Cilantro
Also known as: Coriander · Chinese parsley · Mexican parsley · Dhania · Coriandrum sativum
When & where
Germination
Spacing & depth
How to plant
Direct sow in loose soil. Soak seed 24 hrs first — the husk is hard. Cover 1/4" deep, water gently, keep evenly moist. Succession sow every 2–3 weeks; the plant bolts fast in heat.
Grower's tip
Let a few plants flower — the coriander seed IS the same plant, and bees love the blooms.
Soil preferences
Light, well-drained loam. Most culinary herbs suffer in soggy soil.
6.0–7.5 (neutral)
A single fork of finished compost at planting is plenty — over-feeding weakens flavor.
Watering
Consistent moisture while young; let the top inch dry between waterings once established.
Water at the base in the morning to keep leaves dry and prevent mildew.
Overwatered: yellow lower leaves, damp-smelling soil, wilt that doesn't rebound. Underwatered: crispy tips, purple stems, sudden bolting.
Either works — Top-water established plants at the soil line in the morning. Bottom-water seed trays and small pots until roots fill the container.
Temperature tolerance
65–85°F (18–29°C) ideal
55–65°F (13–18°C)
Most annual herbs are frost-tender; perennial herbs (sage, thyme, oregano, mint) tolerate frost once established.
Container growing
Yes — great in containers
6–10 in (15–25 cm) wide, minimum 6 in deep
Herbs thrive in pots — group by water needs (Mediterranean herbs on the drier side, basil/parsley/cilantro on the wetter).
Succession planting
Sow leafy herbs (basil, cilantro, dill, parsley) every 3–4 weeks for a steady supply.
Detailed harvesting
Pinch or snip stems just above a leaf pair — never strip a plant of more than one third at a time. Harvest before flowering for peak flavor.
Post-harvest storage & preservation
Air-dry small bundles upside-down in a dark airy spot, or freeze chopped in olive oil in ice-cube trays. Store dried leaves whole in a jar; crush just before use.
Culinary, medicinal & other uses
Culinary flavoring — fresh in salads and finishing, dried in slow cooks and rubs. Many herbs (basil, mint, chamomile) also infuse oils, vinegars, or teas.
Medicinal or traditional uses are shared for interest only — this is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before using any plant medicinally.
Seed saving
Mostly insect-pollinated; some (basil, mint) self-pollinate.
Isolate different varieties of the same species by 150 ft or cage/bag flower heads to keep strains true.
Let one plant flower fully; harvest brown, dry seed heads into a paper bag; rub free and store dry.
Your zone's planting calendar
Pick your USDA hardiness zone and we'll estimate the key dates for cilantro in your area. These are regional averages — always check your own last-frost forecast before sowing.
From your kitchen — grow cilantro from what you already have
Cilantro seed is coriander — the culinary spice. Let a bolted plant dry down and you've grown both.
- 1Let plants flower and set round green seedballs. They ripen from green to tan.
- 2Cut whole stems when seeds are tan-brown and rub the seedballs off into a bowl.
- 3Dry another week on a plate.
- 4Sow for cilantro leaves, or grind for coriander spice. Save some for next year.
Storage: 4 years dry.
My Cilantro notes
Cilantro seeds on hand
Track packets and loose seeds you already have. Private to your account.
Par level — leave at 0 for no alert. Anything below par shows on Seed Starting and your shopping list.
Order more seeds
Running low? Reorder from one of these seed stores.
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