Table of Contents
Timing: Plant cilantro in the late spring (two weeks after the last frost) or early fall to avoid hot temperatures. Cilantro planted during the summer heat will have a bitter flavor, and last for a shorter period of time.
What temperature does cilantro grow best in?
Cilantro is a cool-season crop that does best at temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees F. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees F, but if temperatures exceed 85 degrees F it will start to bolt.
Will cilantro come back year after year?
Will my cilantro plants come back every year? Cilantro is an annual herb, but it does reseed itself well. If you let your cilantro plants flower and go to seed, they will reseed themselves easily. In mild climates, due to the short life cycle of cilantro, you can get 2-3 cycles of cilantro in one season.
What is the trick to growing cilantro?
Plant cilantro in full sun and well-drained soil. Light shade is fine for locations in the South and Southwest where the sun is intense. Be mindful of cilantro’s growing season. The plants do well in cool weather— spring and fall in most places.
Can you grow cilantro in the winter?
Fall and winter planting is ideal for cilantro because it is day-length sensitive, which means that when the days get longer, it will go to seed. “Plant in the fall and you’ll have big, healthy plants throughout winter and into spring,” said Creasy, who lives in Los Altos.
How do you grow cilantro in the summer?
Sow cilantro seeds directly into sunny, fertile beds from early spring through early summer and then again in early autumn. Plant 10 to 15 seeds per foot of row. Cover the seeds with about one-half inch of soil. Thin plants to eight inches apart with rows 18 to 24 inches apart.
How often should I water cilantro?
Cilantro craves moist soil, so check the soil every couple of days and be sure plants in beds get about an inch of water per week. When growing cilantro in containers, you may need to water more frequently, especially as temperatures begin to rise.
How long does a cilantro plant last?
So, it will only survive for a few months in the cool spring and fall, or in winter, depending on your climate. If the temperature is too hot, then it won’t live as long. Growing cilantro gives you two products in one: as a fresh herb, and a spice (coriander).
How do you care for outdoor cilantro?
Plant cilantro during the cool days of spring or fall. Grow cilantro in an area that receives full sun and has rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.2 to 6.8. Offer afternoon shade if you live in a warmer climate. Improve native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter.
Does cilantro need full sun?
Garden growing conditions for cilantro are very similar to almost all other vegetables and herbs. A soil that is light and well-drained with a generous amount of organic matter is beneficial. The plants need full sun for most of the year. The soil pH should be 6.5, which is slightly acidic.
What can you not plant near cilantro?
Avoid fruit-bearing plants like tomatoes and peppers, as these don’t do well alongside the nitrogen-bearing plants you may be planting by your cilantro. One good bet is to plant some tall annual flowers. Cosmos are easy to direct sow after danger of frost has passed.
How do I make my cilantro bushy?
Pinch back young cilantro plants an inch or so to encourage fuller, bushier plants. Snip off the top part of the main stem as soon as it appears to be developing flower buds or seedpods. Cutting off the flower heads redirects the cilantro plants’ energy back into leaf, and not flower or seed production.
Can I plant cilantro in July?
Cilantro prefers the milder temperatures of fall and spring, making it a fantastic crop to plant in cool seasons or indoors. You can grow the herb in summer heat, too.
Can you grow cilantro indoors all year round?
Keep in mind when planting cilantro indoors that it will grow less abundantly than when it’s grown outside in your garden. However, with added care and attention to sun exposure, soil mixture, moisture and gentle harvesting, you will be rewarded with this flavorful and aromatic herb year round.
Is it hard to grow cilantro?
The cilantro plant (Coriandrum sativum) is relatively an easy-to-care herb. It is grown as an annual herb and belongs to the family Apiaceae. Many gardeners prefer growing cilantro indoors, some even year-round, to have a fresh supply for cooking their favorite dishes.
Can you grow cilantro in pots?
Most people choose too shallow pots for growing cilantro, but that’s a mistake. Similar to dill, cilantro needs a pot that is deep and wide. For growing lush and full cilantro in a container, choose one that is at least 8 inches deep. If you can get a window box or large plastic tub — this would be a perfect size.
