The porous quality of the clay makes these pots breathable, which keeps the soil cool, while retaining moisture. Terracotta pots are made from iron-rich clay soil. This aeration will provide extra moisture and air to the roots of the cilantro plant.Ī wide unglazed terracotta pot works best. Any container with a drainage hole is a reliable option however, to grow well, cilantro needs a pot that provides plenty of ventilation. An Unglazed Terra Cotta Pot or Other ContainerĬilantro grows best in containers. If, however, you are growing cilantro for the seeds, any other type will do. Santo and Calypso varieties of cilantro are far more cost-effective for growing fragrant and flavorsome leaves. During the winter months, you might need to use grow lights to produce a constant supply of cilantro. Once the seeds have been planted, germination can take up to three weeks.Ĭilantro grows best in cool and moist conditions and requires at least six hours of sunlight per day. The cilantro plant does not do well when transplanted because it develops a taproot. It is easier to grow cilantro by directly sowing the seeds. What You Will Need to Grow Cilantro Indoors The heat will cause cilantro to bolt, and it will then lose any culinary value. Avoid planting cilantro in summer unless you can regulate the temperature indoors. The best time to plant cilantro seeds is when the weather is cooler in late spring or early fall.
How to Grow Cilantro Indoors IntroductionĬoriandrum sativum, commonly known in the US as cilantro, is an annual herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. Should I pull out my cilantro when it bolts?.Will my cilantro grow back after cutting?.Three-Step Guide to Growing Cilantro Indoors.
There are about 2,000 seeds per ounce, so home gardeners will not need to purchase a lot of seeds for each season. If you plan to harvest the seeds, plant the seeds 8 inches apart in rows 15 inches apart.įor both uses, the seed depth should be about ¼ to ½ inches. Set the seeds 2 inches apart in rows 12 to 15 inches apart if you are planning to harvest cilantro leaves. To establish cilantro from seeds, set the seeds in a soft, well-tilled, and composted soil in January or February for a spring crop or in September for a fall crop. Weekly plantings will ensure that you have a continuous crop. In Texas, the best time to plant cilantro is in February for an April harvest and again in September for a November harvest. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees F, but if temperatures exceed 85 degrees F it will start to bolt. PlantingĬilantro is a cool-season crop that does best at temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees F. VarietiesĬilantro prefers a light, well-drained, moderately fertile loam or sandy soil, but it will tolerate many soils as long as nutrient levels and moisture are monitored. Coriander oil is purported to have a medicinal quality and reduce flatulence. The seeds, which are referred to as coriander, have a distinct flavor similar to orange and are used in pastries, sausage, and cooked fruit, and as an important ingredient in pickling spice and curry powder. Both its fresh green leaves and its seeds are used in many dishes, from Mexican food to Thai food.Ĭilantro leaves are used fresh in salads, salsa, and meat dishes, and can add a little zest to an omelet. Cilantro is in the same family as parsley and is originally from Greece.