Grow Cilantro from Seed

Grow Cilantro from Seed

Cilantro is a cool-season crop that grows best when the temperatures are between 50° and 85°F. In Central Texas we can begin seeding Cilantro into our gardens in September/October for a November/December harvest and again in February for an April harvest.

Cilantro tends to “bolt”, or flower, in hot temperatures, after which it becomes bitter. Try to plant early enough in the spring to get a harvest before the real heat arrives.

Cilantro may be grown in beds in the ground in a well-drained, somewhat fertile soil or it may be grown in pots with a quality potting soil such as Happy Frog Potting Soil.

 

 

 

 

 

Plant the large seeds about ¼” to ½” deep and about two inches apart. If grown in rows, space them about 12”-15” apart. The seeds germinate in the dark, so be sure to lightly cover them with soil.

 

 

 

Keep the soil moist until the seedlings are up and growing. Water only as needed during the winter months. Fertilize at least once after plants are up and growing with Happy Frog Tomato and Vegetable Fertilizer.

Plants are ready to harvest about 45-70 days after seeding, depending on variety. Snip the outer leaves and allow the plant to continue growing or harvest the entire plant by cutting it off at about 3” above the ground.

 

Cilantro may be planted weekly in succession plantings to ensure a continuous harvest. If you let it flower and go to seed you can save the seeds for your next planting. Simply cut the seed heads off over a paper bag when they are just ripe but BEFORE the seeds start to fall. If the seeds fall, you will have TONS of volunteers the next cool season, sometimes to excess!

Happy Planting!