I'll never forget my first attempt at growing cilantro from coriander seeds. Picture this: me hovering over a sad pot of dirt for three weeks, convinced I'd been sold dud seeds. Turns out I made every rookie mistake in the book. After killing more cilantro seedlings than I care to admit...
Why Growing Cilantro from Seeds Actually Makes Sense
Supermarket cilantro turns slimy in days. Nursery plants bolt before you harvest. But when you grow cilantro from coriander seeds? Total game changer. Fresh leaves whenever you want, plus bonus seeds for cooking or replanting. It's shockingly easy once you avoid my early blunders.
Quick reality check: "coriander seeds grow cilantro" refers to the same plant (Coriandrum sativum). Seeds = coriander, leaves = cilantro. Confusing naming, simple plant.
What You'll Need to Get Started
- Seeds: Look for slow-bolt varieties (Santo is my workhorse)
- Soil: Light and crumbly (I mix compost with regular potting soil)
- Containers: 8-inch deep pots with drainage holes
- Location: Sunny windowsill or balcony spot
Choosing Your Coriander Seeds: More Important Than You Think
Not all seeds are equal. Last spring I tested 4 types:
| Variety | Days to Harvest | Bolting Tendency | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santo | 50-55 days | Low | ★★★★★ (never bolts early for me) |
| Calypso | 55-60 days | Very low | ★★★★☆ (slower but worth it) |
| Leisure | 45 days | Medium | ★★★☆☆ (bolts if temps fluctuate) |
| Standard packet seeds | Unknown | High | ★☆☆☆☆ (waste of time honestly) |
Where to buy matters too. Avoid bargain bins - I learned this the hard way when only 3 seeds sprouted from a dollar-store packet.
The Planting Process: Step-by-Step Without the Fluff
Prep work: Crush seeds lightly between plates (hear that crack? Good!). Soak overnight in water. This wakes them up.
Truth moment: I skip soaking sometimes. Sprouting takes 3-4 days longer but works fine. Don't stress if you forget.
Planting day:
- Fill pots with moist soil (not soggy!)
- Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, 2 inches apart
- Cover lightly - think dusting of soil, not burial
- Mist surface until damp like a wrung-out sponge
Biggest mistake? Planting too deep. Those little guys can't push through heavy soil. Ask how I know...
Where Things Go Wrong: Light and Water Truths
My cilantro graveyard phase happened because I misunderstood these two:
Sunlight Needs (No Guesswork)
| Growth Stage | Ideal Light | What Actually Works |
|---|---|---|
| Seedlings (first 2 weeks) | 4-5 hours sunlight | East-facing windowsill (my go-to) |
| Leaf production phase | 6 hours full sun | South balcony + afternoon shade in summer |
| Hot weather (>85°F/29°C) | Partial shade | Morning sun only - saves them every time |
Watering: The Silent Killer
Drown them or starve them - both kill cilantro equally well. Here's what works:
- Finger test: Stick finger in soil - water when top inch is dry
- Morning ritual: Water early so leaves dry before night
- Container choice: Terracotta pots dry out fastest (my preference)
I killed two batches with "even moisture" advice. Now I let soil nearly dry between waterings.
Smarter Harvesting = More Leaves For Longer
Bolting (flowering) ends your harvest. Delaying it is everything.
Tried-and-Tested Harvesting System
- Start harvesting when plants reach 6 inches
- Take outer leaves only - leave center growth intact
- Never take more than 1/3 of plant at once
- Harch frequently - promotes bushiness
Secret weapon: scissors. Pinching tears stems and invites disease. Sharp snips keep plants happy.
My current plants produce for 8 weeks straight using this method. Previous record? Two weeks.
Bolting Solutions That Actually Work
When temperatures rise, cilantro bolts. Here's what helps:
| Problem | Traditional Advice | What Actually Worked For Me |
|---|---|---|
| Hot weather | "Provide afternoon shade" | Move pots to north-facing side (no direct sun) |
| Long daylight hours | "Plant in fall" | Cover with cardboard box after 12 hours light |
| Root stress | "Don't disturb roots" | Use fabric grow bags instead of plastic pots |
When bolting starts? Let it happen! Collect coriander seeds for next planting. Free seeds forever.
Troubleshooting: Fixes For Common Problems
Spindly seedlings drove me crazy for months. Turns out...
Leggy Seedlings Solution
- Cause: Insufficient light (not water!)
- Fix: Move lights closer or add reflector
- Prevention: South window + supplemental LED bulb
Yellow Leaves Mystery Solved
I blamed pests. Wasted money on sprays. Real causes:
- Overwatering: Let soil dry before next watering
- Nitrogen deficiency: Fish emulsion every 3 weeks
- Pot-bound roots: Repot if roots circle bottom
Seed Saving: Your Never-Ending Cilantro Supply
Letting plants flower isn't failure - it's phase two.
Simple Seed Harvesting
- Wait until flower heads turn brown
- Cut whole stems into paper bag
- Hang upside down in dry place for 2 weeks
- Crush heads over bowl - seeds fall out
Store in glass jars. My oldest saved seeds sprouted after 3 years!
Don't rinse seeds before storing! Moisture causes mold. Learned this after ruining a batch.
Real Answers to Your Coriander Seeds Questions
Can coriander seeds grow cilantro indoors year-round?
Absolutely. My winter setup: LED grow light ($30 Amazon panel), 60°F room temp, and weekly rotation. Harvests every 3 weeks.
Why haven't my coriander seeds sprouted after 2 weeks?
Three likely suspects: Old seeds (test some in wet paper towel), planted too deep (re-sow at 1/4 inch), or cold soil (use seedling heat mat).
How soon after planting can I harvest cilantro?
First light harvest at 3-4 weeks (single leaves). Full harvests from 6 weeks. Pro tip: Cut-and-come-again extends production.
Can I grow cilantro from store-bought coriander seeds?
Sometimes. Check packaging - cooking seeds may be heat-treated. Best results from seed packets labeled for planting.
Why does my cilantro taste soapy?
Genetic! 4-14% of people have OR6A2 gene making cilantro taste foul. Growing won't change this (sorry!).
Making This Work in Small Spaces
Apartment gardener here. My proven micro-system:
| Container Type | Plant Count | Harvest Yield |
|---|---|---|
| 12-inch window box | 6 plants | 1/4 cup leaves weekly |
| Vertical pocket planter | 10 plants | 1/2 cup leaves weekly |
| Self-watering pot (10") | 4 plants | Continuous picking |
Rotate plantings every 3 weeks for non-stop supply. I currently have 3 pots at different stages.
Final Thoughts Before You Start
Growing cilantro from coriander seeds transformed my cooking. But it's not instant.
My biggest takeaway? Start small. One pot. One variety. Master that before expanding. And when (not if) some plants bolt? Celebrate your seed harvest.
Remember: Success with coriander seeds grow cilantro setups comes from observing, not just following rules. Your microclimate is unique.
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