Discover the simple method for cultivating cilantro indoors. This is great news for home cooks who enjoy adding this flavorful herb to their dishes like noodles, guacamole, rice, chicken, and more. The best part is that cilantro can be grown indoors, allowing you to enjoy it all year round without being dependent on the weather or seasons. However, like any plant, cilantro requires special attention, especially when grown indoors. We consulted with gardening expert Meg Austin to learn the best practices, from planting to harvesting for your enjoyment.
About the Expert:
Meg Austin is a gardening instructor and fifth-generation farmer.
When to Plant:
One of the advantages of growing cilantro indoors is that you can plant it at any time that suits you. “Since cilantro grows rapidly and tends to bolt quickly, I recommend succession planting to ensure a continuous supply,” says gardening expert Meg Austin. She suggests starting new seeds every two to three weeks for a constant fresh harvest.
How to Plant:
Cilantro seeds are similar in size to small peas and have a hard, wrinkled surface. “To soften the protective seed coating before planting, soak the seeds in warm water for 8 to 12 hours,” advises Austin. Alternatively, lightly scuffing the hard seed shell with a nail file can also help speed up germination. Unlike other plants, cilantro doesn’t like to be transplanted, so it’s best to sow the seeds directly into a container where they can grow permanently.
Tip:
Ensure you plant an adequate amount of cilantro seeds in the same container for a plentiful harvest. “Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart,” recommends Austin. Since one seed produces only a few leaves, having multiple plants is essential.
Care Instructions:
Taking care of cilantro indoors is straightforward, but creating the ideal environment is crucial for success.
Light:
Cilantro thrives in full sun, which can be a challenge indoors. “Place your pot near a south-facing window or use grow lights for 12 to 14 hours of light each day,” advises Austin.
Temperature:
While cilantro seeds prefer a warm environment for germination, once they sprout, cilantro is a cold-season crop that grows best during cooler periods like spinach or kale. Ensure your cilantro containers are kept away from direct heat sources to maintain a moderate temperature indoors.
Water:
Cilantro requires frequent watering, but not in excess. “Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch feels dry or the soil pulls away from the pot edges,” instructs Austin.
Your potted cilantro will thrive in slightly acidic soil pH. “Select a wide, shallow container that is at least 6 inches deep and has good drainage,” advises Austin. “Cilantro develops an extensive root system, so opting for a deeper pot is ideal! Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix.”
When it comes to harvesting, the timing will vary depending on the cilantro variety and the part of the plant you wish to harvest. If you are aiming to use the cilantro leaves, you may need to wait around 50 to 70 days before harvesting, sometimes even less.
On the other hand, if your objective is to gather coriander seeds, patience is key as the plants need to fully mature, bolt into delicate blossoms, and then dry. However, most individuals are primarily interested in the leaves.
“When harvesting cilantro, I always recommend beginning with the outer leaves,” says Austin. “By consistently harvesting or pruning the plant, we encourage the cilantro to continue growing continuously.”
For more tips, you can refer to the original article on Martha Stewart about how to store cilantro to make it last for up to 2 weeks.
