Are you wondering what the necessities for growing Cilantro / Coriander are? Don’t worry, we will guide you through!
Cilantro is an aromatic, fast-growing, annual herb that acts as an essential for several cuisines. Both its seeds and leaves are useful for cooking and medicinal uses.
When you use the seed of the Cilantro plant, it is called coriander. Similarly, when you use its leaves, the plant is called Cilantro. However, depending on where you are from it is known by one of these names. As an example, in Australia is it commonly known as coriander.
Cilantro is also known for having dodecanal, an antimicrobial compound that protects the body from infections due to contaminated food. It’s also rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.
With all these benefits, you must be thinking about how to grow Cilantro. Here’s a quick overview:
Things Required for Growing Cilantro
To grow the best Cilantro for your herb garden, make sure to note down the below-mentioned criterias:
Sun: Full sun, partial sun
Temperature: 50-85 degrees Fahrenheit
Soil: Well-drained, loamy, moist
Soil pH: 6.2-6.8
Bloom time: Spring, fall, summer
Hardiness zone: 2-11 (USDA), Annual
Fertilizer: Can be applied during the growing season
Spacing: 6-8 inches
Others: Herb-growing accessories, pots, seeds, etc.
Soil Requirements for Cilantro
Cilantro requires nutrient-rich and well-draining potting soil with neutral pH. You can add organic matter, mulch, and well-decomposed compost to ensure the good quality of the soil.
The plant is quite tolerant, and it will grow in any rich soil. After planting, the soil should be moist. Although it can grow in clay (with nutrients), it usually prefers sandy/loamy soil.
How to Grow Cilantro?
Cilantro / Coriander can be grown from seeds and cuttings. You can select the method as per your preferences.
If you are growing Parsley from seeds, get them from a friend’s garden or purchase them from the store. Make sure to get good-quality seeds for better plant growth.
Growing Cilantro from Seeds/Cuttings
To grow the Cilantro from seeds, start by sowing the seeds after the last frost in the spring. Make sure that the seeds are sown about ¼ inches in the soil. The seeds should be about two inches apart, and the space rows should be 12 inches apart.
Ensure that the soil is adequately moist until the seeds sprout at least two leaves. Meanwhile, you can go for seedlings and skip the germination process. However, if you are transplanting them to the garden, wait until the last frost.
To grow Cilantro from cuttings, cut about 7 inches or a branch that has 3 inches of stem. Get rid of the leaves in the bottom and leave nearly three leaves at the top. Place the stem cutting in water and wait for the roots to form.
Once it does, you can transplant the roots into the garden or any container.
Growing Cilantro Indoors and Outdoors
Cilantro is quite easy to grow indoors for your window herb garden. You just need to provide them with water and indirect sunlight, and the plant will thrive. If you want a better overall lifespan of the Cilantro plant, pinch off the leaves regularly.
Note that Cilantro may not grow as abundantly indoors as it would outdoors. But, if you provide them with the right soil mixture, sun exposure, and harvesting, the herb will grow pretty well.
For outdoor plantation, Cilantro requires full sun along with rich and well-drained soil. If you are growing them in warm climatic conditions, give them some afternoon shade. You can improve the soil conditions by adding aged compost and rich organic matter.
Growing Cilantro / Coriander in Pots
Cilantros grow perfectly well in wide and deep pots. If you want lush and full Cilantro, choose a pot/container with 8 inches of depth. It also requires an enriching potting mix and regular water to grow easily.
Place the chosen pots in a location that receives sunlight with some shade in the afternoon. Also, keep the plants about 3-4 inches apart for optimum growth.
How to Maintain a Cilantro / Coriander Plant?
Cilantro / Coriander plants require some maintenance and care, so you can enjoy their fresh flavors. You can maintain the plant, by following these tips:
- Deadhead the flowers regularly to promote the production of leaves.
- Look out for any pests like aphids and mites. Keep distance between the plants to prevent powdery mildews and ensure good circulation.
- Pinch the top of the plant if it starts bolting
- While fertilizer can be added, do not over fertilize it, or the herb may lose its flavors
- Avoid overwatering or waterlogging the plant.
That’s how you grow Cilantro / Coriander at your home. As we have covered everything about growing Cilantro / Coriander, hopefully, you will be able to grow the herb in a hassle-free manner.
