– Cilantro seeds do not need to be soaked before planting
– Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep in the soil
– Germination temperature range is 50-85°F (10-29°C), with an ideal range of 55-68°F (13-20°C)
– Germination typically takes 7-10 days
– Cilantro can be started indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference and climate
– Start cilantro seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area or sow them directly outdoors in early spring or fall
– Cilantro is an annual herb and is not frost hardy
– Seeds should be spaced about 1-2 inches apart
– Thin seedlings to one plant per pot or space plants about 6-8 inches apart
– Cilantro requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth
– Mature cilantro plants can range in height from 18-24 inches
– Transplant seedlings outside in early spring or fall, when soil and air temperatures are warm enough for optimal growth.
– Cilantro flowers in late spring or early summer, producing small, white or pink flowers that develop into seeds, which are known as coriander.
Cilantro, although it needs plenty of direct sunlight, prefers cooler temperatures over the heat of summer. For this reason, planting in partial shade can make it last longer before bolting to seed in the summer. Choose a location that has well-draining soil that has been amended with organic matter. After transplanting, water the cilantro regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the cilantro once a month with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. Keep the soil loose and free of weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and moisture. Cilantro is also susceptible to pest attacks, so keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites, and use appropriate measures to control them if necessary. Harvest the cilantro leaves regularly, starting when the plant is about 6 inches tall, to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from going to seed. With proper care and maintenance, your cilantro plants will provide you with a delicious and aromatic herb to enjoy throughout the growing season.
Cilantro and coriander come from the same plant, and both are commonly used in cooking. To harvest cilantro, wait until the plant has grown to at least six inches tall before cutting the leaves. Use scissors or garden shears to snip the leaves about an inch above the soil level. This method will allow the cilantro to regrow and produce a second or even third harvest during the growing season. Cilantro leaves have the best flavor when harvested before the plant flowers. If you want to harvest coriander, wait until the plant has produced flowers and the seeds have turned brown. Cut the stems and place them upside down in a paper bag to dry. After a few weeks, the seeds should fall off the stems and can be used as a spice in cooking. Harvesting coriander seeds can be done throughout the growing season as the flowers mature and produce seeds. However, it is important to note that once the plant has gone to seed, the cilantro leaves will become bitter and less flavorful.