Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is an herb that has fresh, dark green leaves that are delicious and used to flavor a variety of Asian and Latin foods. Coriander is also known as "coriander" or "Chinese parsley". Coriander is not difficult to grow, the seeds can be planted directly in the ground after winter has passed, or can be planted in a pot. Here's how.
Step
Method 1 of 2: In the Garden
Step 1. Choose a planting time
The best time to plant cilantro is determined by where you live. Coriander won't grow in the snow, but it doesn't stand up to extreme heat either. In warmer climates, the best time to start planting cilantro is in late spring, between March and May. Whereas in tropical climates, coriander will grow better in cooler, drier times, such as autumn.
If the weather gets too hot, the coriander plant will curl - meaning it will release flowers and seeds. So, determine your planting time wisely
Step 2. Prepare a planting point in your garden
Choose a part of the soil where your cilantro will get full sun. Coriander needs some protection in areas with hot sun during the day. The soil in which cilantro grows should be light and well draining with a pH between 6.2 to 6.8.
If you want to work the soil before planting the cilantro, use a shovel or rototiller to work 2 to 3 inches of organic matter such as compost, rotting leaves, or animal manure into the top layer of the soil. Level your soil with a harrow before starting to plant
Step 3. Plant the coriander seeds
Sow coriander seeds in the soil about 1/4 inch deep, 6 to 8 inches apart, in rows about 30 cm apart. Coriander needs moist conditions for germination, so be sure to water it frequently. Coriander requires about an inch of water each week, and will begin to germinate in 2 to 3 weeks.
Because cilantro grows very quickly, you'll need to plant the seeds again every 2 to 3 weeks to ensure you have a steady supply of cilantro throughout the season
Step 4. Take care of your cilantro
Once the plant is about 2 inches tall, you can fertilize it with a water-soluble nitrogen fertilizer. Be careful not to overdo it, you only need 1/4 cup of fertilizer for every 7.6 meters of planting area.
Once the cilantro is strong enough, you don't need to water it as much as you normally would. You just need to keep the soil moist, but not watery because coriander is an herb from dry climates
Step 5. Prevent the plant from being overcrowded
Stop the cilantro from growing too large by cutting the plant when it reaches 2 to 3 inches in height. Remove the smaller plants and allow the larger plants to continue growing, until they are 8 to 10 inches apart. Smaller plants can be used in your cooking.
You can also prevent weeds from growing by planting more cilantro at the base of the plant as soon as it grows
Step 6. Harvest the cilantro
Harvest cilantro by cutting the single leaves and stems from the base of the plant, near the ground, when the stems have reached 4 to 6 inches in height. Use fresh new plants in cooking, not bitter old leaves.
- Do not cut more than one-third of the leaves at a time, as this can weaken the plant.
- After you harvest the leaves, the cilantro will continue to grow for at least two or three more cycles.
Step 7. Decide if you want to let the cilantro bloom
Sooner or later, the coriander plant will begin to flower. When this happens, the plant will stop producing fresh new leaves that are delicious to eat. At that time, some people will cut the flowers of the plant in the hope that the plant will produce more leaves.
- However, if you also want to harvest coriander seeds from plants, you should allow your plants to flower. Once the flowers have dried, you will be able to harvest coriander seeds which can also be used in cooking.
- Alternatively, you can let the coriander seeds fall back to the ground naturally, where new cilantro will grow and give you another cilantro plant the following season.
Method 2 of 2: Inside the Pot
Step 1. Choose a suitable pot
Choose a flowerpot or container that is at least 18 inches wide and 8 to 10 inches deep. The cilantro does not need to be moved, so the pot should be large enough to accommodate an adult plant.
Step 2. Plant the coriander seeds
Fill the pot with quick-drying soil. You can mix fertilizer in it too, if you want. Moisten the soil with a little water until it's damp, don't soak it in water. Spread the seeds slightly over the soil so that they are evenly distributed. Cover the seeds with soil after 1/4 inch.
Step 3. Place it in a place that gets a lot of sunlight
Coriander needs sunlight to grow well, so place it in a sunny window or in a greenhouse. The seeds will start sprouting within 7 to 10 days.
Step 4. Keep it moist
Keep the soil moist by using a spray bottle to moisten the soil. If you pour water directly on the ground, the coriander seeds will shift their position.
Step 5. Harvest the cilantro
Once the cilantro stalks reach 4 to 6 inches in height, the plant is ready to be harvested. Cut up to 2.3 leaves each week, as this will encourage the plant to continue growing. That way, you can harvest four coriander plants from one pot.
Tips
- Coriander is a great choice for butterfly gardens, as this plant is a butterfly's favorite, especially in the morning and evening.
- 'Costa Rica', 'Leisure', and 'Long Standing' are great types of cilantro for beginner growers, as they don't curl quickly and will provide a rich harvest of leaves.
