When most people think of gardening, the first plant that comes to mind is the tomato. However, many other plants can be grown in a garden, including cilantro. Cilantro is a herb that is used in Mexican and Indian cuisine. It has a strong flavor and is used to add spice to dishes. If you are interested in growing your cilantro, keep reading for tips on when and how to plant a cilantro seedling!
Seeds vs. Cilantro Seedling Purchases: What’s the Best Choice?
Cilantro is a popular herb with a wide range of uses, from adding flavor to dishes to providing a source of essential nutrients. If you’re looking to add cilantro to your garden, you should know a few things about this plant.
First, cilantro produces taproots, so they prefer not to be transplanted. It is best to sow seeds directly into the garden bed or container. Plant seeds in mid-to-late spring after the soil warms up, approximately two weeks after the possibility of frost.
If you want to get a head start on your plantings, consider planting your seeds indoors in biodegradable pots three weeks before the last frost in your area.
Using biodegradable pots allows you to plant the whole pot directly into the soil so that the roots can remain intact. With a bit of care and attention, you can soon enjoy fresh cilantro from your own garden.
How To Grow Cilantro From Seeds
Cilantro seeds are small and black, and they need to be planted in moist, well-drained soil. They should be planted about ½ inch deep and spaced about 2 inches apart.
Cilantro seeds will germinate within ten days to two weeks if the soil temperature is between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be thinned to be 4 to 6 inches apart.
Cilantro grows best in full sun, but it will also tolerate some shade. Water cilantro deeply, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Cilantro is ready to harvest when the leaves are 3 to 4 inches long. The entire plant can be cut back to 1 inch above the ground, and new growth will quickly emerge.
When To Plant
Fall is the ideal time to plant in Grow Zones 8-11 because the plants will produce right through the winter until the weather heats up in late spring. In milder climates, plant cilantro late in spring.
Cilantro is a cool-weather annual that is best planted in the fall in most grow zones. The plants will produce through the winter and into early spring.
Cilantro can also be planted in the spring, but it will bolt (go to seed) quickly in warm weather. Choose a slow-bolt variety and plant it in partial shade to prevent bolting.
Where To Plant Cilantro seedlings
Containers
Though it is often grown in the ground, cilantro can also be successfully planted in containers. When choosing a pot, make sure to select one at least 12 inches wide and has drainage holes.
Raised Bed
Have you ever tried to grow cilantro, only to have it bolt before you can harvest it? If you’ve struggled to grow this finicky herb in the past, you may want to consider planting it in a raised garden bed.
In a raised bed, you can control the quality of the soil, ensuring that your cilantro has the nutrients it needs to thrive. Additionally, raised beds to warm up more quickly in the spring than soil planted directly in the ground.
As a result, you can get a head start on the growing season, giving your cilantro plants a better chance of surviving.
Backyard Garden
Cilantro is a fast-growing plant easily grown in a backyard garden. The key to success is to start with well-tilled, amended soil and add a layer of mulch. Tilling the soil loosens it, making it easier for roots to take hold.
Adding organic material and compost helps to improve drainage and provides nutrients that cilantro needs to thrive. Mulching with straw or hay can help to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds from germinating.
Harvesting
While cilantro can be harvested at any time, it is best to wait until the plant has produced at least six leaves. Simply cut the stems about half an inch above the soil line to harvest.
Cilantro can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for two weeks. When ready to use, rinse the leaves and chop them as desired. Fresh cilantro can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, cilantro can be frozen or dried.
Cilantro seedling: Conclusion
Cilantro is a delicious herb that can be used in various dishes. It is relatively easy to grow, but it does require some attention. By following the tips in this article, you can produce an abundance of fresh cilantro for your kitchen.
Related Article: Cilantro Plant Wilting