How to Grow Cilantro

Cilantro, also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, is a popular herb in many cuisines. It’s relatively easy to grow, and you can cultivate it in your garden or in pots on a windowsill. Here are the steps to grow cilantro successfully:

1. Choose the Right Location: Cilantro prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. If you’re growing it indoors, place the pots near a sunny window.
2. Prepare the Soil: Cilantro grows best in well-draining soil with a pH level of around 6.2 to 6.8. You can amend the soil with compost or organic matter to improve its quality.
3. Sow the Seeds: Cilantro can be grown from seeds. Scatter the seeds evenly over the soil surface. You can also plant them in rows, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Press the seeds lightly into the soil, but don’t bury them too deeply—about a quarter-inch deep is sufficient.
4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Cilantro prefers even moisture and can bolt (go to seed) quickly in dry conditions. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use a spray bottle to water gently if you’re starting cilantro from seeds, as heavy watering can dislodge the seeds.
5. Thinning: When the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out to give them adequate space to grow. You can leave about 6 inches of space between each plant. The thinned seedlings can be used in salads or as microgreens.
6. Fertilizing: Fertilize your cilantro with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth and less flavorful leaves.
7. Pest and Disease Control: Cilantro is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to aphids and whiteflies. Keep an eye out for any infestations and treat them promptly with organic pest control methods.
8. Harvesting: Cilantro leaves are best when harvested early in the morning. You can start harvesting when the plants are about 4-6 inches tall. Use scissors or your fingers to snip off the outer leaves. Don’t harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time, as it needs leaves to continue growing.
9. Succession Planting: Cilantro has a relatively short growing season and can bolt in hot weather. To have a constant supply, plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks.
10. Saving Seeds (Optional): If you want to save cilantro seeds for future planting or as coriander spice, allow some of the plants to bolt and produce seeds. Once the seeds turn brown, harvest them, dry them, and store them in an airtight container.

Cilantro is a versatile herb used in various dishes, so having a fresh supply can be a delightful addition to your kitchen. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying homegrown cilantro in no time.