How to grow Cilantro

Coriandrum sativum · coriander, Chinese parsley

A fast-growing annual herb grown for its leaves and seeds. It likes cool weather and bolts (runs to flower and seed) quickly in heat and long summer days.

Quick facts

Type	Herb
Family	Apiaceae
Light	Full sun
Soil pH	6–7.5
Frost	tolerates light frost
Soil for sowing	from 10 °C
Germination	14 days
Sowing to harvest	50 days
Where it grows	Greenhouse, Open ground, At home

When to plant

It tolerates light frost: sow straight into the bed about three weeks before your last spring frost.

In an unheated greenhouse everything moves about three weeks earlier.

The first harvest comes about 50 days after the shoots appear.

Frost dates · When to plant

Care

Greenhouse

Stage	Watering	Temperature	Feeding
Germination	every 2 days	—	—
Seedlings	every 3 days	10…29 °C	—
Growth	every 4 days	10…29 °C	nitrogen, at the start of the stage
Harvest	every 4 days	10…29 °C	nitrogen, at the start of the stage

Open ground

Stage	Watering	Temperature	Feeding
Germination	every 2 days	—	—
Seedlings	every 3 days	10…29 °C	—
Growth	every 5 days	10…29 °C	nitrogen, at the start of the stage
Harvest	every 5 days	10…29 °C	nitrogen, at the start of the stage

At home

Stage	Watering	Temperature	Feeding
Germination	every 2 days	—	—
Seedlings	every 3 days	10…29 °C	—
Growth	every 4 days	10…29 °C	nitrogen, at the start of the stage
Harvest	every 4 days	10…29 °C	nitrogen, at the start of the stage

Growing notes

Light

Full sun; in hot weather a spot with afternoon shade keeps it in leaf for longer.

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost, pH about 6–7.5; it dislikes soggy ground.

Care

Sow directly 0.5–1 cm deep from early spring to early summer and again in early autumn, every 2–4 weeks for a steady supply. Thin to 5 cm for leaves or 20 cm for seed. Water regularly until plants establish, then only in dry spells, and mulch to keep the soil cool. Give a light nitrogen feed once or twice a season; too much spoils the flavour. Start cutting when plants are about 15 cm tall.

Sources

Figures checked against these sources.