Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

Fresh leaves best harvested before flowering. Leaves are cilantro, seeds are coriander. Suitable for growing in containers. Easy to grow by direct seed in spring or late summer. Moderately frost-tolerant. Full sun. Annual.

Nutrients: vitamin C, provitamin A, and K.

How to Grow Cilantro from Seed

Bed Preparation

Cilantro is an annual that prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Planting

Cilantro can be direct seeded outdoors in early spring and again in fall. Optimal soil temperatures for germination are 60-80°F. At temperatures above 80°F, cilantro seed is unlikely to germinate and plants will quickly bolt and die. Sow seeds ¼" deep and 4-6" apart. Seeds will germinate in 7-21 days. Thin seedlings so mature plants are 8-12" apart. Does best with consistent, moderate moisture.

Harvest

Cilantro can be harvested as soon as plants are large enough. Snip above ground parts before plants flower. For cilantro seed, also known as coriander, allow plants to flower and harvest when seeds are brown and dry.