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How to grow cilantro indoors in water


How to grow cilantro indoors

Many have witnessed the often polarizing effects of the seemingly innocent herb, cilantro. Revered by some as the holy grail of garnishes, a portion of the population disagrees, relating it to the punishment of washing one’s mouth out with soap.

But for those of you on Team Cilantro and looking to grow it indoors as a houseplant, you’re in luck!

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is an excellent herb for growing indoors—as either full-sized plants or microgreens. Plants need at least six hours of full sun per day or supplemental lighting. They prefer temperatures between 50 and 80°F and moist potting soil. Direct seeding is recommended for growing full-sized plants or microgreens; propagation using stem cuttings can be used to grow full-sized plants. Choose plastic or glazed ceramic containers and a growing media that is well-draining.

Supplies for growing cilantro indoors

It’s easy to start growing cilantro indoors, and all you need is a few basic supplies. The supplies required are similar whether you are growing full-sized plants or microgreens, with a couple of exceptions.

Containers

Choose either glazed clay or plastic pots for growing cilantro plants because they keep the soil moister than terra cotta. Make sure the container has drainage holes.

For more on choosing the right pot, check out our complete pot selection guide.

Growing media

Commercial potting mixes and coconut coir both make excellent substrates for growing either plants or microgreens. They are lightweight and have excellent water retention while allowing excess moisture to drain out the growing media quickly.

To learn more about the best substrate for container-grown herbs, read our post on growing media.

Seeds or plants

Starting by seeds is the best option for newbies

There are different options when it comes to planting cilantro for your herb garden—you can start plants from seed, you can propagate from mature plants, or you can purchase young plants to grow.

The enthusiast's guide to herbs

We’re proud to present our new e-book, The Enthusiast’s Guide to Herbs! Learn everything you need to know about growing and caring for herbs indoors, including in-depth info cards for the 35 most commonly grown herbs.

Click the link below to find out more!

Find out more

Planting Instructions

The instructions for planting cilantro vary slightly depending on the method and the desired result, i.e., whether you are growing mature plants or just want microgreens.

Starting cilantro from seed:

  1. Fill the container(s) with the pre-moistened growing media of your choice.
  2. Plant cilantro seeds ¼” deep and cover lightly with potting soil.
  3. Place container(s) in an area where the ambient temperature is at least 70°F.
  4. Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Too much water pushed air out of the growing media in the root zone, causing oxygen deficiencies.
  5. Thin plants when cilantro seedlings are about two inches tall. Keep the single, best-looking plant for an 8-inch container. A 12-inch container is large enough to grow three seedlings if they are well spaced.

Starting cilantro from stem cuttings:

  1. Take a 4-inch stem cutting right below a node and remove all of the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem.
  2. Place the cut end of the stem in a glass or jar of water, allowing it to grow until newly generated roots are a couple of inches long.
  3. Fill the container(s) with pre-moistened growing media of your choice.
  4. Carefully plant newly rooted cuttings in the substrate, one cutting per 8-inch pot and 3 per 12-inch container.

Starting microgreens

  1. Fill the container with potting soil and sow seeds over the entire surface of growing media in the tray. When using a standard seed tray, the best yield is seen when you seed 26 ounces per tray. [1]
  2. Do not cover the seeds with soil, and stack a tray on top to compress the seeds. Use a weight like a hardcover book inside the top tray to provide compression.
  3. Place container(s) in an area to sprout where the ambient temperature is at least 70°F.
  4. After 24 hours, use a mister, spray bottle, or fine droplet watering hose, and lightly saturate the soil with water. You do not want to flood the tray, or the seeds will displace. Water once a day, and remember to check the soil surface’s moisture level; always underwater instead of overwater.

Caring for your cilantro plant

Cilantro cuttings in mug

Light

Indoor plants need a high amount of sunlight to see maximum growth and yield. Cilantro needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight when grown outdoors, so strive for at least this amount inside. South or westwardly-facing window sills provide the most sunlight and are best for growing herbs that need a lot of light.

Oftentimes indoor gardening spaces cannot provide the full-sun conditions similar to growing outside; in this case, plants should be supplemented with light via grow lights. A simple 45 watt LED lamp can be suspended just above the plant’s surface to provide extra light. This prevents the cilantro from becoming “leggy” as it strains to find sunlight. As the plant grows, the light should be raised.

Temperature

Cilantro is classified as a cool-season plant, so it grows best when temperatures are between 50 and 80°F. Seeds need at least 55-68 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate. Plants can survive a light frost when grown outdoors, but ensure plants are protected from chilly drafts when growing containers inside.

One of the benefits of growing cilantro indoors is the controlled environment. When outside temps rise above 85°F, the cilantro plant is triggered to go into reproductive mode. Known as bolting, the leaves become thin, the flavor is lost, and large umbrella-like structures form flowers and seed pods.

For more information on bolting and how to prevent it, read our article here.

Water

Cilantro growing in containers likes its potting soil to stay moist without being waterlogged. Proper drainage is the key to healthy cilantro.

Water full-sized plants thoroughly—until water runs out the bottom of the container—when the soil surface starts to dry out. Keep soil for microgreens consistently damp without being too wet. Too much soil moisture encourages problems with damping-off, powdery mildew, and aphids, especially with high seed density.

Remember: plants crave moisture, not water, and underwatering is always better than overwatering.

A spray bottle is the ideal method of irrigation when germinating seeds and watering seedlings. A cheap alternative can be a plastic water bottle with small holes punched into the tightened lid. If the soil is so dry that it has difficulty absorbing, be patient; allow the water to saturate the soil before dosing with water again.

Rainwater or distilled water is best, but tap water is acceptable if you don’t have a water softener. If your water is chlorinated, fill a container with water and let it sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate before using.

Air Circulation

Some air circulation is good for cilantro, especially when growing microgreens. Cilantro is susceptible to damping off, a fungus that first appears as white mold and shrivels the stems until the seedlings die.[2] Prevent this by generating a little air movement through the plants using a small fan.

Fertilizer

Because the cilantro plant will have a finite supply of space in the container and therefore limited nutrients, it is vital to keep your container fertilized. A diluted fish emulsion (like this one you can find here on Amazon) is an excellent option for adding nutrients into the soil, but use the amount recommended for the size of your container. Over fertilizing is just as detrimental!

If you are interested in learning more about fertilizing, check out our post on properly fertilizing herbs.

Harvesting

Freshly cut cilantro

Harvesting cilantro happens on a different timeline for microgreens versus full-sized plants. Regardless of the growing method, always use clean scissors and clean hands when harvesting. Microgreens are ready to harvest after about 20 days, full-sized plants are ready when they reach about 6 inches.

Cilantro is an annual herb with a short life cycle. Unfortunately, it’s not a “cut-and-come-again” type of herb and is typically enjoyed for 8-10 weeks. A general rule of thumb is to snip ⅓ of the plant per week.

If you want an endless supply, direct sow your seeds every 2-3 weeks and pinch off the cilantro tops to extend the plant’s lifespan.

History and application of cilantro

Cultures across the globe have embraced cilantro – also known as Chinese parsley – as their own for centuries. The earliest recorded coriander was found in Israel and dates back to 6,000 B.C.E.[3] Pinpointing the origin is difficult, but spanning across cultural cuisines, the herb is almost always used raw. Once dried, the seed heads are used to produce the popular spice coriander.[4]

In most cuisine, fresh cilantro is used to maintain the complex, acidic, pungent flavor. All varieties will do well in an indoor environment. You’ll find cilantro leaves in Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, Asian, South American, and North American cuisine. It is prevalent in salsas and soups.

Medicinal properties of cilantro

Because the use of cilantro and coriander is ancient and widespread, there are many claims to its health benefits and healing properties. Scientific research supports the antioxidant nature of cilantro; leaf extracts can suppress oxidation stress and reduce radical scavengers. [5]

FAQ

Does cilantro grow well in pots?

Yes, cilantro does grow well in pots when adequately cared for. One of the critical steps is choosing pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to drain. Use coconut coir or potting soil to fill containers and keep it moist without it being saturated. Make sure your plant gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight, and the temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you grow cilantro inside year-round?

Yes, you can grow cilantro inside year-round, making it so you have a supply of fresh herbs whenever you need it. However, to do so, you will need to plant new seeds continuously, as cilantro is a short-lived annual plant. In the winter, when days are shorter, it may be necessary to supplement lighting with an LED grow lamp.

Does cilantro grow back after harvesting?

No, unlike some other species of herbs, cilantro does not grow back once you harvest material from the plant. It is not considered a “cut-and-come-again” herb, so once you begin harvesting you can expect to harvest leaves for about 8 to 10 weeks before the plant reaches the end of its life.

Join our email club—get printable info cards free!

Sign up to receive our newsletter and get access to 10 printable plant info cards from our e-book for free. Also receive:

Find out more

  1. Johnny’s Selected Seeds. n.d. “Johnny’s Micro Greens Yield Trial: Comparison Chart for 29 Popular Varieties.” Accessed September 27, 2021. ↩︎

  2. Smart Gardener. n.d. “Damping Off.” Accessed September 27, 2021. ↩︎

  3. Levy, Faye. 2006. “Cilantro - the biblical herb.” The Jerusalem Post, February 2, 2006. ↩︎

  4. UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions. n.d. “Cilantro.” Accessed September 27, 2021. ↩︎

  5. Singletary, Keith. 2016. “Coriander: Overview of Potential Health Benefits.” Nutrition Today, 51 (3): 151-161. ↩︎

How to grow cilantro indoors

Many have witnessed the often polarizing effects of the seemingly innocent herb, cilantro. Revered by some as the holy grail of garnishes, a portion of the population disagrees, relating it to the punishment of washing one’s mouth out with soap.

But for those of you on Team Cilantro and looking to grow it indoors as a houseplant, you’re in luck!

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is an excellent herb for growing indoors—as either full-sized plants or microgreens. Plants need at least six hours of full sun per day or supplemental lighting. They prefer temperatures between 50 and 80°F and moist potting soil. Direct seeding is recommended for growing full-sized plants or microgreens; propagation using stem cuttings can be used to grow full-sized plants. Choose plastic or glazed ceramic containers and a growing media that is well-draining.

Supplies for growing cilantro indoors

It’s easy to start growing cilantro indoors, and all you need is a few basic supplies. The supplies required are similar whether you are growing full-sized plants or microgreens, with a couple of exceptions.

Containers

Choose either glazed clay or plastic pots for growing cilantro plants because they keep the soil moister than terra cotta. Make sure the container has drainage holes.

For more on choosing the right pot, check out our complete pot selection guide.

Growing media

Commercial potting mixes and coconut coir both make excellent substrates for growing either plants or microgreens. They are lightweight and have excellent water retention while allowing excess moisture to drain out the growing media quickly.

To learn more about the best substrate for container-grown herbs, read our post on growing media.

Seeds or plants

Starting by seeds is the best option for newbies

There are different options when it comes to planting cilantro for your herb garden—you can start plants from seed, you can propagate from mature plants, or you can purchase young plants to grow.

The enthusiast's guide to herbs

We’re proud to present our new e-book, The Enthusiast’s Guide to Herbs! Learn everything you need to know about growing and caring for herbs indoors, including in-depth info cards for the 35 most commonly grown herbs.

Click the link below to find out more!

Find out more

Planting Instructions

The instructions for planting cilantro vary slightly depending on the method and the desired result, i.e., whether you are growing mature plants or just want microgreens.

Starting cilantro from seed:

  1. Fill the container(s) with the pre-moistened growing media of your choice.
  2. Plant cilantro seeds ¼” deep and cover lightly with potting soil.
  3. Place container(s) in an area where the ambient temperature is at least 70°F.
  4. Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Too much water pushed air out of the growing media in the root zone, causing oxygen deficiencies.
  5. Thin plants when cilantro seedlings are about two inches tall. Keep the single, best-looking plant for an 8-inch container. A 12-inch container is large enough to grow three seedlings if they are well spaced.

Starting cilantro from stem cuttings:

  1. Take a 4-inch stem cutting right below a node and remove all of the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem.
  2. Place the cut end of the stem in a glass or jar of water, allowing it to grow until newly generated roots are a couple of inches long.
  3. Fill the container(s) with pre-moistened growing media of your choice.
  4. Carefully plant newly rooted cuttings in the substrate, one cutting per 8-inch pot and 3 per 12-inch container.

Starting microgreens

  1. Fill the container with potting soil and sow seeds over the entire surface of growing media in the tray. When using a standard seed tray, the best yield is seen when you seed 26 ounces per tray. [1]
  2. Do not cover the seeds with soil, and stack a tray on top to compress the seeds. Use a weight like a hardcover book inside the top tray to provide compression.
  3. Place container(s) in an area to sprout where the ambient temperature is at least 70°F.
  4. After 24 hours, use a mister, spray bottle, or fine droplet watering hose, and lightly saturate the soil with water. You do not want to flood the tray, or the seeds will displace. Water once a day, and remember to check the soil surface’s moisture level; always underwater instead of overwater.

Caring for your cilantro plant

Cilantro cuttings in mug

Light

Indoor plants need a high amount of sunlight to see maximum growth and yield. Cilantro needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight when grown outdoors, so strive for at least this amount inside. South or westwardly-facing window sills provide the most sunlight and are best for growing herbs that need a lot of light.

Oftentimes indoor gardening spaces cannot provide the full-sun conditions similar to growing outside; in this case, plants should be supplemented with light via grow lights. A simple 45 watt LED lamp can be suspended just above the plant’s surface to provide extra light. This prevents the cilantro from becoming “leggy” as it strains to find sunlight. As the plant grows, the light should be raised.

Temperature

Cilantro is classified as a cool-season plant, so it grows best when temperatures are between 50 and 80°F. Seeds need at least 55-68 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate. Plants can survive a light frost when grown outdoors, but ensure plants are protected from chilly drafts when growing containers inside.

One of the benefits of growing cilantro indoors is the controlled environment. When outside temps rise above 85°F, the cilantro plant is triggered to go into reproductive mode. Known as bolting, the leaves become thin, the flavor is lost, and large umbrella-like structures form flowers and seed pods.

For more information on bolting and how to prevent it, read our article here.

Water

Cilantro growing in containers likes its potting soil to stay moist without being waterlogged. Proper drainage is the key to healthy cilantro.

Water full-sized plants thoroughly—until water runs out the bottom of the container—when the soil surface starts to dry out. Keep soil for microgreens consistently damp without being too wet. Too much soil moisture encourages problems with damping-off, powdery mildew, and aphids, especially with high seed density.

Remember: plants crave moisture, not water, and underwatering is always better than overwatering.

A spray bottle is the ideal method of irrigation when germinating seeds and watering seedlings. A cheap alternative can be a plastic water bottle with small holes punched into the tightened lid. If the soil is so dry that it has difficulty absorbing, be patient; allow the water to saturate the soil before dosing with water again.

Rainwater or distilled water is best, but tap water is acceptable if you don’t have a water softener. If your water is chlorinated, fill a container with water and let it sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate before using.

Air Circulation

Some air circulation is good for cilantro, especially when growing microgreens. Cilantro is susceptible to damping off, a fungus that first appears as white mold and shrivels the stems until the seedlings die.[2] Prevent this by generating a little air movement through the plants using a small fan.

Fertilizer

Because the cilantro plant will have a finite supply of space in the container and therefore limited nutrients, it is vital to keep your container fertilized. A diluted fish emulsion (like this one you can find here on Amazon) is an excellent option for adding nutrients into the soil, but use the amount recommended for the size of your container. Over fertilizing is just as detrimental!

If you are interested in learning more about fertilizing, check out our post on properly fertilizing herbs.

Harvesting

Freshly cut cilantro

Harvesting cilantro happens on a different timeline for microgreens versus full-sized plants. Regardless of the growing method, always use clean scissors and clean hands when harvesting. Microgreens are ready to harvest after about 20 days, full-sized plants are ready when they reach about 6 inches.

Cilantro is an annual herb with a short life cycle. Unfortunately, it’s not a “cut-and-come-again” type of herb and is typically enjoyed for 8-10 weeks. A general rule of thumb is to snip ⅓ of the plant per week.

If you want an endless supply, direct sow your seeds every 2-3 weeks and pinch off the cilantro tops to extend the plant’s lifespan.

History and application of cilantro

Cultures across the globe have embraced cilantro – also known as Chinese parsley – as their own for centuries. The earliest recorded coriander was found in Israel and dates back to 6,000 B.C.E.[3] Pinpointing the origin is difficult, but spanning across cultural cuisines, the herb is almost always used raw. Once dried, the seed heads are used to produce the popular spice coriander.[4]

In most cuisine, fresh cilantro is used to maintain the complex, acidic, pungent flavor. All varieties will do well in an indoor environment. You’ll find cilantro leaves in Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, Asian, South American, and North American cuisine. It is prevalent in salsas and soups.

Medicinal properties of cilantro

Because the use of cilantro and coriander is ancient and widespread, there are many claims to its health benefits and healing properties. Scientific research supports the antioxidant nature of cilantro; leaf extracts can suppress oxidation stress and reduce radical scavengers. [5]

FAQ

Does cilantro grow well in pots?

Yes, cilantro does grow well in pots when adequately cared for. One of the critical steps is choosing pots with drainage holes to allow excess water to drain. Use coconut coir or potting soil to fill containers and keep it moist without it being saturated. Make sure your plant gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight, and the temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you grow cilantro inside year-round?

Yes, you can grow cilantro inside year-round, making it so you have a supply of fresh herbs whenever you need it. However, to do so, you will need to plant new seeds continuously, as cilantro is a short-lived annual plant. In the winter, when days are shorter, it may be necessary to supplement lighting with an LED grow lamp.

Does cilantro grow back after harvesting?

No, unlike some other species of herbs, cilantro does not grow back once you harvest material from the plant. It is not considered a “cut-and-come-again” herb, so once you begin harvesting you can expect to harvest leaves for about 8 to 10 weeks before the plant reaches the end of its life.

Join our email club—get printable info cards free!

Sign up to receive our newsletter and get access to 10 printable plant info cards from our e-book for free. Also receive:

Find out more

  1. Johnny’s Selected Seeds. n.d. “Johnny’s Micro Greens Yield Trial: Comparison Chart for 29 Popular Varieties.” Accessed September 27, 2021. ↩︎

  2. Smart Gardener. n.d. “Damping Off.” Accessed September 27, 2021. ↩︎

  3. Levy, Faye. 2006. “Cilantro - the biblical herb.” The Jerusalem Post, February 2, 2006. ↩︎

  4. UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions. n.d. “Cilantro.” Accessed September 27, 2021. ↩︎

  5. Singletary, Keith. 2016. “Coriander: Overview of Potential Health Benefits.” Nutrition Today, 51 (3): 151-161. ↩︎

How to grow from seeds, landing and care

Content

  • 3 Caring for cilantro at home on the windowsill
    • 3.1 Optimum conditions for growing cilantro on the windowsill
    • 3.2 Watering
    • 3.3 Fertilizing
  • 4 Tips and Tricks
  • 5 Conclusion

    • Growing cilantro from seed at home on a windowsill is becoming more and more popular. This makes it possible in winter to have fresh herbs and a whole range of useful substances necessary for the human body. Cilantro is a unique seasoning used in cooking in different countries. Has several names. Among them are coriander, calender, hamem, Chinese parsley, chilantro. Latin - Coriandrum sativum. The only caveat is that the greens of the plant are called cilantro, and the seeds are called coriander.

    Is it possible to grow cilantro on a windowsill?

    This popular herb is traditionally grown by gardeners. However, any vegetable grower can easily grow cilantro from seed on a windowsill. It is only necessary to provide appropriate care and competently sow the culture. The taste and aroma of cilantro greens will be the same as when sowing in open ground. This is an annual crop, so the agricultural technique of growing greens on the windowsill cannot be called complicated.

    Lush bush of spicy greens grown on the windowsill serves as a source of nutrients in winter

    How to grow cilantro at home on a windowsill

    There are two main methods that will give you the same result. Cilantro on the windowsill is grown in a pot. It is convenient and practical. You can collect ripened seeds or cut green sprouts.

    Coriander is harvested in two ways:

    1. By sowing seeds. This is a variant of seedless technology. Cilantro seeds need to be sown in a container and provide them with the proper conditions. The process is longer, but it is more reliable. It is important to sow high-quality cilantro seeds, then follow all the requirements of agricultural technology.
    2. Growing hydroponic plants. Planting material can be bought in the distribution network. The advantage of the method is time, and the disadvantage is the poor survival of greenery, because cilantro reacts with a strong decrease in growth during transplantation.

    Important! Sowing cilantro seeds at a certain interval, you can provide yourself with greenery throughout the winter period.

    Experienced farmers advise to adhere to the sequence of sowing greens 1 time in 12-14 days. There are also basic steps and rules for growing cilantro on the windowsill.

    Preparing the soil and planting container

    In order for the culture to feel comfortable and develop well on the windowsill, attention must be paid to the choice of containers. The root system of coriander is large and powerful. She takes up a lot of space and doesn't like transplanting. This is due to the very small number of adventitious roots. Injury to the main root leads to the death of the plant. Therefore, a pot for growing greens should be chosen taking into account these nuances. Capacity must be:

    1. Rectangular. The width of the flowerpot is not more than 25-30 cm, the depth is more than 40 cm. Such parameters will allow the gardener to place it on the windowsill with the most beneficial use of space. The size of the pot depends on the amount of greens grown.
    2. From a certain substance. Another important requirement for capacity is the ability of the material to “breathe”. Ceramic, plastic, wood or clay without enamel are suitable.
    3. As required. The pot must be equipped with drainage holes to avoid moisture stagnation.

    Important! When using a plastic pot on the windowsill, the frequency of loosening should be increased.

    For sowing it is allowed to use an ordinary flower pot with drainage holes

    Now for the right choice of substrate. For cilantro, you will need a loamy or sandy loamy soil of a loose structure. You can buy this soil mixture for greenery at the store or cook it yourself. It is enough to mix garden soil with compost or humus, peat and sand in equal amounts. Add 3 tablespoons of wood ash for every kilogram of the mixture. Warm the soil in the oven or spill it with a solution of potassium permanganate. Then use to grow cilantro greens on a windowsill.

    Preparation of planting material

    For sowing greens, you need to purchase only fresh cilantro seeds. This is due to the fact that they quickly lose their germination. Sowing material three years ago, you can not wait for the appearance of sprouts. It is better to purchase it in specialized stores where they sell high-quality seeds.

    The spice department sells heat-treated coriander seeds. If you decide to collect cilantro seeds yourself, then it is important to give them time to ripen well.

    Dry cilantro seeds should be sown. Some farmers advise soaking planting material for 15 minutes in a solution of potassium permanganate to prevent diseases. To improve seedling quality, you can soak cilantro seeds for 2 hours in plain water.

    It is better to sort out cilantro seeds before sowing in order to leave the largest ones

    Planting rules

    The algorithm for sowing cilantro from other crops is not fundamentally different. But it still has its subtleties. The main stages of growing greens on the windowsill:

    1. Lay a drainage layer on the bottom of the container.
    2. Fill the cilantro container with the prepared soil and moisten it slightly. The distance from the edge of the pot to the surface should be at least 2-4 cm. This will allow you to add soil as needed.
    3. Place cilantro seeds with a sowing depth of 0.5-1.5 cm. There are several planting patterns. You can put from 3 to 10 seeds in one pot with a distance of about 7-10 cm between them. It is very convenient to arrange them in a spiral. The second way is a few cilantro seeds in one hole in the middle of the pot. Get a lush bush of greenery. If you sow cilantro in a container or box, then it is better in rows. The distance between the grooves is 5-7 cm, between the seeds is 1.5 cm. If necessary, cilantro seedlings can always be thinned out.
    4. Sprinkle a thin layer of sifted peat on top and moisten.
    5. Cover container with film or glass and keep in a dark place.
    6. Moisten the soil periodically.
    7. Open the film to remove condensation and ventilate the mini greenhouse.

    The first cilantro sprouts will appear on the windowsill in 10-14 days. The film must immediately be removed and the containers transferred to the light.

    Caring for cilantro at home on the windowsill

    As soon as tiny loops of sprouts appear, competent care is required immediately. It consists of:

    It is important to create comfortable conditions for the growth and development of crops on the windowsill.

    Optimal conditions for growing cilantro on a windowsill

    Cilantro can grow on a windowsill all year round. To do this, you need to take care of the environment appropriate for the culture. The main requirements without which a good coriander crop cannot be obtained:

    1. Ambient temperature. For culture, a value of at least + 15 ° C should be maintained. The top should not exceed + 30 ° C, otherwise the plant will begin to form flower stalks very quickly. In this case, there will be almost no greenery. Room temperature is ideal for cilantro.
    2. Humidity. The average value is the most optimal. In dry air, the plant looks oppressed, slows down growth. High humidity leads to rot and fungal infections on cilantro seedlings. Therefore, you should not put the pot on the windowsill above the heaters. It is also required to avoid places where there are drafts.
    3. Lighting. Diffused light works best, although cilantro can withstand direct sunlight well. If the containers are on the windowsill of the south, east or west window, then there will be enough lighting. It is not recommended to put plants on the northern windows. Cilantro needs light for 10-12 hours. Minimum 6-8 hours. In winter and on dimly lit window sills, additional cilantro lighting or backlighting will be needed.

    Important! Every day you need to turn the plant so that it develops evenly.

    If cilantro lacks light or moisture, the bush will grow weakly. From the moment of sowing seeds until the appearance of the first leaf, it should be plentiful. Then the intensity needs to be reduced and the soil should be moistened moderately for 1-1.5 weeks. As soon as the period of active vegetation of cilantro comes, you can again switch to abundant watering. If it is required that cilantro seeds ripen on the bush, then at the time of their ripening again reduce the amount of moisture. It is important not to let the soil dry out and to maintain the rhythm of watering. After 15 minutes after irrigation, it is advisable to drain the excess water to avoid the development of powdery mildew. On hot days with increased dryness of the air, you need to spray the leaves with warm water.

    Top dressing

    When growing cilantro on a windowsill, it is necessary to fertilize the soil. The frequency of feeding is 1 time in 14 days. It is optimal to use complex mineral compounds and prepare the solution strictly according to the instructions. You need to start feeding the sprouts after the formation of the outlet. It is possible to replace chemical compositions with biocomplexes. In this case, be sure to combine any top dressing with watering. For the active growth of greenery, complexes with a high content of N (nitrogen) are required. When ripe cilantro seeds - phosphorus and potassium. Too zealous with the nutrition of cilantro on the windowsill is not recommended. Feeding once every 2-3 weeks is enough.

    In addition to watering and feeding, when growing cilantro from seeds on a windowsill, other important procedures must be followed:

    1. Thinning. It is not always possible to accurately calculate the number of plants per pot volume. To get lush green cilantro, you need to thin out seedlings in a timely manner. Too dense sowing will lead to a lack of green mass and forcing of peduncles. Plants on the windowsill will have to compete for light, water and food. The first thinning is necessary at the stage of 1-2 true leaves. Of several nearby cilantro seedlings, one should be left the most developed and strong. For the normal development of one bush, 35 square meters are required. m area.
    2. Weeding is another necessary condition. There should be no weeds around the plant that reduce the intensity of green growth. This event also reduces the possibility of diseases and pests of cilantro.
    3. Loosening prevents an increase in soil density. Cilantro loves loose soil, especially when grown on a windowsill.
    4. Pinch off flower stalks if seeds are not needed. Then the cilantro greens will be much more magnificent.
    5. Cut. No need to cut the stems at the root, just cut off the leaves of cilantro and eat.

    In general, the process of caring for a plant on the windowsill is not considered difficult.

    Thinning allows cilantro seedlings to get enough light and nutrition

    Useful tips

    In addition to the generally accepted rules for growing cilantro on the windowsill, gardeners know some secrets and tricks. This allows you to get high-quality results faster and without much effort. For example:

    1. Cilantro should be sown constantly at intervals of a month. Thus, fresh herbs will be on the table all year round.
    2. The soil can be reused by adding a little compost and disinfecting it in any convenient way.
    3. Do not dry cilantro greens. She will not please with either taste or smell. It is better to dry the seeds and grind them into a powder before use.
    4. Add coriander powder to dishes before the end of cooking so that it does not lose its aroma.
    5. When cilantro blossoms, the greens smell like bugs. Then this smell is replaced by citrus. You just need to wait.
    6. It is recommended to plant several varieties of cilantro at once. They behave differently under the same conditions. The taste will be more varied, you can choose your favorite variety for further cultivation.
    7. Pinch off flower stalks in time to prevent unpleasant odor from the leaves.

    One more tip - do not plant cilantro in the same pot with other herbs. She doesn't like her neighbors very much.

    Grow cilantro separately from other herbs so as not to oppress the plant

    Conclusion

    Growing cilantro from seeds at home on a windowsill is easy even for beginners. By following agrotechnical recommendations, you can have fresh spicy herbs with your favorite taste all year round.

    Cilantro on the windowsill

    By Biomaster Reading 5 min Posted on

    Cilantro grows beautifully on the windowsill and gives fragrant greenery, so loved by many. Its peculiar taste is not like any other spice. How to grow cilantro at home, read the article.

    Contents of the page

    Cilantro or coriander?

    Botanical name - Creeping coriander. This name is common in Europe and its origin is Greek. The word kinza (kindza) is borrowed from the Georgian language. In different countries, this plant is called - kishnets, kolandra, kuzbara, etc.

    Supposed homeland - Eastern Mediterranean. Even in ancient times, coriander spread to adjacent territories. Its seeds have been found in the pyramids of Egypt dating back to the second millennium BC, it is mentioned in the Old Testament.

    Each region developed its own varieties. In addition, the traditional use of this ancient cultivated plant in cooking and medicine developed. So, in Georgia, Armenia, both the green part and the fruits are loved, in other areas they prefer seeds. The spicy taste of cilantro is due to the essential oils in all parts of the plant, but they are chemically different, so the taste of the leaves is very different from the taste of the seeds. The content of other plant components that also affect taste sensations - oils, vitamins, acids, tannins, resins, sugars in percentage terms is very different in coriander, which grows in different countries. How to grow other herbs at home read in article .

    Growing conditions

    Tank

    Growing cilantro at home is not difficult.

    Containers are selected plastic, ceramic, any size.

    Medium pot (15-20 cm) fits 2-3 bushes. In large containers, the distance between plants must be at least 7 cm.

    Drainage is mandatory - water must easily pass through all layers.

    Lighting

    Prefers indirect light, but can withstand direct sunlight. In summer, the southern, western and eastern windows get by with natural light. In winter, at home, they are illuminated with fluorescent lamps and LEDs.

    Temperature

    Not sensitive to temperature. Withstands significant temperature fluctuations. Seeds can germinate even at 6°C. When it rises - about 30 ° C and above, the rapid formation of peduncles begins.

    Moderate room temperature is great for growing cilantro.

    Watering

    Watering abundantly, especially when the plant is on the southern windows with bright sunlight.

    Soil and fertilizer

    The soil mixture is made light and fertile, pH 6.5-7.5. A mixture of soddy soil, humus, sand, coconut fiber (peat) in equal proportions is well suited. A common reason for growing failure is too acidic soil, which has a lot of peat. When using purchased soil, special attention should be paid to its acidity.

    Feeding is not necessary if the soil is fertile, because cilantro has a short growing season and there are enough nutrients for its development. If there are doubts about the quality of the soil, they are fed with complex mineral fertilizers with a high nitrogen content to build up green mass 2-3 weeks after germination. Fertilizers should be dominated by phosphorus and potassium at the stage of seed ripening.

    The process of growing cilantro

    For sowing, fresh seeds are taken and sown immediately in a permanent place: cilantro does not tolerate transplantation. Seeds are planted to a depth of 1-2 cm, 2-3 seeds are placed in each hole. The distance between the holes is 7-10 cm. Cover with a transparent covering material to increase humidity.

    Seedlings appear in the open field in 2-3 weeks, and even faster at home. When the seedlings grow a little, the weak ones are removed, leaving 1 plant in each hole. The soil is kept constantly moist - watered abundantly, and as soon as the top layer begins to dry out, water again. High-quality tender greens are obtained with sufficient moisture, otherwise the leaves will be rough, and the taste will become worse. It is mainly consumed fresh, because when dried, the taste becomes completely different.

    Start collecting leaves after 30-50 days (depending on the variety), when the plants reach a height of 15-20 cm. Harvesting is carried out in three ways: the leaves are stripped, the rosette is cut off before the stalking phase, or the plant is pulled out of the ground along with the root. Regular removal of flower arrows slightly prolongs the collection of greenery. A change in taste and stiffness becomes a signal of the unsuitability of cilantro for food.

    Seeds mature in 90-120 days: their color turns brown and they fall off heavily. At home, it is easy to adapt to their collection, but you can do otherwise, as is customary on an industrial scale. The fruits are harvested at the stage of wax ripeness, laid out in the shade and dried for 2 weeks. During this time, full ripening occurs and they can be planted again.

    Coriander has a short growing season during which the greens are obtained, and crops are planted every 2-3 weeks to ensure regular supply. In winter, they must be artificially illuminated, otherwise they will stretch out and develop slowly.

    The best varieties for growing

    Indoors, it is customary to grow varietal cilantro.

    The plant quickly develops flower arrows, after which the greens become unusable. Therefore, breeders purposefully breed varieties whose cultivation is intended to obtain green mass, which increases this process in time.

    Learn more