How to Grow Coriander from Seed

Cilantro (aka. coriander) is a fragrant annual herb. Its leaves are often known as cilantro, and the seeds are popularly known as coriander. Cilantro is also called Chinese parsley. Both its seeds and leaves are used. The leaves can be eaten raw or in cooked food. Coriander seed is used for spice. Mature herb can grow to 2 feet tall.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Coriander seeds
• Gardening tools
• Potting soil, compost
• Yard, garden
• Planter
• Artificial light or sun

1. 
    
   Coriander seeds

   Wait until late April or Early May if you are sawing outdoors. This is to have warm soil temperatures. Cold weather is not ideal to promote successful germination.
   
   You can grow coriander any time using containers placed indoors. The planter has to be at least 1/2ft deep so that the root can develop.

2. The soil should have good aeration and well drained. Make sure that good materials such as coarse gravel are in the base to aid drainage, if planting in container.

3. Sow seeds in holes around 1/2" deep, each seed 2" apart, then cover with a high quality soil. You can use a blend of soil and compost also. If planting in rows, space each row 1-1/2ft apart.

4. Seeds will take a several days to two weeks to germinate. When seedlings are about 2-4" high you can trim each herb plant down to about 1/3ft apart.

5. Use a liquid fertilizer applied to the soil every 2-3 weeks to promote growth.

6. 
    
   Cilantro

   Plant in full or partial sunlight. Place coriander on a south facing window if growing indoors. At least 4 hours of bright light per day is required.

7. 
    
   Coriander; Chinese parsley

   You can harvest the herb after the plant has reached 4" in height. Pick to use mature leaves to encourage further plant growth.

8. 
    
   Cilantro blossom

   Avoid transplanting the herb as it is very sensitive which can cause shock.

[elliesmommy]

on 4/4/2009 Before reading your article I had put my seeds in planters. Now I will wait a month and plant them directly in the ground. Thanks!

[Miragi]

on 1/26/2009 I'm assuming that producers grow Cilantro in rather sandy soil...as having unpacked it, it was always covered with sand and dirt. It's definitely worth growing especially for those who don't use as much as is sold in stores. Less waste! Great tips for growing, thanks!! :)