If you want to grow your own fresh herbs, cilantro is the best choice. It’s simple to grow, can be used in many ways in the kitchen, and looks great in any garden. But, like all trees, it all starts with germination.
It’s not as hard as it might seem to get cilantro to sprout, but you need to know how to germinate cilantro seeds properly if you want a big supply.
We’ll talk about everything you need to know about cilantro sprouting and how to get it right from the start in this guide.
How does Cilantro Germination Work?
Germination is the process by which a seed turns into a seedling. For cilantro, this starts when the seed soaks up water and starts to grow.
However, cilantro seeds, which are also called coriander seeds, are known to take longer to germinate than other leaves. Making sure these seeds have the right circumstances to grow is the key to success.
Tip: The outside of cilantro seeds is hard, so you may need some extra help to open them. A simple trick is to soak seeds before planting, which can make the process of sprouting go much faster.
Leave the seeds to soak for 6 to 8 hours or overnight. This will soften the seed coat and help your cilantro grow faster.
Read our blog “How to grow cilantro from seed” for more details.
The Best Conditions for Growing Cilantro
Having the right conditions is very important for the growth of your cilantro seeds. Before it sprouts, cilantro needs these things to do well:
- Temperature: Cilantro likes temperatures that are in the middle. Aim for temperatures between 18°C and 24°C, or 65°F to 75°F. If it’s too hot or too cold, your cilantro might not grow as well.
- Soil: The soil needs to be loose and well-drained. Lime- or acid-free (pH 6.5 to 7.0) dirt is best for cilantro. The cilantro seeds will have a hard time growing if the dirt is too packed down.
- Sunlight: Cilantro grows best in full sun, but it can also handle some shade, especially in warmer places. If you start indoors, though, make sure the seeds get enough light to support strong growth. In places where there isn’t much natural lighting, grow lights can help.
- Concerning watering, cilantro likes it when the soil stays moist, but not too wet. Root rot can happen if you water too much, so make sure your pots or flower beds can drain well.
The Step-by-Step Process of Growing Cilantro
Step 1: Get your seeds ready.
To put cilantro seeds, soak them in water for six to eight hours or overnight. This makes the seed coat softer, which helps the seeds grow. You can also lightly crush the seeds with a rolling pin to break the hard outer shell.
Step 2: Put the seeds down.
Plant cilantro seeds about ¼ inch deep into your prepared soil. Space them about 2 inches apart to give the plants room to grow. When you start indoors, make sure the seed box has good drainage.
Step 3: Keep the moisture level steady
After putting the seeds, give the soil a light watering to keep it moist but not soaked. The seeds may take anywhere from 7 to 14 days to sprout, so make sure the dirt stays moist. It takes a while for cilantro seeds to sprout, but it’s worth the wait.
Step 4: Keep an eye on the light and temperature
Keep the soil’s temperature between 65°F and 75°F, which is the best range. Put your seeds somewhere that will get at least six hours of sun every day. If growing indoors, you might want to use grow lights to help seedlings grow in a healthy way.
Step 5: Separate the seedlings.
Once your cilantro plants have a few true leaves, separate them so they don’t get too crowded. Give each plant enough space to grow and spread out without having to fight for water, light, or food.
Common Cilantro Germination Problems and How to Overcome Them
It’s not too hard to grow cilantro, but there are a few common problems that can make it harder for the seeds to sprout. Here’s how to deal with them:
Slow Plant Growth: It may take a while for cilantro seeds to sprout if the temperature is too low or if they weren’t wet first. Make sure your seeds have the heat they need, and soak them to see effects faster.
A low rate of germination means that many of your cilantro seeds are not growing. This could be because the seeds are old or were not stored properly. This will work best if you use fresh seeds.
Long seeds: If your cilantro seeds are tall and thin, it could be because they aren’t getting enough light. For strong growth, cilantro needs a lot of light. Make sure they’re getting enough, especially if you start inside.
Getting Cilantro to Do Well
Cilantro Seeds from Sow Right Seeds are a great choice if you want to start your garden off right with high-quality cilantro seeds.
They are non-GMO heirloom types that are great for gardeners of all levels. You can grow cilantro indoors or outdoors with these seeds, and you’ll get the fresh, tasty plant you want.
Conclusion
If you follow the right steps, it shouldn’t be hard to get cilantro seeds to grow. You can quickly grow healthy cilantro plants if you give them the right dirt, temperature, and amount of water. As the cilantro seeds start to sprout, don’t forget to give them a little extra care.
Soon, you’ll have fresh leaves ready for your next dish. Make sure you start with good seeds, keep your growing space clean, and enjoy the process!
Are you ready to begin? Get yourself some good cilantro seeds and start gardening right away! Have fun planting!
FAQs
How long does it take for cilantro seeds to grow?
Depending on the temperature and the state of the soil, cilantro seeds usually take 7 to 14 days to sprout.
Can I grow parsley inside?
Yes, cilantro can be grown indoors as long as it gets enough sunshine (six or more hours a day) or grow lights are used to help it along.
When is the best time to plant seeds for cilantro?
Since cilantro does best when it’s cooler, put it in early spring or fall. Do not plant when it is very hot outside.
How do I know when my cilantro is ready to harvest?
When the leaves are fully grown but before the plant flowers, cilantro is ready to be picked. Cutting the leaves regularly encourages new growth.
Can you grow cilantro from stems?
You can’t grow cilantro from cuttings because they don’t root well, but you can grow new plants from the seeds or the original seedling.
What’s going on with my cilantro?
Too much water, not enough nutrients, or too much heat can all turn cilantro yellow. Make sure the dirt doesn’t stay soggy and the plant doesn’t get too much sun.
