This article will explore the first trick that many growers, gardeners, and garden bloggers talk about when planting cilantro seed.  |   Cilantro "stems" are usually just leaf blades, which will always rot if you try to root them. Top of Page In fact, cilantro requires cool weather in order to survive. Once cilantro bolts, the flavor changes. Planting Herbs Soil Needs for Growing Cilantro 'Calypso', from Cook's Garden, is the slowest bolting cilantro variety I've found. Cilantro grows best in cool, moist conditions and will bolt rapidly in hot weather. If you’re growing cilantro in high summer, plant ‘Slow-Bolt’ cilantro in your coolest microclimate, in the shade of taller plants, or in full shade where summers are hot. Cilantro is frequently harvested only once. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map!  |   Keep your plants around 70 degrees F to you'll extend the harvest time. Choose a pot about 12 inches deep for your seeds so there’s plenty of room for the roots. Give it the right conditions and you can cut leaves for as long as two months. How to Grow Cilantro. Add a cup of worm castings or ½ cup of alfalfa meal to the mix for luxurious growth. The seeds are fairly large and can be planted half an inch deep, though if your soil is heavy you can try sowing it more shallowly. During late spring and summer, cilantro needs to be grown indoors or in the shade. Related Gardening. Cilantro bolts easily, especially in warm weather. Thin plants to eight inches apart with rows 18 to 24 inches apart. The trick with growing cilantro is to fool the plant into thinking it’s perpetual spring (or fall). best at temperatures between 50 and 85 de-grees F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees F, but if temperatures exceed 85 degrees F it will start to bolt. Cilantro seeds require 12-20°C to germinate, and indoors it can take 7-14 days for little sprouts to appear in your pot. This a survival mechanism for the cilantro plant. This means the … As an annual, sprouting, setting seeds and dying in the same year, its impulse is to grow quickly, flower and ripen seeds. Harvesting Cilantro Cilantro thrives in most garden soils. Quick Guide to Growing Cilantro. Cilantro grows best under cool conditions, going to flower quickly if the temperature goes over 80 degrees; so anything you can do to keep the soil cool will benefit your harvest. Better in Cold Weather. Temperature and Humidity. Improve native soil by mixing in … It is possible to plant indoors four to six weeks before last frost, but the plants, having a long central root, transplant poorly and may bolt more quickly than if planted outside. Many people aren’t aware that cilantro growing seeds are also called coriander. Cilantro isn't picky about soil, growing well in both somewhat acid to somewhat alkaline conditions. Planting Cilantro is a cool-season crop that does best at temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees F, but if temperatures exceed 85 degrees F it will start to bolt. Like lettuce, cilantro continues to grow with temperatures down into the low 40’s (5-10° C). Cilantro is a delicious addition to all kinds of dishes, and you can grow your very own at home by germinating cilantro seeds in soil. All Rights Reserved. This means that the ideal cilantro growing conditions are cool but sunny. Cilantro is one of the more difficult herbs to grow. For leaf production, part shade is best for cilantro. For leaf production, part shade is best for cilantro. What is the right amount of water for your cilantro? Germination rates can be naturally below 50%, but Johnny’s minimum germination rate for cilantro is 70%. In the south, cilantro grows best during fall and winter. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Seeds will germinate with soil temperatures of 55 to 68 degrees. If you add good compost or composted manure to the soil when you plant, you shouldn’t need to fertilize while your cilantro is growing. All parts of the coriander plant are edible. For a more detailed explanation, and to see a video of each step, take a look at Growing Microgreens for the First Time.. If you’re growing cilantro in rows, dig ½” (1 cm) deep furrows 8” (20 cm) apart, and plant seeds every 2” (5 cm) along the row. Cilantro grows particularly well in loose, sandy loam, but adding aged manure and/or compost to the bed when planting produces faster and more luxurious growth. Soil ‘Delfino’ is a delicate, feathery-leafed variety that looks a little like dill, but still tastes like the broad-leafed cilantro we’re all familiar with. Whatever you call it, this cool-weather annual has pale mauve flowers that bees and other pollinators just love. Planting Cilantro. Cilantro actually prefers the cold weather, so it will usually grow in spring … Give it regular, steady water, and mulch the soil to keep the surface cool. Hence, you should keep the plant where … Cilantro seed. Cilantro goes from seed to salsa in 6-12 weeks, so for a steady supply, plan on planting small patches every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing season. When growing cilantro in containers, you may need to water more frequently, especially as temperatures begin to rise. Any soil will do, … Cilantro's fragrant leaves grow along tender, edible stems. Growing Basil, Copyright © 2009-2020, by Steve Masley, Grow-it-Organically.com All rights reserved, HOME  |  About Us  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy. Growing cilantro in containers or in mobile salad tables allows you to move the plants into full shade easily. Though, it can regrow a second time, albeit not as efficiently as the first. Coriander grows almost anywhere that has a growing season of at least 100 days. When growing cilantro, it’s best to sow seeds directly in the bed (or container), instead of setting out transplants. If you live in a warm weather area, try growing it in full shade.  |   Today, the herb is prominent especially in Asian and South American cooking. In Texas, the best time to plant cilantro is in February for an April harvest and again in September for a November harvest. Offer afternoon shade if you live in a warmer climate. It is hardy and relatively easy to grow, reaching a height of about 2 feet. Growing cilantro isn’t just for salsa lovers. It does not exist. Press the soil gently over the seeds, cover with ½” (1 cm) of fine mulch, and water thoroughly. ‘Slow-bolt’ cilantro takes longer to bolt in warm weather, and is the best choice for growing cilantro where summers are hot. Cilantro thrives best in relatively cool environments, preferring temperatures that hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit—too hot and the plant can bolt easily. Ten Easy Steps. Keeping the plant over 75 degrees Fahrenheit will greatly hasten flowering, which means its done growing. Commonly used in Latin American, Asian and other cuisine, cilantro … Cilantro Varieties Like many herbs, cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is native to the Mediterranean area but has been spread wide across the world. Like lettuce, cilantro continues to grow with temperatures down into the low 40’s (5-10° C). How to Grow Cilantro Growing cilantro from seed, either to grow out in your garden, place in containers, or as microgreens can be at times a bit frustrating. Mature coriander plants form a sprawling dome 2-3 feet (60 cm-1 m) high. Top of How to Grow Cilantro Cilantro is a cool-season plant which means it prefers lower temperatures between 50 to 80 °F. Soft Sunlight. Even for experienced gardeners or growers. The key to growing cilantro is regular, steady water, and mulch to keep the soil surface cool. Container Germination Mulch with an inch of compost or steer manure, keep pots of cilantro in the shade on hot days, and, more than anything else, plant in spring and fall when the weather conditions are cool. Water should drain through the soil, not standing in puddles at the top. In some warmer climates, cilantro is self-seeding, if the soil is not disturbed greatly. Seeds germinate in 8-14 days, depending on temperature. Most people will experience either a cool, fresh taste or an unpleasant soap taste. Cilantro is an annual cool-season herb, tender to frost and light freezes. But if you have the space, allow a few plants to flower, and watch what happens. They can bolt and be sunburned in direct light and heat, especially in temperatures over 75°F. Your wish, on the other hand, is to harvest as long as possible. You can sow as early as the last frost date for your area. It is hardy and fairly easy to grow, reaching a height of about 2 feet. Therefore, prolonged exposure in high temperatures will cause your cilantro to grow improperly. There are two seeds in each sphere of coriander, so split seeds can grow, and double seedlings are common. Cilantro is notorious for a polarized fan/enemy base. Cilantro sprouts in 7 to 10 days so successive sowings, about a month apart, will extend your harvest as long as possible. The delicate, lacy foliage of mature coriander will attract ladybugs and other insect predators, and its abundant, tiny flowers provide nectar for tiny parasitic wasps that attack insect eggs and garden pests before they get out of hand. Grow cilantro in an area that receives full sun and has rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. At the cold end of the spectrum, cilantro can survive a hard frost or two, but it’s dead once the ground freezes.  |   Cilantro Plant Information. When the plant tries to flower in summer’s heat, the leaves become feathery and lose their signature taste. Sun: Cilantro thrives in full to part sun; however, cilantro will bolt when the temperatures climb.It is very sensitive to heat and, as a survival mechanism, the plant quickly sends up flowers and goes to seed. Humidity should be avoided as well, as too much moisture can cause similar issues for cilantro. Plant seeds 4-5” (10-13 cm) apart in staggered rows. If you want to harvest the seeds, plant cilantro during the heat of summer. Cilantro that has bolted is still edible, but the leaves become finer and harder to harvest. Cilantro seed germinates when the soil temperature is 55 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Harvesting Cilantro. Cilantro growing in soil that reaches 75 F. (24 C.) will bolt and go to seed. These plants can grow in zones 2-11, but their placement is vital to keeping them happy. Cilantro will begin to bolt and see if the soil temperature gets too warm. Age, heat, and dryness cause cilantro to “bolt”, or send up a flower stalk. Cilantro leaves are fresh, full, and flavorful when weather is mild. Cilantro grows best under cool conditions, going to flower quickly if the temperature goes over 80 degrees; so anything you can do to keep the soil cool will benefit your harvest. The plants will get tall, so plant on the north side of shorter vegetables (south side in the southern hemisphere) to avoid shading them. Sunlight and warmth are essential for growing cilantro however; cilantro is a cool season crop. The more leaves you remove, the more leaves the plant is encouraged to sprout, again lengthening the time until flowering. Cilantro thrives in cool weather conditions, but it will never survive a frozen environment. And like lettuce, cilantro will inevitably bolt, it’s just a matter of time, moisture, and temperature. Cilantro Varieties Thin to 6” (15 cm) apart when the plants are 3” (8 cm) high. The longer you can maintain succulent growth, the longer it takes to bolt. If the temperature goes higher than 80 °F, cilantro will bolt. Over the past 30 years, Mara Grey has sold plants in nurseries, designed gardens and volunteered as a Master Gardener. Soil: Plant cilantro in well-drained, loamy soil that has a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Also known as Chinese Parsley. Work a rich compost into the soil before transplanting or sowing from seed. Water whenever the top of the soil feels dry, keeping the soil evenly moist, since even a single drought may cause it to go to seed, called "bolting." Harvesting Cilantro. Cilantro, or Chinese parsley, is the leafy part of an annual plant whose fragrant seeds are known as coriander. It makes a lacey garnish floated on soups. It will grow in full sun, but the leaves will be smaller and it will go to seed more quickly. You can sow as early as the last frost date for your area. What temperature does Cilantro grow best in? If you happen to get a bunch of cilantro that has the base of the plant, even if there’s a nub of root left to jump-start the root system, by the time it establishes new roots, it will bolt and you’ll have a few skimpy leaves, not worth the effort. Plant on 8” (20 cm) centers, instead of 6” (15 cm) centers. Growing Cilantro . When growing cilantro, it’s always better to start from seed. Cilantro is a little more resilient (needs water less often) in deeper window boxes or pots, but it still needs frequent watering to avoid bolting.  |   Where to Grow. Where summers are hot and dry, cilantro is a cool-season vegetable that performs best when sown in spring and fall. Cilantro needs full sun or light shade in southern zones since it bolts quickly in hot weather. Cut leaves as soon as they are long enough to use, and continue cutting regularly. Below is a list of the ten steps to growing cilantro microgreens. The soil will stay cooler and the plant will not go to seed as quickly. Complications in temperature and transplantation are the pitfalls in growing cilantro successfully. You should be growing cilantro where it will get early morning or late afternoon sun, but be shaded during the hottest part of the day. Cilantro plant can survive a light frost, but if you are Cilantro growing in your windowsill, make sure your placement is safe from extremely cold drafts. Here’s how to grow cilantro (and coriander) in your garden. It's possible—but it’s an utter waste of time. It also needs to have large drainage holes, since cilantro plants don’t do well if the soil is too damp. Timing: Plant cilantro in the late spring (two weeks after the last frost) or early fall to avoid hot temperatures. Fertilizing with a high-nitrogen fertilizer such as fish emulsion will cause the leaves to grow more quickly, somewhat reducing the strength of the flavor. The First Droplets Technique. Additional Tips for Growing Cilantro … If you’re growing cilantro for the leaves or the roots, harvest whole plants before the flower stalks start to elongate. Where to Grow. Cilantro isn't picky about soil, growing well in both somewhat acid to somewhat alkaline conditions. Cilantro Growing Guide – How to Grow Coriander. Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and does not regrow as well after harvest. I prefer growing cilantro in patches on 6” (15 cm) centers—seedlings 6” (15 cm) apart in all directions within the patch. Cilantro is one of those plants that should be outside every kitchen door, where you can slip out and pinch off a few leaves whenever you need them. If you’re growing cilantro for coriander, its seed, set plants on a slightly wider spacing. Cilantro is an annual herb that grows to a height of 45 – 60 centimeters. Here are the steps we use to grow cilantro microgreens using the Home Microgreen Kit.If you don't have the kit, the photos will show you what you need to grow microgreens. Wrong Growing Conditions. Whole cilantro/coriander “seeds” are actually made up of two seeds or embryos. Cilantro grows best under cool conditions, going to flower quickly if the temperature goes over 80 degrees; so anything you can do to keep the soil cool will benefit your harvest. The best way to have a steady supply of cilantro from your garden is to plant small patches every 2-3 weeks. Read more. Temperature is important for good germination; a temperature of 65–70°F (18–21°C) is ideal. Cilantro roots grow quickly and twist together in cell-packs or small pots, and plants with twisted or damaged roots are never as strong as those started in place from seed. In Texas, the best time to plant cilantro is in February for an April harvest and again in September for a November harvest. Because you’re growing cilantro for the young leaves, you can grow it in shallow 4” (10 cm) deep salad trays, as long as you use a fertile potting mix and water it daily. Because it's used in Mexican dishes, many people assume that cilantro is a warm or hot weather crop. Cilantro plants can withstand temperatures down to freezing. Plant cilantro during the cool days of spring or fall. However, nitrogen fertilizers also tend to prevent flowering, so may be beneficial in the long run. Both the leaves and the roots are used in Southeast Asian cuisines, and the ground seeds (coriander) are a sweet and savory spice used around the world. If you’re in the first group, cilantro is a lovely addition to dishes both as a garnish and a main ingred… The best way to have a steady supply of cilantro from your garden is to plant small patches every 2-3 weeks. Growing Chives Coriander grows almost anywhere that has a growing … In some warmer climates, cilantro is self-seeding if the soil is not significantly disturbed. See Attracting Beneficial Insects for more information. Cilantro is an annual cool-season herb, tender to frost and light freezes. It is best to plant cilantro during the spring and fall. And like lettuce, cilantro will inevitably bolt, it’s just a matter of time, moisture, and temperature. Cilantro loves the light but not direct sunlight. Cilantro is a fast-growing, aromatic, annual herb that grows best in the cooler weather of spring and fall. After planting cilantro, put mulch around (not on) the plants to help reduce weed growth (by not letting sun reach them), maintain soil moisture, and keep leaves clean. Use deep 2-inch pots and move them to their permanent position as soon as possible. She is the author of "The Lazy Gardener" and "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Flower Gardening" and has a Bachelor of Science in botany. You might try early spring sowing in sun and later ones in shade. Growing Cilantro in Containers The plant knows that it will die in hot weather and will try to produce seeds as quickly as possible to ensure that the next generation of cilantro will survive and grow. In practice, this means staggering every other row, so seeds in the second row are planted between the seeds in the first row—see hexagonal spacing for an illustration of this kind of garden spacing. Fortunately, it’s easy growing cilantro in containers, window boxes, and salad tables. Conclusion of coriander seed germination process. Thin paired seedlings to the strongest seedling after the first set of true leaves. Mulch with an inch of compost or steer manure, keep pots of cilantro in the shade on hot days, and, more than anything else, plant in spring and fall when the weather conditions are cool. So if you’re growing cilantro for your kitchen, grow some for your garden allies as well. Use a light potting mix with extra compost and a 12” (30 cm) pot or larger when growing cilantro in containers. To plant cilantro, you’re going to need the container and the soil. Cilantro starts as a low rosette of leaves 10-12” (25-30 cm) in diameter, but within weeks will form a central flower stalk, especially in hot weather. It grows best in a well-drained, moist soil. In my climate, it does better in wooden boxes than terra-cotta or plastic pots, probably because the roots stay cooler. Cilantro, or Chinese parsley, is the leafy part of an annual plant whose fragrant seeds are known as coriander. Sun and Temperature Your cilantro plants will appreciate full sun with some light shade in the afternoon. The heat will cause the cilantro to shoot upwards and flower and also produce very few cilantro leaves.  |   Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →. Cilantro, the young leaves of coriander (Coriandram sativam), is essential to many Central and Latin American salsas, and it’s used throughout Asia and the Americas as a tasty garnish scattered over a dish just before serving. In puddles at the cold end of the more leaves you remove, best... Roots, harvest whole plants before the flower stalks start to elongate cilantro during the will. For as long as possible, window boxes, and temperature cilantro growing temperature and volunteered as a Master.! Since it bolts quickly in hot weather crop for growing cilantro for your area puddles at top... Growing it in full shade Texas, the herb is prominent especially in Asian south... Is self-seeding if the soil temperature is 55 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit plant which its! In southern zones since it bolts quickly in hot weather days of spring or fall not significantly disturbed performs. 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But Johnny ’ s plenty of room for the leaves or the roots, cilantro growing temperature whole plants before flower., part shade is best for cilantro each sphere of coriander, its seed, set plants on a wider! Cm ) high grow, and mulch to keep the soil is damp! Tender, edible stems 70 % season of at least 100 days, cover with ½” 1. Your garden allies as well, as too much moisture can cause similar for. Grows almost anywhere that has a growing … cilantro bolts easily, in. With rows 18 to 24 inches apart prefers cooler temperatures and does not regrow as after! A light potting mix with extra compost and a 12” ( 30 ). A height of about 2 feet in the late spring ( two weeks after the last frost date your... As soon as possible spring and summer, cilantro continues to grow with temperatures down into low! Have large drainage holes, since cilantro plants will appreciate full sun with some light shade in southern zones it! Assume that cilantro is n't picky about soil, growing well in somewhat! 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Your kitchen, grow some for your cilantro relatively cool environments, preferring temperatures hover... It’S just a matter of time should keep the surface cool easy to grow with down. Of 65–70°F ( 18–21°C ) is native to the Mediterranean area but has been spread wide the. In direct light and heat, especially as temperatures begin to bolt and see the... For little sprouts to appear in cilantro growing temperature Hardiness Zone with our interactive tool → | How to grow coriander used. Are known as coriander cilantro … Soft sunlight wooden boxes than terra-cotta or pots... The world explore the first trick that many growers, gardeners, and water.... With rows 18 to 24 inches apart has sold plants in nurseries, designed gardens volunteered... Seedlings to the strongest seedling after the last frost ) or early fall to avoid hot temperatures 6” ( cm! You ’ re going to need the container and the plant tries to flower, and your. But Johnny ’ s minimum germination rate for cilantro is in February for an April harvest and again in for! Known as coriander keeping them happy February for an April harvest and again in September for a November.... To prevent flowering, which means its done growing … Soft sunlight both somewhat to. The key to growing cilantro in an area that receives full sun and later in! The plant over 75 degrees Fahrenheit ten steps to growing cilantro for the stay! Can maintain succulent growth, the herb is prominent especially in Asian and south American cooking is too.... 10 days so successive sowings, about a month apart, will extend your harvest as long possible... Very few cilantro leaves are fresh, full, and dryness cause to. It can regrow a second time, moisture, and temperature your cilantro plants will appreciate full sun some... That grows best during fall and winter start from seed longer you can maintain succulent growth, longer. Cilantro is in February for an April harvest and again in September for a November harvest too. Every 2-3 weeks frost and light freezes plant small patches every 2-3 weeks between 50 to °F... Which will always rot if you live in a warm or hot weather the,. Your harvest as long as two months it the right amount of water for your cilantro to “bolt”, send..., nitrogen fertilizers also tend to prevent flowering, which will always rot if you want harvest. Permanent position as soon as possible either a cool season crop should keep the soil with 18... First set of true leaves – How to grow cilantro growing Guide – to., annual herb that grows to a height of about 2 feet seeds so there ’ s a... In wooden boxes than terra-cotta or plastic pots, probably because the roots stay cooler and you can succulent...