Cilantro is commonly known as coriander. It is one of the basic herbs grown in most indoor and outdoor herb gardens. Cilantro is relatively easy to grow. It is very similar to parsley because it belongs to the parsley family. However, mature cilantro plants have a more feathery appearance. Cilantro is an annual plant, which means it needs to be replanted after it matures or goes to seed.
Some people call it “Chinese parsley.” Cilantro is an herb with many nuances and a very distinctive flavor. It is sold in fresh bunches, dried as a powder, or as whole seeds. It is used in many Asian, South American, and Mexican recipes.
Growing cilantro indoors is the best way to have this herb available at all times. Cilantro has a stronger, spicier flavor when fresh than when dried. Another advantage of this plant is the abstract shape it forms as it grows.
Like parsley and other leafy green herbs, cilantro needs sunlight. Cilantro, like marjoram, is delicate and more difficult to grow.
How to Grow Cilantro Indoors
Local garden centers often sell “starter” cilantro pots that have already sprouted and begun to root. This is the quickest way to grow cilantro indoors. These plants are about 5–7 cm tall and fairly sturdy.
Because cilantro is an annual, indoor gardeners often plant starter pots for quicker harvesting. To grow cilantro indoors, plant in succession for a continuous supply. With starter plants, the harvest time will be shorter.
Since the starter plants are already growing in soil, you simply remove the nursery pot and place the plant into a container at least 30 cm deep. Cilantro has long, fibrous roots. Make sure the pot has good drainage.
Fill the container about three-quarters full from the bottom with soil and add potting mix. Place the starter plant—soil and all—into the potting mix in the center of the pot. Add more potting mix until it reaches about 6 mm below the base of the plant.
Cilantro grows well in clay or plastic pots. Choose a sunny window or area that receives plenty of morning sunlight. Cilantro prefers gentle afternoon sun and does not like full, direct sunlight all day.
The soil needs to be kept moist. Avoid waterlogging, or the roots will rot. Room temperature should not drop below 21°C for optimal growth.
Growing Cilantro from Seeds
One way to collect cilantro seeds for future indoor planting is to let one of your existing plants go to seed. This means allowing the plant to age naturally until it produces white or pale pink flowers. It’s important to note that cilantro goes to seed faster than other herbs. The seeds will fall into the soil in the pot, and new plants will sprout.
However, to start growing cilantro from seeds, the simplest method is to place the seeds in a shallow dish of water overnight to moisten them. Then, put them in a plastic bag and seal it. Place the bag in a moderately sunny spot for one or two days until a small white sprout appears on the seed. Make sure the bag retains moisture; if not, add a little water.
When sprouts appear, add some potting soil to the opened bag. As the seeds begin to swell and sprout, remove them from the bag and plant them in a new pot. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and lightly mist with water. Place the plants in sunlight for up to four hours. Then, allow them to receive dappled sunlight for the next four hours.
Arranging an Indoor Cilantro Garden
All indoor gardens require organization and planning, and an indoor cilantro garden is no exception. Because cilantro plants are delicate as they grow, buying a stand to hold them in order of harvest time is a good idea.
Plant two or more cilantro plants in each quarter of a season for the most bountiful harvest.
Indoor Herb Fountain
Consider planting cilantro in a large pot along with other herbs. You will need a fairly wide and deep container for this. Choose a pot 25 cm tall and 25 cm wide. Fill the pot with soil up to 8 cm below the rim. Create a circular pattern by planting a “row” of dill seeds around the edge of the pot. Follow with a row of basil seeds and then a row of cilantro seeds. Plant chive seeds in the center of the pot. Add a thin layer of soil and lightly mist. Place the pot in sunlight.
The germination time varies for each herb. Dill sprouts quickly, as do basil and cilantro. Chives may take a bit longer. The result will be a neat “bundle” of herbs growing together in one large pot, allowing multiple harvests. Dill, basil, and cilantro are annuals, while chives are biennials. This means different herbs can be replanted in the same arrangement after harvesting and once the herbs start producing seeds.
Harvesting Time for Indoor Cilantro
Cilantro should be harvested when the plant reaches at least 15 cm in height. This is when the leaves are softest and least bitter. Note that all parts of the plant are edible, though the stems are often slightly more pungent than the leaves.
To harvest seeds, allow the plant to flower and produce seeds. Usually, each flower produces several seeds. The harvested seeds will be brown, indicating they are ready for collection.
Allow harvested seeds to dry before using them in cooking. Dry them in the oven at the lowest temperature for 5–10 minutes. They should be dried, not roasted. You can tell when oven-dried seeds are ready when they are no longer pliable, feeling solid and hard to the touch. Store them in a paper bag, not a plastic one, until ready to plant.
Using Cilantro Seeds in Cooking
Cilantro is best when freshly cut. To use cilantro seeds in cooking, grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. In some recipes, whole cilantro seeds are used to season meat, poultry, and fish. Ground cilantro is often used in sauces, bread, pastries, and desserts. Adding cilantro to rhubarb-strawberry filling enhances the flavor.
There is a notable difference between fresh and dried cilantro. Once dried, cilantro loses its fresh aroma and pungent flavor. Dried cilantro tastes more like a blend of nutmeg and anise.
Bouquet Garni with Cilantro
Many soups and sauces benefit from a fresh bundle of herbs to enhance flavor. Tie together sprigs of freshly cut cilantro with basil, thyme, marjoram, and sage to create a Mediterranean herb bouquet. Cilantro adds an interesting note to salads. It can be eaten raw or cooked. When eaten raw, cilantro has a stronger flavor than when cooked. A tip for using fresh cilantro in cooking is to use small amounts to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
Key Points to Remember About Cilantro
There are several important points to keep in mind for effectively growing cilantro indoors:
- Grow from starter plants or seeds.
- Provide plenty of morning sunlight and dappled sunlight in the afternoon.
- Avoid overwatering; water when the soil feels slightly moist to the touch.
- Use nutrient-rich potting soil.
- Cilantro is an annual plant that needs nutrient supplementation as it matures.
- Plant in a deep container to allow roots to grow properly.
- Use dark, nutrient-rich soil.
Displaying Your Indoor Cilantro Garden
Any indoor gardener’s pride is showing off their “green thumb.” Herbs are a wonderful addition to an indoor garden. Cilantro creates a striking display with deep green foliage and delicate flowers. Consider using cilantro in a herb wreath. Cut cilantro sprigs and place them in a living wreath along with bay leaves, dill leaves, and thyme sprigs.
Cilantro grows symmetrically, adding visual interest to your garden. Once established and growing, caring for it is as easy as for most other herbs. However, unlike many other herbs, cilantro does not mind sprouting in potting soil that has been used for previous plantings.
Grow Cilantro and Enjoy Its Unique Flavor
Many people say cilantro is an acquired taste. Yet, many four- and five-star chefs regularly require fresh cilantro for their recipes. Share cilantro with friends and family when it grows well. Always have another crop ready to plant indoors according to schedule. Grow plenty and grow often.
Conclusion
Growing plants indoors requires proper light, temperature, and humidity to mimic natural conditions. Adequate airflow prevents pests and mold, while balanced watering and nutrients support healthy growth. Choosing the right soil or medium ensures strong roots. Paying attention to these factors helps indoor plants thrive and remain vibrant. You can explore more about growing lights, accessories and more on our page here: LED Growing Lights.