The Ultimate Guide to Growing Cilantro From Seeds

If you love adding a fresh citrusy flavor to your dishes, then growing cilantro is a must for your garden. Also known as coriander in many parts of the world, cilantro is a versatile herb that can be used for both its leaves and seeds. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing cilantro from seeds is a rewarding experience that can be easily done with a few simple steps.

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Why Grow Cilantro?

Cilantro is a fast-growing annual herb that thrives in cooler temperatures. It can be harvested in as little as four to six weeks after sowing the seeds, making it a great addition to any garden. Cilantro is also known for producing a large number of seeds, allowing you to save and sow them for future crops. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy a continuous harvest of fresh cilantro all season long.

Prepare the Seeds

Before you can start growing cilantro, you’ll need to prepare the seeds for planting. Here’s how you can do it:

Harvest the Seeds: Each dried husk contains two seeds. Gently crush the husks to release the seeds.
Soak the Seeds: Place the seeds in a glass of distilled water for 24 to 48 hours to improve germination.
Dry the Seeds: After soaking, allow the seeds to air dry on a paper towel before planting them.

Tip: Experiment with leaving some seeds on the plant to reseed and harvesting some to save and sow next year.

How to Direct Sow Cilantro Seeds

Cilantro is best direct sown in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 12. Here’s how you can sow cilantro seeds directly into your garden:

Choose the Right Location: Cilantro thrives in cooler temperatures and needs at least 4 to 5 hours of sunlight daily.
Prepare the Soil: Plant the seeds in fertile soil with a pH level of 6.2 to 6.8 that drains well but stays consistently moist.
Sow the Seeds: Plant the seeds 1/2 inch deep in rows, spacing them 8 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to 3 to 4 inches apart once they emerge.
Water Regularly: Keep the soil moist by watering the seeds and seedlings every few days.

Tip: For gardeners in warmer climates, look for slow bolt varieties of cilantro that can withstand higher temperatures.

How to Start Cilantro From Seed Indoors

If you prefer to start your cilantro indoors, follow these steps for a successful indoor garden:

Choose a Container: Use a wide, deep pot with good drainage to plant the cilantro seeds indoors.
Sow the Seeds: Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart in moistened potting mix.
Provide Light: Place the pot in a sunny location that receives 4 to 5 hours of sunlight daily.
Maintain Humidity: Use a plastic dome or covering to increase humidity and aid germination.
Transplant Carefully: Transplant the seedlings outdoors once they are 3 to 4 inches tall.

Tip: Move outdoor containers into the shade during hot weather to prevent bolting and extend the harvest period.

Harvesting Cilantro

Harvesting cilantro is easy and rewarding. Here are some tips for harvesting cilantro leaves:

Start Harvesting: Begin harvesting when the plants are about 6 inches tall, usually around four weeks after sowing the seeds.
Pinch and Harvest: Pinch off the larger, outside leaves of the plant for use in cooking.
Regrowth: Cilantro plants will regrow new leaves for continued harvest.
Avoid Bolting: Once plants start to flower, the leaves may become bitter. Consider pulling the plant or allowing it to produce seeds for the next season.

Tip: Succession sow seeds every three weeks to maintain a continuous cilantro harvest.

Final Thoughts

Growing cilantro from seeds is a rewarding experience that can add a fresh citrusy flavor to your dishes. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy a continuous harvest of fresh cilantro all season long. Whether you choose to sow the seeds directly into your garden or start them indoors, cilantro is a versatile herb that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. So why not give it a try and start growing your own cilantro today?