Last Updated on November 8, 2022 by Cristina
Cilantro is one of the most popular herbs to grow both indoors and outdoors. Growing cilantro indoors from seed is a great way to keep this delicious herb on hand. It is an easy plant to grow and is great to have on hand for cooking.
While some people aren’t a fan of its taste, many people love the flavor cilantro gives food. It is great for use in salsa, pico de gallo, tacos, soups, rice, dressing, sauces, and meats. It gives foods a great flavor and is particularly delicious if you use fresh cilantro in all of your favorite dishes.
All About Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is an annual herb. It is a fast-growing plant, but it has a short-lived harvest. It is ready to harvest within just three to four weeks.
It takes only a couple of months before a cilantro plant flowers. Once it flowers, it is no longer good for culinary use. Cilantro can be enjoyed as a microgreen or harvested at maturity for the best flavor.
Growing Cilantro Indoors From Seed
Growing cilantro indoors is a great option if you enjoy cooking with this herb. It is actually often easier to grow cilantro inside rather than outside.
Growing cilantro from seed is relatively simple. With the right steps, you can successfully grow your own cilantro plant in your home. Learning how to grow cilantro indoors is relatively easy and a great option for any gardener.
Soak The Seeds
Place your seeds in a bowl of water and allow them to soak for 24 hours. While this isn’t necessary, it does speed up the process of germination. When ready to plant, drain the seeds.
Prepare Your Pot Or Grow Tray
Take a small pot or grow tray and add your potting soil. Fill the container or grow tray until it is about 3/4 full of potting soil. Gently press down the soil in your tray or pot to remove any air pockets.
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Moisten The Soil – Growing Cilantro Indoors From Seed
Once you have added your soil, spray it with a water bottle. The soil for your cilantro seeds should be moist but not soggy.
Plant Your Seeds
Add your seeds to the moistened soil. Add the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and then cover with soil and mist with a spray bottle to moisten the soil. Add around four to five seeds.
Place In A Sunny Area
Place your seeds in a sunny area such as an east-facing window or a very bright sill that doesn’t. Direct, intense sunlight can sometimes be too much for your young cilantro plant.
If you don’t have a sunny window, you can use an LED grow light for your plants. Be sure that the temperature you are growing your cilantro is at least 70 degrees Farenheit.
Water Regularly
Water your cilantro regularly to keep the soil moist. However, do not overwater to create soggy soil as this can be detrimental to the growing process.
Transplant Seedlings – Growing Cilantro Indoors From Seed
Once your cilantro has grown two to three true leaves, you can transplant it from the growing trays into a pot. The pot should be well-draining and ideally eight inches in diameter and six inches deep.
Care For Cilantro
Caring for cilantro is relatively easy, however, it is important that you provide the right growing conditions. Planting cilantro indoors allows you to readily harvest it for your favorite recipes. Knowing how to care for cilantro indoors is key to a successful harvest.
Light
It is best to grow cilantro in a sunny location, such as a sill of a window. However, it can grow in full sun or partial sun.
Water – Growing Cilantro Indoors From Seed
In general, cilantro needs about an inch of water a week. When growing cilantro, the soil should be kept moist but not soggy.
Temperature
Cilantro grows best in cooler weather, so aim to keep the temperature around 60-70 degrees Farenheit. If cilantro is grown in warm weather it will cause the plant to bolt. When cilantro bolts, the flavor of the plant changes and it often gets a bitter taste.
Soil
Cilantro does best in light, fast-draining potting soil. Soil with perlite or sand is ideal to help with drainage.
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Fertilizer
It is not necessary to fertilize cilantro, but it can be beneficial for the plant. Use a liquid fertilizer or controlled-release pellets for your cilantro.
You can also use organic compost for your cilantro. Feed your cilantro plant once a month.
Container – Growing Cilantro Indoors From Seed
Knowing how to grow cilantro in pots indoors is important for a good harvest. Choosing the right pot is essential for cilantro to successfully grow.
Use a container with drainage holes that is approximately eight inches wide and six inches deep when growing seedlings. Ideally, you want a container that is 12 inches in depth and about 18 inches wide. You can use different types of containers such as clay, plastic, and terra cotta.
Harvesting And Storing Cilantro
Cilantro is typically ready to harvest three to four weeks after planting. When ready to harvest, use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut off the leaves. If desired, you can also harvest the entire plant at once.
Cilantro is used best immediately after harvest. However, you can store cilantro in your fridge for about three to four days. When ready to use, wash off your cilantro and then carefully pat it dry.
Growing Cilantro Indoors From Seed: Everything You Should Know
Cilantro is a great herb to grow indoors and use for cooking purposes. Learning how to care for cilantro indoors is simple. You can easily grow your own cilantro plant from seeds.
Cilantro needs a sunny location, light, well-draining soil, and a deep pot with good drainage. The soil should be kept moist in order for the plant to thrive. Cilantro is fast-growing and doesn’t last long, so take advantage of the leaves when you can.
While you can grow cilantro outdoors, many people find it easier to grow it indoors. It is a cool-season herb and does not do well in hot weather.
Do you have any questions regarding growing cilantro indoors from seed? If so, please ask your cilantro-growing questions in the comments.