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Cilantro

SCENTIFIC NAME: Coriandrum sativum

ALSO KNOWN AS: Coriander, Mexican Parsley, Chinese Parsley

PLANT FAMILY: Carrot/Celery/Parsley Family (Apiaceae)

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Asia | Tropical & Subtropical

DESCRIPTION: Basil is a very fragrant herb recognized for its vivid green leaves and unique flavor. It is a member of the mint family and is commonly seen in meals from Southeast Asia, Italy, and other Mediterranean regions.

FUN FACT: Coriander, a spice used in a wide variety of dishes around the world, is actually the seed of a cilantro plant! 

moderate difficulty & pet safe

Cilantro Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

The right lighting setup is essential for successfully growing cilantro (also known as coriander) indoors. Cilantro benefits from 6 to 8 hours a day of direct sunlight and needs intense light to grow efficiently. Your indoor cilantro plant should be placed in a spot that gets the maximum sunshine, ideally close to a south-facing window. LED grow lights can be used to supplement natural sunlight if it is scarce or insufficient. Check the plants frequently for indications of inadequate light, such as straining, thinning stems, or pale leaves, which point to the need for increased exposure to light.

Lighting Recommendations

Aspect™ LED Growlight
$150.00 - $200.00

Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

To avoid either overwatering or underwatering, it's crucial to achieve a balance while watering indoor cilantro plants. The ideal soil for cilantro is regularly damp but not soggy. Between waterings, let the top inch of soil somewhat dry out. To ensure that the entire root ball receives moisture, water the plant thoroughly until the water runs out of the pot's bottom. Keep the soil from getting soggy or entirely dry. Use a well-draining potting mix, and test the soil's moisture content by sticking your finger into the ground to see whether it feels just a little damp. Depending on the environmental factors and the unique requirements of your cilantro plant, change how frequently you water it. To maintain the ideal soil moisture for good growth, check the moisture level frequently and adjust as needed.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 75º

The ideal temperature range for cilantro is between 60°F (15°C) to 75°F (24°C). Consistently keeping the temperature in this range encourages healthy growth and keeps the plant from bolting (early blooming and seed production). Keep cilantro away from heat sources above 85°F (29°C), as this could quicken the plant's seed set, which can result in a bitter taste. Indoor cilantro needs consistent warmth and good airflow to thrive successfully. Your indoor cilantro plants will develop vigorously and produce tasty foliage if you give them the ideal temperature range.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 50%; Moderate Humidity

Cilantro likes moderate humidity, so an indoor relative humidity between 40% and 50% is ideal. Although it may withstand a little bit more or less humidity, it's best to avoid very humid conditions since they can encourage fungus and stunt the growth of the plant. In order to avoid an excessive moisture buildup around the leaves, proper air circulation is essential. If the atmosphere inside is too dry, you can add humidity by using a humidifier or by setting up a tray of water close to the plants. Furthermore, spraying the leaves from time to time with water can assist create a slightly more humid environment.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Cilantro can be grown indoors from seeds. Before spreading the seeds, begin by soaking them in water for a few hours. Prepare well-draining potting soil for little pots or a seed tray. The seeds should be sown in the soil at a depth of around 14 inch. Maintain a constant moisture level in the soil that is not wet. Place the trays or pots in a warm area that is between 60°F (15°C) to 75°F (24°C) in temperature. Typically, cilantro seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days. To ensure optimal plant spacing, thin the seedlings after they are a few inches tall. Place them close to a south-facing window or use grow lights to provide ample light. Water the plants frequently, making sure the soil is continually moist but not soggy. To encourage healthy development and a consistent supply of fresh cilantro indoors, continue to give the plant the attention it needs and harvest the leaves as needed.
Toxicity
The majority of animals, including cats, dogs, and horses, are widely thought to be unaffected by cilantro. It is a typical herb used in cooking and is safe for human consumption. While cilantro is mostly risk-free, it's crucial to keep pets away from other plants in the same botanical family, like parsley or carrot tops, which might be problematic for some animals in bigger quantities. It is advised to speak with a veterinarian for more guidance if you have any questions or if your pet displays any unusual symptoms after consuming cilantro.
Repotting
To repot cilantro, start by selecting a larger pot with drainage holes. Ensure that the new pot provides enough space for the cilantro's roots to grow. Prior to repotting, water the cilantro thoroughly to moisten the soil. Gently remove the cilantro from its current container, being careful not to disturb the roots. Place the cilantro's root ball in the center of the new pot, making sure it sits at the same depth as before. Fill the remaining space with fresh potting soil, gently pressing it down around the roots. After repotting, water the cilantro again to help the soil settle.
Seeding
To begin the process of growing cilantro from seeds, start by preparing a well-draining soil mix in a small seed tray or pot. Make sure the soil is slightly moist before sowing the seeds. Take the cilantro seeds and scatter them evenly across the soil surface, pressing them gently into the soil without burying them too deep. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch deep. Lightly water the soil to ensure proper moisture and place the tray or pot in a warm and sunny location, preferably near a window with adequate sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged by watering lightly whenever it starts to dry out. Within a week or two, you should start seeing the cilantro sprouts emerging from the soil. As the seedlings grow, thin them out to provide enough space for each plant to develop properly. Once the cilantro plants have reached a suitable size, you can transplant them to a larger container or directly into your garden, ensuring they receive adequate sunlight and regular watering.
Pruning
Pruning cilantro indoors is relatively minimal, but there are some optimal practices to follow. As the plant grows, you can selectively harvest the outer leaves and stems to encourage bushier growth and to prolong the plant's lifespan. Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time to allow for continued growth and vitality. Regularly inspect the plant for any yellowing or damaged leaves and remove them to maintain overall plant health. If the cilantro starts to bolt (produce flowers and seeds prematurely), promptly remove the flower stalks to redirect energy into foliage production. Regular harvesting and pruning will help maintain a compact and productive cilantro plant indoors.
Fertilizer
When fertilizing cilantro grown indoors, it is best to provide balanced nutrition without overfeeding the plant. Before planting, add organic matter to the potting soil, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to supply early nutrients. After that, during the growing season, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that has been diluted to half strength every four to six weeks. This aids in supplying vital nutrients while sparing the plant stress. Alternately, to ensure a consistent supply of nutrients over time, you can put a slow-release granular fertilizer into the potting soil at the start of the growing season. Always adhere to the application rates and timing recommendations on the packaging. After fertilizing, don't forget to give the cilantro plant plenty of water to avoid fertilizer burn and encourage proper nutrient uptake. You can change the fertilizer schedule as needed by regularly assessing the plant's health and growth.
Soil
An ideal soil mix must be well-draining and nutrient-rich in order to grow cilantro successfully inside. To ensure proper drainage, use a light potting mixture made of equal parts loam, compost, and perlite or vermiculite. In the pH range of 6.2 to 6.8, cilantro favors a soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. To increase fertility and moisture retention, amend the soil with organic matter before planting, such as compost or well-rotted manure. The cilantro plants will benefit from a nutrient-rich environment as a result. To avoid waterlogging, make sure the pots or containers have adequate drainage holes.

Hanging Heights

Cilantro Lighting Requirements: Medium Light (Medium Indirect Light) to High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Similar Lighting Requirements