Cilantro Growing Guide

Coriandrum sativum

Cilantro

Crop Rotation Group

Umbelliferae (Carrot and root family) ●

Soil

Average, well drained soil amended with compost.

Position

Full sun to partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

Seedlings tolerate light frost with protection. Established plants may survive winter in mild climates.

Feeding

Drench with a liquid organic fertilizer when plants are 4 inches tall.

Spacing

Single Plants: 7" (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 5" (15cm) with 9" (25cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Start seeds indoors in individual containers, or sow seeds outdoors half an inch deep and 2 inches apart. Gradually thin seedlings to proper spacing, and eat your thinnings. Older seedlings are difficult to transplant successfully.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Cilantro seeds are the spice known as coriander.

Harvesting

As soon as plants are 6 inches tall, pick individual leaves as you need them in the kitchen.

Troubleshooting

Plants grown in spring often rush to produce flowers; fall-grown plants are often better producers.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Cilantro