Cilantro Seeds - Leisure - Coriandrum sativum

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Cilantro is grown as a cool-season annual herb across all zones. Planting times are key and should be adjusted based on your local climate to avoid summer heat, which causes the plant to bolt (flower prematurely).

Best Performance - Achieved in the cool weather of spring and fall. Cilantro thrives when temperatures are mild, allowing for lush leaf growth and a delayed flowering period, especially with this slow-bolt variety.

Cool/Northern Zones (2-6) - Direct sow seeds in the garden every 2-3 weeks from the last spring frost date through early summer. This succession planting ensures a continuous harvest.

Hot Climate Zones (7-11) - Sow seeds in the fall for a winter and spring harvest. Avoid planting during the hottest summer months. In areas with mild winters, it can be grown year-round. Providing afternoon shade can help extend the harvest season into warmer weather.

Soil Temperature - Seeds germinate best in cool soil. The optimal temperature range for germination is 55-70 degrees F. Germination can be slow and sporadic in soil that is too warm.

Growing Season - You can begin harvesting cilantro leaves in about 40-50 days. If you wish to harvest coriander seeds, you'll need to let the plant flower and set seed, which takes around 90-100 days.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant
Succession planting is the best way to ensure a steady supply of fresh cilantro.

Spring: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the danger of hard frost has passed. Plant a new batch every 2-3 weeks until the weather turns hot (daytime temperatures consistently above 85 degrees F).

Fall: In late summer or early fall, start sowing seeds again for a fall and early winter harvest. In zones 8 and warmer, fall planting is ideal for the best results.

Where to Plant
Sunlight: Choose a spot with full sun. In hotter southern climates (zones 7+), planting in a location that receives some afternoon shade will help prevent bolting.

Soil: Cilantro prefers well-draining, fertile loam soil with a neutral pH between 6.2 and 6.8. Mix in some compost or other rich organic matter before planting to give your plants a strong start.

Containers: Cilantro's deep taproot requires a pot that is at least 8-10 inches deep and wide.

How to Plant
Prepare the Seeds (Optional): Each round "seed" is actually a husk containing two seeds. You can gently crush the husk by rolling it under a jar or between your fingers to separate the seeds for a potentially higher germination rate, though this is not required.

Sow Seeds: Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.

Spacing: Space seeds 1-2 inches apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. You can also broadcast seeds lightly over a prepared bed.

Water: Water the area gently but thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-14 days.

Thinning: Once seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin them to stand 3-6 inches apart. Don't throw the thinned seedlings away—they are delicious microgreens!

Harvesting
Cilantro Leaves: You can begin harvesting when the plant is about 6 inches tall. Using the "cut-and-come-again" method, snip the outer leaves at the base of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at a time.

Coriander Seeds: To harvest coriander, allow the plant to flower and go to seed. Once the seed heads turn brown and dry, snip off the stalks and place them upside down in a paper bag. As they continue to dry, the seeds will fall off into the bag. Store the completely dry seeds in an airtight container.