Growing cilantro especially from seeds may be a bit tricky as you must get the right set up to create good germination conditions. One criterion to successfully growing cilantro is to get the ideal germination temperature.
Cilantro is a type of herb used for many great dishes. There are plenty of great reasons to add this dynamic herb to your vegetable garden. But you need to learn how to appropriately germinate cilantro so you can enjoy continuous use of this herb in your various meals.
You may be finding it hard to grow cilantro. But in the actual sense, this herb is actually pretty easy to grow with the right knowledge. Simply follow our guide to learn the right germination temperature for cilantro and other tips to successfully grow this amazing herb.
Some Info On Cilantro Plant
Cilantro is also known as Chinese parsley and it originates from Greece. Both cilantro green leaves and cilantro seeds are used in different dishes. Cilantro seeds are as well known as the spice coriander. Both cilantro herbs and coriander seeds come from the same plant.
Their leaves are used in fresh salads, meat dishes, and salsa. The leaves can as well add a little spice to an omelet.
Cilantro seeds which are known as coriander supplies a distinctive flavor to your various dishes. The coriander seeds are integrated into sausage, pastries, and cooked fruits. The seed is also a vital component in pickling spice and curry powder.
Cilantro Germination Temperature
The best temperature for cilantro germination is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also do a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. But ensure you always maintain moist
How To Germinate Cilantro Seeds
Germinating cilantro is easy with the right knowledge and it’s pretty easy to maintain. So continue reading to learn how to grow cilantro appropriately so you can enjoy its continuous flavor.
When To Sow Cilantro Seeds
The ideal period to sow coriander seeds for the cooler region is in late spring or early summer. This is usually two weeks after the last frost. If your goal is to get multiple harvests, go ahead and keep planting more coriander seeds up until mid-summer.
For warmer regions, the coriander seeds should be sown during fall. Ensure you space them around 10 inches apart once they begin to germinate.
If you however wish to have some fresh cilantro during winter, you should sow seeds at the start of autumn or even winter. You can be sure of a great harvest result when you sow cilantro seeds during spring or winter. This is because cilantro is very sensitive to heat.
Soil Preparation For Germinating Cilantro Seeds
The first step to growing cilantro is to prepare your
Cilantro Seed Germination
Next is to obtain your cilantro seeds for germination. Cilantro is a cool-season crop but will thrive in temperatures between 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Cilantro can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if the temperatures surpass 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it may enter bolting.
In Texas, February is the most appropriate time to plant cilantro so you can get an April harvest. September is also another perfect time to plant cilantro in Texas for a November harvest.
Seeds should be planted in a soft, well-tilled, and composted soil. The seeds should be planted 2 inches apart in rows 12 to 15 inches apart if you wish to harvest cilantro leaves. If the seed is what you wish to harvest, then you should sow the seeds 8 inches apart in a row 15 inches apart.
The depth to which you sow your seeds for both cilantro leaves and coriander leaves purposes should be about a quarter to half inches.
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Fertilizing Cilantro
Fertilization should be done twice throughout their growing season. Half a spoon of ammonia nitrate or urea should be applied per square foot of your plant.
Watering
The cilantro plant will require more watering during its seedling germination and establishment. Once the cilantro plant has developed and become established, their watering needs won’t be so demanding.
Harvesting
Harvest your cilantro leaves 45 to 70 days after seedlings germinate. The exterior leaves should be cut or trimmed when they attain 4 to 6 inches in length. Or you can simply cut the entire plant about 1 to 2 inches above the
Germinating In Containers
To germinate cilantro in containers, get a shallow bowled container of at least 18 inches wide and 8 inches deep. Then fill the container with a well-draining potting mix and apply some organic fertilizer. One part of cilantro seeds should be mixed with 3 parts of sand. The pot should be misted with water then spread the mixture evenly over the container.
Next, you should cover the seeds with some potting mix. Gently mist the
Additional Tips On Cilantro Germination
The cilantro growing period is pretty short. We encourage you to frequently trim your cilantro plants to help delay bolting and extend your harvest time. However, even if you continuously trim your cilantro plants so many times, they will still enter the bolting phase. And bolting will give rise to bitter-tasting leaves. But you can enjoy some nice cilantro leaves before they enter bolting.
When the cilantro has entered its bolting stage, just allow the plant to grow and let it seed. The seeds will be available for you to grow again next year. You can as well use the seeds for coriander cooking.
FAQ’s
Does cilantro need heat to germinate?
No, it doesn’t need to be heat-treated to germinate.
The temperature of the seedlings as they grow depends on the rate at which the seedlings absorb moisture and nutrients from the soil. The seeds that germinate fastest are usually the ones that survive best. Cilantro seedlings that grow slowly may be lost to diseases. It is important, however, to keep your cilantro seedlings warm during the first few weeks.
What is the best temperature to grow cilantro?
The answer is probably somewhere between 45-55°F (7-13°C) with lots of sun. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to keep it indoors in a south-facing window for part of the year or have a greenhouse.
Does cilantro need dark to germinate?
Cilantro does not require darkness to germinate, but if you want to plant it indoors (in a seed starting mix) you may need to keep it in the dark for at least 2 weeks.
Why is my cilantro not growing?
Here are some reasons why cilantro plant is not growing:
If your soil is too acidic, it won’t grow properly. If it is too alkaline, it will take longer to germinate. Organic matter in the soil also helps the cilantro to grow. Add compost and manure, or if you don’t have that, add lime and sand to your soil. Watering Watering is essential for cilantro. It needs to be watered frequently, so that the soil stays moist and the roots have enough water. Too much water can cause the plant to rot. In general, a well-watered cilantro plant will grow faster than an under-watered one. It’s best to water it every day. You can also use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to water it. But, don’t overdo it! If you do use a soaker hose, make sure to set it up properly. If you have a small garden, you can put it right on the surface of the soil. If you have a large garden, then you can place it in a raised bed. Sunlight It is important to expose the cilantro plant to sunlight. It grows better with sunlight than without it. The ideal temperature for cilantro is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. But if your house gets too hot, you can put the plant outside. If you have a cool house, you can put the plant inside a greenhouse. Pests and Diseases Some pests and diseases can attack cilantro plants. For example, aphids can eat the leaves, while whiteflies can damage the leaves and even the flowers.
Can you overwater cilantro?
You can overwater the cilantro, but it will just wilt. You don't want to drown it. The plant needs water to grow, so just give it what it needs. If it starts looking like it is drying out, just add more water and you'll be fine. If you are worried about it getting too wet, you could put a few layers of newspaper on the bottom of the pot or tray.
We have concluded that the best germination temperature for cilantro is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You can as well follow our growing tips for that successful cilantro leaves or coriander seeds germination.
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.
