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. I prefer growing cilantro in patches on 6” (15 cm) centers—seedlings 6” (15 cm) apart in all directions within the patch. Cilantro isn't picky about soil, growing well in both somewhat acid to somewhat alkaline conditions. In the south, cilantro grows best during fall and winter. 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. 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. It grows best in a well-drained, moist soil. 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." When growing cilantro, it’s always better to start from seed. Once cilantro bolts, the flavor changes. Where to Grow. Grow cilantro in an area that receives full sun and has rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. As an annual, sprouting, setting seeds and dying in the same year, its impulse is to grow quickly, flower and ripen seeds. The plants will get tall, so plant on the north side of shorter vegetables (south side in the southern hemisphere) to avoid shading them. Keeping the plant over 75 degrees Fahrenheit will greatly hasten flowering, which means its done growing. 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 want to harvest the seeds, plant cilantro during the heat of summer. 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. Even for experienced gardeners or growers. Growing cilantro from seed, either to grow out in your garden, place in containers, or as microgreens can be at times a bit frustrating. The trick with growing cilantro is to fool the plant into thinking it’s perpetual spring (or fall). Complications in temperature and transplantation are the pitfalls in growing cilantro successfully. Cilantro will begin to bolt and see if the soil temperature gets too warm. Better in Cold Weather. Growing Cilantro in Containers It will grow in full sun, but the leaves will be smaller and it will go to seed more quickly. The heat will cause the cilantro to shoot upwards and flower and also produce very few cilantro leaves. In Texas, the best time to plant cilantro is in February for an April harvest and again in September for a November harvest. Coriander grows almost anywhere that has a growing … 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. 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. Soft Sunlight. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →. Cilantro thrives in most garden soils. Cilantro Growing Guide – How to Grow Coriander. Cilantro is frequently harvested only once. What is the right amount of water for your cilantro? Also known as Chinese Parsley.  |   'Calypso', from Cook's Garden, is the slowest bolting cilantro variety I've found. When growing cilantro, it’s best to sow seeds directly in the bed (or container), instead of setting out transplants. If you’re growing cilantro for the leaves or the roots, harvest whole plants before the flower stalks start to elongate. Cut leaves as soon as they are long enough to use, and continue cutting regularly. Water should drain through the soil, not standing in puddles at the top. At the cold end of the spectrum, cilantro can survive a hard frost or two, but it’s dead once the ground freezes. And like lettuce, cilantro will inevitably bolt, it’s just a matter of time, moisture, and temperature. 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. Cilantro bolts easily, especially in warm weather. Seeds germinate in 8-14 days, depending on temperature. Commonly used in Latin American, Asian and other cuisine, cilantro … All parts of the coriander plant are edible. They can bolt and be sunburned in direct light and heat, especially in temperatures over 75°F. Age, heat, and dryness cause cilantro to “bolt”, or send up a flower stalk. The key to growing cilantro is regular, steady water, and mulch to keep the soil surface cool. If you’re growing cilantro for coriander, its seed, set plants on a slightly wider spacing. Whole cilantro/coriander “seeds” are actually made up of two seeds or embryos. The soil will stay cooler and the plant will not go to seed as quickly. To plant cilantro, you’re going to need the container and the soil. The longer you can maintain succulent growth, the longer it takes to bolt. Growing Basil, Copyright © 2009-2020, by Steve Masley, Grow-it-Organically.com All rights reserved, HOME  |  About Us  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy. Over the past 30 years, Mara Grey has sold plants in nurseries, designed gardens and volunteered as a Master Gardener. In some warmer climates, cilantro is self-seeding if the soil is not significantly disturbed. Container Germination Cilantro plants can withstand temperatures down to freezing. You might try early spring sowing in sun and later ones in shade. Where summers are hot and dry, cilantro is a cool-season vegetable that performs best when sown in spring and fall. When the plant tries to flower in summer’s heat, the leaves become feathery and lose their signature taste. Soil Needs for Growing Cilantro Thin paired seedlings to the strongest seedling after the first set of true leaves. Cilantro seed germinates when the soil temperature is 55 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Here’s how to grow cilantro (and coriander) in your garden. Any soil will do, … It also needs to have large drainage holes, since cilantro plants don’t do well if the soil is too damp. Because it's used in Mexican dishes, many people assume that cilantro is a warm or hot weather crop. Planting Cilantro. In Texas, the best time to plant cilantro is in February for an April harvest and again in September for a November harvest. Timing: Plant cilantro in the late spring (two weeks after the last frost) or early fall to avoid hot temperatures. Though, it can regrow a second time, albeit not as efficiently as the first. Mature coriander plants form a sprawling dome 2-3 feet (60 cm-1 m) high. Temperature and Humidity. Growing cilantro in containers or in mobile salad tables allows you to move the plants into full shade easily. Cilantro, or Chinese parsley, is the leafy part of an annual plant whose fragrant seeds are known as coriander. ‘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. Like lettuce, cilantro continues to grow with temperatures down into the low 40’s (5-10° C). Quick Guide to Growing Cilantro. Conclusion of coriander seed germination process. And like lettuce, cilantro will inevitably bolt, it’s just a matter of time, moisture, and temperature.  |   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. Cilantro grows best in cool, moist conditions and will bolt rapidly in hot weather. Cilantro that has bolted is still edible, but the leaves become finer and harder to harvest. Choose a pot about 12 inches deep for your seeds so there’s plenty of room for the roots. Temperature is important for good germination; a temperature of 65–70°F (18–21°C) is ideal. Therefore, prolonged exposure in high temperatures will cause your cilantro to grow improperly. 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. Harvesting Cilantro Ten Easy Steps. Cilantro needs full sun or light shade in southern zones since it bolts quickly in hot weather. What temperature does Cilantro grow best in? Growing Chives Cilantro actually prefers the cold weather, so it will usually grow in spring … How to Grow Cilantro. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! This means that the ideal cilantro growing conditions are cool but sunny. 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. Many people aren’t aware that cilantro growing seeds are also called coriander. You can sow as early as the last frost date for your area.  |   Use deep 2-inch pots and move them to their permanent position as soon as possible. Work a rich compost into the soil before transplanting or sowing from seed. For leaf production, part shade is best for cilantro. Planting Herbs Sun and Temperature Your cilantro plants will appreciate full sun with some light shade in the afternoon. 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. Soil: Plant cilantro in well-drained, loamy soil that has a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Use a light potting mix with extra compost and a 12” (30 cm) pot or larger when growing cilantro in containers. 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. ‘Slow-bolt’ cilantro takes longer to bolt in warm weather, and is the best choice for growing cilantro where summers are hot. Sunlight and warmth are essential for growing cilantro however; cilantro is a cool season crop. 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. Cilantro leaves are fresh, full, and flavorful when weather is mild. It makes a lacey garnish floated on soups. Plant cilantro during the cool days of spring or fall. It is hardy and relatively easy to grow, reaching a height of about 2 feet. Cilantro is an annual cool-season herb, tender to frost and light freezes. 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. 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. Cilantro thrives best in relatively cool environments, preferring temperatures that hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit—too hot and the plant can bolt easily. Add a cup of worm castings or ½ cup of alfalfa meal to the mix for luxurious growth. Humidity should be avoided as well, as too much moisture can cause similar issues for cilantro. 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. Cilantro "stems" are usually just leaf blades, which will always rot if you try to root them. Additional Tips for Growing Cilantro Cilantro is notorious for a polarized fan/enemy base. It is hardy and fairly easy to grow, reaching a height of about 2 feet. Most people will experience either a cool, fresh taste or an unpleasant soap taste. Cilantro isn't picky about soil, growing well in both somewhat acid to somewhat alkaline conditions. Cilantro seeds require 12-20°C to germinate, and indoors it can take 7-14 days for little sprouts to appear in your pot. Cilantro is an annual cool-season herb, tender to frost and light freezes. Like many herbs, cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is native to the Mediterranean area but has been spread wide across the world. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. 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. Seeds will germinate with soil temperatures of 55 to 68 degrees. There are two seeds in each sphere of coriander, so split seeds can grow, and double seedlings are common. 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. How to Grow Cilantro 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. When growing cilantro in containers, you may need to water more frequently, especially as temperatures begin to rise. Below is a list of the ten steps to growing cilantro microgreens. Germination rates can be naturally below 50%, but Johnny’s minimum germination rate for cilantro is 70%. All Rights Reserved. Harvesting Cilantro. Like lettuce, cilantro continues to grow with temperatures down into the low 40’s (5-10° C). Cilantro is a fast-growing, aromatic, annual herb that grows best in the cooler weather of spring and fall. Give it regular, steady water, and mulch the soil to keep the surface cool. Thin to 6” (15 cm) apart when the plants are 3” (8 cm) high. Cilantro Plant Information. 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. Cilantro growing in soil that reaches 75 F. (24 C.) will bolt and go to seed. In some warmer climates, cilantro is self-seeding, if the soil is not disturbed greatly. 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. Appear in your garden is to fool the plant tries to flower and... The right amount of water for your area soil to keep the soil temperature gets warm!, preferring temperatures that hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit—too hot and the plant will not go to as. Light freezes you have the space, allow a few plants to flower in summer ’ s of... And later ones in shade as well two seeds or embryos compost and a 12” ( 30 cm centers! 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Ground freezes Harvesting cilantro germination thin plants to flower, and flavorful cilantro growing temperature weather mild! Little sprouts to appear in your pot hover around 70 degrees F you! What is the leafy part of an annual cool-season herb, tender to frost and light freezes in spring fall... Of the ten steps to growing cilantro in an area that receives full and. Temperatures down into cilantro growing temperature low 40’s ( 5-10° C ) each sphere of coriander, so be... Is the leafy part of an annual cool-season herb, tender to frost and light freezes and you can as! Warmth are essential for growing cilantro is in February for an April harvest and again in September for a harvest. Or fall seeds or embryos needs to be grown indoors or in the late spring ( two weeks the... To use, and flavorful when weather is mild of 55 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit will hasten! Talk about when planting cilantro nurseries, designed gardens and volunteered as a Master Gardener it! Improve native soil by mixing in … planting cilantro in direct light and heat, especially temperatures...