Getting Started with Cilantro and Coriander Seeds
Cilantro and coriander come from the same plant—Coriandrum sativum!
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Cilantro refers to the fresh leaves, while coriander refers to the dried seeds. Growing this versatile herb from seed is straightforward and rewarding, whether you're cultivating it for culinary use or harvest the seeds for spice.
Choosing the Right Location
Cilantro thrives in cool weather and prefers a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. If you're in a warm climate, afternoon shade helps prevent the plant from bolting too quickly. A location with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal for healthy leaf production.
Soil Preparation and Planting
Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Cilantro doesn't require heavily fertilized soil, but loose, crumbly earth allows seeds to germinate easily. Sow seeds directly into the garden or container about ¼ inch deep, spacing them roughly 6 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, typically within 7–10 days.
Watering and Care
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and consistent moisture, which helps delay bolting. In hot climates, water more frequently and consider providing afternoon shade during peak summer months.
Harvesting Cilantro Leaves
Begin harvesting outer leaves once the plant reaches 4–6 inches tall, typically 3–4 weeks after planting. Pinch off leaves from the top to encourage bushier growth. Regular harvesting prolongs the productive leaf stage and prevents early bolting.
Harvesting Coriander Seeds
If you want to harvest seeds, allow some plants to mature and flower. Once flowers fade and seeds dry on the plant, they turn brown and develop their characteristic aroma. Cut the seed heads into a paper bag, allow them to dry completely indoors, then shake out the seeds. Store in an airtight container.
Extending Your Harvest
Plant cilantro in succession every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply of fresh leaves. This staggered approach keeps cilantro available throughout the growing season and prevents gaps in your harvest when plants inevitably bolt.
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SEED PLANTING TIPS
- Botanical name: Coriandrum sativum
- Life cycle: Herbaceous annual
- Hardiness zones: 2-11
- Planting season: Spring, fall
- Days to maturity: 30-65 days; can begin harvesting when 6" tall
- Depth to plant seeds: 1/2" deep
- Days to germinate (sprout): 10-21 days
- Germination soil temps: 50F-65F
- Spacing between plants: 6"-8" apart
- Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
- # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 4 plants per sq. ft.
- Soil types: Sandy, loamy, rich, moist, well-drained
- Soil pH: 6.1-7.8
- Sun needs: Full sun, part shade, full shade
- Water needs: Average
- Cold stratify: No
- Frost tolerant: Yes
- Heat tolerant: No
- Drought tolerant: No
- Deer resistant: Yes
- Culinary use: Yes
- Medicinal use: Yes
In Summary
| How to Grow & Harvest Cilantro |
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When to Plant
How to Plant All you really need is reasonable soil that you can keep well watered. Always grow cilantro from seed, directly where you need it. Usually it doesn't transplant well. The stress of transplanting cilantro, usually causes it to go straight to seed. You may not get any leaves at all! Cilantro grows a fairly large taproot, and small seedling pots or soil pellets aren't deep enough to accommodate it. Direct sow your cilantro seeds into the ground, and keep them well watered. Try growing it in rows for an easy harvest or spread the seed over a wide area and rake it in. Just remember cilantro plants can grow up to 2 feet tall. Leave about 5 cm between plants if you're growing it for the leaves. More if you're going to allow them to flower and go to seed. When to Harvest Harvest the cilantro leaves around the base of the plant. Just make sure the plant is fairly established before you start harvesting so it will be able to handle the stress and recover as it continues to grow. Once the flowers have gone to seed, start to re-sow more seeds. That way you won't run out and have a continual harvest of fresh cilantro on your hands. You can harvest the leaves or the entire plant at once. |
If you're in a frost free period, and without extreme heat during the summer, you'll have no problem growing cilantro. Basic rule of thumb is if you are in a mild climate, grow cilantro during the summer, and if you're in a tropical climate, stick to growing it during the dry and cooler season.
