days for cilantro seeds to germinate and emerge from the soil. Once established, it will continue to grow quickly, reaching full maturity in about 60 days. Cilantro should be harvested before flowering as the leaves become bitter after blooming. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy fresh cilantro all season long.
Is cilantro hard to grow from seed?
Cilantro can be grown from seed, but it is not the easiest herb to grow. It requires a lot of moisture and warm temperatures in order for the seeds to germinate. The soil should also be kept moist throughout the growing season. Cilantro is also sensitive to cold weather and will bolt quickly if exposed to too much cold or frost. With proper care, however, cilantro can be successfully grown from seed with good results.
Do you need to soak cilantro seeds before planting?
Yes, it is recommended to soak cilantro seeds before planting. Soaking the seeds helps to soften their hard outer coating and encourages germination. It also reduces the amount of time needed for them to sprout, allowing you to get your plants growing faster. To soak cilantro seeds, place them in a bowl filled with lukewarm water and let them sit for 8-12 hours before sowing into soil or other mediums. Make sure to discard any seeds that float, as these are likely not viable.
What’s the best way to plant cilantro seeds?
The best way to plant cilantro seeds is to sow them directly into the soil. Make sure the soil is well-drained and has a pH of 6.0-7.5 for optimal growth. Plant in full sun or partial shade, about 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Water regularly until established, then water only when needed during dry spells. Thin out seedlings as they grow so that plants are spaced 4-6 inches apart for adequate air circulation and light penetration. Harvest leaves when plants reach 8-10 inches tall by snipping off individual stems at their base with scissors or shears; this will encourage new growth and ensure a steady supply of fresh cilantro throughout the season.
In Summary
Growing cilantro from seeds is a rewarding and easy process that can be done both indoors in pots or containers and outdoors in the ground.
With the right preparation of soil, selection of quality seeds, and proper planting techniques you will soon have a plentiful supply of fresh cilantro to enjoy.
Growing your own cilantro from seed is an excellent way to add flavor to your favorite dishes while also saving money on store-bought herbs.
So don’t wait any longer – get started today with learning how to grow cilantro from seeds!
Are you looking for an easy and fun way to grow your own food? Growing cilantro from seeds is a great place to start!
Not only does it require minimal effort, but growing your own herbs can also save you money in the long run. With just some soil, water, sunlight and patience – plus our helpful guide – anyone can learn how to successfully cultivate their very own crop of cilantro at home.
Get started today and take control of where your food comes from!