Coriander, also known as Cilantro, can add a clean, herbaceous flavor to many dishes, particularly Asian, Mexican, and Mediterranean dishes. It is commonly grown for its fragrant leaves or aromatic seeds, so it is no surprise that many gardeners are becoming interested in growing it. This post will cover in-depth when to transplant coriander seedlings.
If you are planning to grow coriander, you may want to know when is the best time to transplant seedlings and how to do it properly.
Well, while caring for coriander herbs from sowing or planting to harvest is generally easy, keeping them in good health when transplanting can be difficult because of their deep taproots.
However, this doesn’t mean transplanting is extremely difficult.
The most important thing to keep in mind when transplanting these tasty and fragrant herbs is that they grow best when the soil is consistently between 70°F and 75°F.
When is the best time to transplant coriander seedlings
The demand for coriander is pretty high in many cuisines and dishes. That’s why many chefs specializing in these kinds of dishes prefer raising these herbs in pots or gardeners to ensure a constant supply.
Whichever your reason for growing cilantro, if you have coriander seedlings that you wish to transplant, the best time to transplant these herbs is in spring or fall.
Coriander seedlings prefer cool weather and are sensitive to an increase in temperature. For this reason, you want to transplant when the temperatures are anywhere between 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Coriander leaves are naturally ready for harvesting after 3 to 4 weeks, and the harvesting period lasts for about three weeks. To achieve a contact supply, you may want to sow small amounts every 2-3 weeks.
Cilantro will almost certainly bolt in summer or when temperatures go high.
How to transplant coriander seedlings
Coriander is relatively easy to grow and care for but can be very tricky to transplant, a reason why it is often listed among the plants that are difficult to transplant. Many gardeners and chefs also prefer to plant them in a fixed location from seeds until harvest to prevent wilting after transplant.
All in all, gardeners who wish to grow cilantro in large quantities can successfully transplant the seedlings with a few tricks. Here are steps and tips to help ensure you transplant your cilantro successfully:
1. Pick the right time
Coriander plants are sensitive to increases in temperatures and could even bolt immediately after they are set out of pots. For this reason, you want to do proper timing; otherwise, you may only get frustrated. That said, the best time to transplant coriander is two to three weeks after the last frost.
Planting during this time will ensure that the plants mature before the temperatures rise above 85°F.
2. Choose a suitable planting spot
Cilantro can thrive in many soil types with controlled levels of moisture and nutrients but prefers average, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. When transplanting, you should plant the seedlings in a spot that receives partial shade. They do well with 4-6 hours of the bright morning sun or bright, filtered sunlight all day.
Keep in mind that the intense heat of the afternoon sun can make cilantro leaves bitter and inedible.
3. Prepare the planting site and dig holes
Before planting your coriander seedlings, incorporate organic material into at least the top 6 inches of your garden. This can go a long way to boosting drainage while adding necessary nutrients to the soil.
Next, dig holes deep enough to accommodate the taproots, leaving 8-12 inches between holes and 12-15 inches between rows. Cilantro plants usually have tap roots, so make the hole about 3-4 inches deep.
4. Transplant your herbs
Coriander seedlings have sensitive root systems that dislike being distubed. To remove them from pots without damaging their root system, use a trowel to dig a wide circle around each plant before lifting it. Although a certain level of damage is inevitable, digging large circles can lower damage.
Gently remove the seedlings from the small circles and immediately insert them in their designated holes in the garden before gently filling the excess room with soil.
5. Watering
Cilantro seedlings generally do not need a lot of water, but you may need to water often in the first week to help ensure the plant establishes itself. When watering, use a spray bottle to avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
When To Transplant Coriander Seedlings: Conclusion
While cilantro seedlings are generally difficult to transplant due to their lengthy taproots, with a little precaution, it can be pretty natural and relatively easy. With these steps and little care, you should be able to transplant your coriander seedlings successfully.
Related Article: How to Grow Cilantro in Florida?