Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a flavorful herb used in many cuisines worldwide. It’s an easy herb to grow, even in small spaces, and growing cilantro in pots is a perfect option for gardeners with limited space. Whether you want fresh cilantro for your kitchen or just love the smell of herbs growing in your home, this guide will walk you through how to grow cilantro from seed in pots.
Why Grow Cilantro in Pots?
Growing cilantro in pots offers several advantages:
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Space-saving – You can grow cilantro in any small space, such as balconies, patios, or even windowsills.
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Control – Container gardening allows you to control the soil quality and protect your plant from pests and diseases.
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Convenience – Having cilantro in pots means you can move it around to follow the sun or to protect it from extreme weather.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, growing cilantro in pots is a rewarding and practical way to enjoy fresh herbs.
What You’ll Need
To grow cilantro in pots, gather the following materials:
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Cilantro seeds (available at garden centers or online)
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A pot with drainage holes (at least 6–8 inches deep and 10 inches wide)
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Well-draining potting mix
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Watering can or hose with a gentle nozzle
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Fertilizer (optional)
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A sunny location that gets at least 4–5 hours of sunlight per day
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Cilantro from Seed in Pots
1. Choose the Right Pot
The first step to successfully growing cilantro is selecting the right pot. Cilantro has a shallow root system, so choose a container that’s at least 6–8 inches deep and about 10 inches wide. The container should also have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from accumulating, which could lead to root rot.
Plastic, terracotta, or ceramic pots all work well for growing cilantro, but make sure the pot is large enough to allow the roots to spread out comfortably.
2. Prepare the Soil
Cilantro grows best in loamy, well-draining soil. You can use a good-quality potting mix, but ensure it’s well-aerated to avoid compacted soil. If your potting mix is too dense, you can amend it with some perlite or sand to improve drainage.
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Fill the pot with the potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top for watering.
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Consider mixing in some organic compost for extra nutrients, as cilantro prefers slightly fertile soil.
3. Plant the Cilantro Seeds
Cilantro is best grown from seed. Here’s how to plant:
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Soak the cilantro seeds in water for about 4–6 hours before planting. This will help speed up the germination process.
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Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, spacing them about 1–2 inches apart. Cilantro can be direct-seeded into the pot or you can plant a few seeds and thin them out later.
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After planting, lightly cover the seeds with soil and gently water the pot to settle the seeds into the soil.
Cilantro seeds typically germinate within 7–10 days under the right conditions. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, until they sprout.
4. Provide Sunlight and Temperature
Cilantro thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Ideally, the plant should get at least 4–5 hours of sunlight per day. If you’re growing cilantro indoors, place your pot near a sunny window. If you’re growing it outside, choose a location that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.
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Cilantro prefers cool temperatures ranging from 55–75°F (13–24°C). It may bolt (go to seed) quickly in hot weather, so be mindful of temperature fluctuations. In warmer climates, try to plant cilantro during the cooler months, or consider providing partial shade during the hottest parts of the day.
5. Watering and Fertilizing
Cilantro prefers consistent moisture, so water your pot regularly, but ensure that the soil drains well. The top of the soil should be moist, but not waterlogged. Be careful not to overwater, as cilantro’s roots are prone to rot in soggy conditions.
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Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use a watering can with a gentle nozzle to avoid disturbing the seedlings.
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If growing cilantro in containers, you may need to water more frequently than if it were planted in the ground, as container soil dries out more quickly.
Although cilantro doesn’t require heavy fertilization, you can feed it with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks to encourage healthy growth. If using compost, additional feeding may not be necessary.
6. Thinning and Harvesting
As your cilantro grows, you may notice the plants crowding one another. It’s important to thin the seedlings to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth. Once the seedlings have a few leaves, thin them out by cutting the weaker plants at soil level, leaving about 4–6 inches of space between each plant.
Cilantro grows quickly, and you can start harvesting once the plants are about 6 inches tall. For the best flavor, harvest the outer leaves first, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Simply cut the leaves with scissors or garden shears.
If you leave the cilantro to flower and go to seed, you can collect the seeds, which are known as coriander and can be used in cooking or as a spice.
7. Preventing Bolting
One of the challenges of growing cilantro is preventing it from bolting (going to seed) prematurely. When cilantro bolts, the leaves turn bitter and the plant starts to produce flowers and seeds. Here’s how to prevent bolting:
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Plant cilantro in cool weather: Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures, so avoid growing it during the hottest months of the year.
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Harvest regularly: Removing the outer leaves encourages the plant to focus on growing new leaves rather than flowering.
Conclusion
Growing cilantro from seed in pots is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, flavorful herbs in your home or garden. With the right container, soil, and care, cilantro thrives in pots, providing you with a continuous supply of fresh leaves for cooking. By following these steps—selecting the right pot, planting seeds, providing sunlight, and managing watering—you’ll be on your way to harvesting your very own cilantro in no time.
