Growing cilantro: Simple techniques for fresh, flavorful herbs all season

Cilantro, coriander, or Chinese parsley is a staple ingredient in global cuisine. It is an annual herb, scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum, and belongs to the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots and parsley. 

The plant’s stem and leaves are typically called “Cilantro,” while the seeds are called “Coriander” in the United States. The leaves are widely used in Southeast East Asian, Mexican, and Indian cuisines as a garnishing material to boost the beauty of dishes, while the seeds are used as spices in various recipes.

Cilantro is known for its polarised taste because it offers two different tastes based on people's genetic perceptions. Some find it soapy because they are genetically more sensitive to aldehydes, while others find it fresh lemon-like tasty. Actually, it is a bit citrusy in taste. It is widely grown because of its nutritional value and antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties.

Cilantro can bear various environmental conditions. It can be grown in different soil types and is often used as a rotational crop. It boosts soil fertility, boosts nutrients, breaks pest cycles, and adds organic matter. Besides this, cilantro has a relatively short growing cycle, a maximum of 45 days, resulting in an economic boost by harvesting multiple crops in a single growing season. 

Growing this herb in home gardens helps to obtain a fresh, high-quality, cost-effective, and continuous supply of cilantro for routine cooking. It's a rewarding hobby that boosts the garden's beauty, provides extensive greenery, and reduces stress. 

Growcycle offers efficient irrigation systems, including drip irrigation and automated sprinklers, which help cilantro growers reduce the risk of fungal diseases and save water. They provide customized soil mixes, soil preparation tools like tillers and ploughs, and soil test kits to help farmers monitor their soil’s pH and nutrient levels. They also offer planting equipment like seeders to ensure a steady and uniform planting with accurate depth and provide harvesting tools to reduce labor costs and save time.

Botany of Cilantro Plant

The most distinctive feature of cilantro is its leaves, which are vibrant green or darker green in color. The average length of the leaves is 1 to 2 inches. They are feathery, delicate, and soft with a strong, unique aroma, just like a mix of parsley and citrus. 

Plant stems are thin and hollow, the same color as leaves, and can reach a maximum height of 24 inches. They are also used in cuisines because of their crunchy properties and comparatively more intense flavor than leaves. Similarly, cilantro roots are also used in various cuisines, like Thai cooking, because of their high-intensity flavor. They consist of a tap root system, including one main root with many lateral branches. 

The flowers are produced in clusters, small in size and white in color, but the color may vary to pale pink depending upon the type of cilantro and provided growing conditions. Flower pollination with the help of insects results in flower blooms, leading to small and round fruits known as schizocarps, which contain two seeds. The young seeds are green, but they turn brown once they mature. They are warm, citrusy, spicy, and 1/8 in diameter. 

Varieties of Cilantro

Cilantro comes in multiple varieties, each fulfilling different culinary needs. Some of the major categories include slow-bolting varieties, compact varieties for container growth, and heat-tolerant varieties. 

Slow Bolting Varieties

Calypso, slo bolt, leisure, and long-standing are the famous slow-bolting varieties. These varieties usually have an extended growing season and uniform growth, resulting in reliable, long-lasting, and extended harvesting. This consequently boosts economic growth and fulfills routine culinary requirements with minimal input. 

Compact Varieties

This category includes cruiser, confetti, and dwarf lemon varieties. These varieties grow upright and are compact, making them ideal for growing in containers. They are usually citrusy in flavor and have feathery leaves, which are ideal for garnishing multiple cuisines. 

Heat Tolerant Varieties

Heat-tolerant varieties include advanced Turbo II, Santo, synmaster, and Leisure. These varieties are disease resistant, slow to bolt, high yielding, fast-growing, and suitable for warmer regions for reliable growth. 

Health Benefits

Cilantro is a low-calorie herb rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K; minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron; and antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. It plays a crucial role in body detoxification against heavy metals, including arsenic, mercury, and lead, reducing cancer risk and cardiovascular and neurological issues. 

It also helps reduce chronic stress and cholesterol issues, promote good cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and regulate sodium levels in the body. Similarly, it reduces the body's inflammation, arthritis, and food-borne illnesses and infections, treats digestive health issues, and promotes good gut bacteria.

Cilantro plays a crucial role in blood sugar regulations and is especially famous for its hypoglycemic effects, leading to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. It also helps to keep the skin healthy and fresh and prevents cognitive health disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's. Its extensive vitamin K presence boosts the immune system and maintains strong and healthy bones. 

Growth Stages

Cilantro is an easy-growing herb that can be planted in cooler months. The seeds undergo germination within 6-7 days after sowing, and thereafter enter the seedling stage characterized by the growth of true leaves, which subsequently mature into fully opened leaves.

The continuous harvest of upper leaves can be started when leaves grow 6 inches tall and are encouraged to continue growing. Still, cilantro is a short-living plant that needs to be replanted after a specific production period. 

Like other plants, coriander's dormant period is not significant. However, rising temperatures can stress seed roots, and during this period, coriander produces flowers or seeds rather than fresh leaves. 

Factors to Consider While Growing Cilantro

The fresh, aromatic leaves of cilantro can be grown quickly by sowing seeds, which need some primary considerations for healthy growth. Here is step-by-step guidance for proper planting procedures:

1. Choosing the Right Location

The optimal location can improve flavor and production by providing nutrients during nourishing. Coriander seeds generally grow fast in sunlight or partially shaded places. However, the selected spot must have rich fertilizers with a 6.5 to 6.8 pH, well-drained soil, and 4-6 hours of direct sun interaction to prevent a bolt situation.

Continuous sunlight in a warm climate can be harmful, so afternoon shades are recommended to protect the soil moisture. Cooler areas can give ideal sun exposure to cilantro. Cilantro soil requirements are not challenging; it can grow in all types of soil texture: loamy, sandy, or clay. Incorporation of compost or well-rotted manure can enhance the growth rate by improving soil drainage and nutrient quantity.

2. Timings

The exact timing depends on the grower’s regional climate, but cilantro is a cool-season herb that can be planted in early spring. Two to four weeks before the last expected frost is the ideal time to plant the seeds when the soil becomes more friendly for little gems. The warm regions can sow the seeds between late February and April, according to temperature conditions.

Milder regions with moderate winter climates can consider planting cilantro in the fall, as it provides an ideal cool temperature for young seedlings. August to October days give enough time to grow the seeds before the extreme cold of winter. 50°F to 86°F is the preferable temperature for cilantro. Planters can choose the sowing time according to their regional temperature throughout the year.

3. Planting Methods

Depending on personal preferences and weather conditions, growers can choose different planting methods, including direct sowing, indoor seed starting, and transplantation of seedlings.

For the direct method, the soil is prepared by loosening it with a gardening fork or sharp knife and mixing organic matter. Seeds sown develop seedlings in 7-14 days. After growing 2 inches tall, they must be thinned about 6-8 inches apart to have enough space to grow mature leaves.

If the outdoor growing season is short, seeds can begin indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Seed-starting trays with seed-starter mix or pots with potting mix can give better results for indoor planting.

The indoor seeds can be transplanted after growing 2-3 inches tall with leaf sets into garden soil or beds for outdoor exposure. Following the process, the young seedling requires careful handling, gentle separation from the pot, and transplantation into garden beds.

4. Spacing and Depth

Direct seed release in the soil or indoors requires  1/4  to 1/2 inches of depth and 1-2 inches of space between each seed. The seeds do not need to be buried but require lighter soil coverage to grow.

The seedlings need to be planted at the same depth indoors, starting with a 6-8 inch row space, to maintain stability and reduce the roots' stress. Extra-deep transplantations can stop or slow down the growth and cause root rot.

Simple Techniques to Grow Fresh Cilantro

After a successful planting, ongoing care is essential to monitor the growth and help resolve the problematic factors promptly. The following steps are necessary to continue the health and repeated harvesting of cilantro:

1. Watering

Cilantro flourishes in moist soil that has adequate water levels: not too dry and not soggy. The grower can check it by hand; if the upper surface starts to dry, it’s time to supply balanced water. A weekly watering frequency of once or twice is sufficient for cilantro. However, the timing can be adjusted based on the regional climate, as warm regions require more frequent watering, while cold regions can lower the frequency to once a week. 

Using a soaker hose or drip irrigation is helpful to wet the upper surface because wet foliage can lead to fungal risks.

2. Fertilizing

Cilantro needs balanced, all-purpose fertilizers to obtain balanced nutrients and improve the soil structure. These fertilizers can be replaced with organic compounds, such as fish emulsion, rotted manure, and compost.

The initial fertilization before planting the seeds provides a base of leveled nutrients; one repetition of the process is enough during growth. The schedule can also be changed according to soil type and nutrient composition.

3. Mulching

Mulching is beneficial for cilantro in many ways. For example, it maintains soil moisture and cools during hot weather. Furthermore, organic mulch can provide extra nutrients to promote the growth of plants, therefore limiting or suppressing weed growth.

Straw, grass clippings, wood chips, or shredded rotted leaves are general organic cilantro mulching methods. These mulches are spread 2-3 inches thick but maintain a distance from stems.

4. Companion Planting

Carrots, spinach, radishes, beans, potatoes, and tomatoes are good companion plantings for cilantro. All these companions have the same growing conditions; cilantro attracts beneficial insects while repelling dangerous pests, making its companions healthy and growing fast. 

Fennel, Dill, and sometimes parsley can compete with cilantro for nutrients because fennel's strong growth and nutrient absorption inhibit the companion plant. Parsley proves beneficial, but it can compete with cilantro for space and nutrients in some soil types.

Cilantro Growing Tips

• Gently rubbing cilantro seeds with sandpaper before planting helps them grow better.
• Putting seeds in the fridge for a few weeks before planting tricks them into thinking winter has passed.
• Putting aloe vera gel on cilantro cuttings helps them grow roots faster.
• Mixing a little Epsom salt into the soil gives the plant magnesium, which helps it grow.
• Mixing used coffee grounds into the soil makes the soil drain better and adds food for the plants.
• Putting banana peels in the soil near cilantro plants slowly gives the plants nutrients.
• Breaking eggshells into small pieces and putting them around the plants keeps pests away and adds calcium to the soil.
• Growing cilantro in aquaponic, a special system that uses fish waste to feed the plants, will result in fast growth.

When and How to Harvest Cilantro?

After 3-4 weeks of seeds sowing, the plants grow to 6-8 inches tall with true leaf sets. This is an ideal time to harvest them for eating because young leaves are tender and flavored. Cilantro plants should be cut near the base, leaving 1-2 inches from the soil surface. Sharp scissors or garden shears should be considered for a neat cut without damaging the base. Leaving base stems helps to regrow the plants in a few days.

If cilantro is grown for seeds, harvesting should start after flowering and turn brown, which takes 3-4 months after planting. After harvesting the seed heads, they should be placed in a paper bag or container with a paper towel. When they dry completely, the seeds should be separated by gently rubbing the heads.

Harvesting Techniques to Promote Regrowth

To encourage the regrowth of cilantro, the cuttings should not exceed one-third of the plant's length. If plants start to bolt, the flower buds should be removed regularly to prevent seed production. The cuttings should be left 1-2 inches from the base to regrow the plant, and sharpening tools should be preferred rather than hand stretching.

Storage Methods

Cilantro can stay fresh for a week in refrigerator storage if contained in a plastic bag or container with a damp paper towel to create humidity; freezing and drying storage can increase its shelf life. 

The water method can also extend the shelf life of fresh water; the leaves are covered loosely with a plastic bag, and the stems are dipped in a jar filled with 1-inch water. It is necessary to replace the water in this container after a few days after placing it in the refrigerator. This procedure can keep cilantro fresh for two weeks.

Preserving Cilantro

Long term storage is possible by cutting and washing the leaves and spreading them on a baking sheet to freeze until they become solid. The frozen cilantro is then shifted into a freezer-safe bag and can be directly used in cooking dishes.

The cilantro stems are tied together with a string after being washed and patted dry using the drying method. Then, these tied stems are hung upside down in a dry, well-ventilated space for 1-2 weeks. Once dried, the leaves are crumbled and stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place for use in cooking.

Challenges and Solutions

Managing common growing challenges involves several precautions that are taken to save cilantro from pests and disease attacks, such as follows:

• Plant Diseases

Bolting starts due to irregular watering, temperature fluctuation, and nutrient deficiency. One may ensure a steady yield by strategically controlling shaded regions or sun exposure based on weather conditions, selecting robust seed types to withstand harsh conditions, and implementing succession planting every 2-3 weeks. 

Leaf drop caused by yellowing leaves can disrupt growth. To minimize leaf spots, it is important to avoid excessive watering, use mulching techniques, ensure adequate cleaning and spacing in rows, and apply fungicides.

Leggy plants grow tall but with weak stems and few leaves. This situation is caused by overfertilisation, improper light exposure, less space in seedlings, and wrong pruning techniques. Avoiding all these factors can improve health.

Poor germination can occur due to insufficient moisture, old seeds, or improper soil nutrients. The process can be improved by using high-quality seeds, pre-fertilizing the soil, and keeping the soil moist during germination.

• Pest Management

Spider mites, aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies are general pests that attack cilantro and affect its growth; introducing beneficial predators such as ladybugs and lacewings or using organic spray can eliminate these pests. 

FAQs

How can you mimic cilantro’s natural habitat in your garden?

Today, a wide range of agricultural technologies can artificially change the existing soil and environmental conditions. To mimic cilantro’s natural habitat, it is recommended to change the soil pH, keeping it 6.2 to 6.8. 

Similarly, 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight, 50-80°F temperature, consistent watering, 6 to 8 inches spacing, and growing the best companion plants can mimic cilantro’s natural habitat and produce high yield. 

What are the benefits of growing cilantro in containers?

Growing cilantro in containers is ideal for space savings, mobility, and control, including maintaining soil quality, moisture level, and pest management. It minimizes nutritional competition between cilantro weeds and other pests because, in a controlled environment, there is little chance of producing weeds and pests. 

How can you extend cilantro’s growing season in your region?

To extend the growing season, it's necessary to sow seeds every 2 to 3 weeks. Similarly, planting the cilantro under the best companion plants, like tomato’s shade, reduces the heat stress. Also, proper mulching prevents bolting while indoor growing or using cooler places to grow, promoting cilantro's life span and harvesting frequency. 

The Bottom Line

The crucial factor for achieving successful development of cilantro is planting it in early spring or fall using high-quality seeds in nutrient-rich soil with appropriate and precisely determined watering frequency. 

In summer, it is necessary to sow the cilantro under partial shade; otherwise, heat waves will destroy the plant because it only thrives in colder temperatures. Keeping the soil well drained naturally using organic matter or artificially using chemicals and tools is crucial to avoid root rot and the whole plant’s degradation. 

For successful Cilantro growth, consult with Growcycle for the best agricultural tools and products. They provide customized growth plans, including soil management products, fertilizers, cilantro harvesting tools, and expert guidelines. 

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice.