How To Grow Cilantro Indoors

Imagine fresh, vibrant cilantro just a snip away, ready to brighten your favorite dishes, even in the middle of winter. Growing cilantro indoors is easier than you might think! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cultivate your own supply of this beloved herb, right in your home.

Quick Answer: To grow cilantro indoors successfully, provide it with plenty of bright light (ideally a south-facing window or grow light), well-draining soil, consistent moisture, and temperatures between 60-75°F. Harvest regularly to encourage continued growth and prevent bolting (going to seed).

Why Grow Cilantro Indoors?

Cilantro, also known as coriander (the seeds of the plant are coriander), is a staple in many cuisines. Having fresh cilantro readily available is a game-changer for home cooks. But why grow it indoors instead of buying it from the store?

Freshness: Store-bought cilantro often wilts quickly. Growing your own ensures you always have the freshest, most flavorful cilantro on hand.

Convenience: No more last-minute trips to the grocery store when you realize you’re out of cilantro. It’s right there, ready to go.

Cost-Effective: Buying cilantro regularly can add up. Growing your own is a more budget-friendly option in the long run.

Organic and Pesticide-Free: You control what goes into your cilantro, ensuring it’s grown without harmful chemicals.

Year-Round Supply: Enjoy fresh cilantro even when it’s out of season or difficult to find locally.

Essential Supplies for Growing Cilantro Indoors

Before you start planting, gather the necessary supplies. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and increase your chances of success.

Choosing the Right Pot

Size: Select a pot that is at least 6-8 inches deep and wide. Cilantro has a taproot, so it needs room to grow downwards.

Drainage: Make sure the pot has drainage holes. Cilantro doesn’t like sitting in soggy soil.

Material: Clay, plastic, or ceramic pots all work well. Clay pots can dry out faster, so you might need to water more frequently.

Selecting the Best Soil

Well-Draining: Use a well-draining potting mix. This is crucial to prevent root rot.

Lightweight: A lightweight mix will allow the roots to breathe and grow easily.

pH Level: Cilantro prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Most potting mixes are formulated to meet this requirement.

Avoid Garden Soil: Don’t use soil from your garden. It’s often too heavy and doesn’t drain well in containers.

Light Requirements

Cilantro needs plenty of light to thrive indoors. Insufficient light is a common reason for leggy and weak growth.

Natural Light: A south-facing window is ideal, providing the most direct sunlight.

Grow Lights: If you don’t have enough natural light, use a grow light. Fluorescent or LED grow lights are good options. Position the light a few inches above the plants.

Light Duration: Aim for 12-14 hours of light per day.

Choosing Cilantro Seeds

Variety: Common cilantro varieties like ‘Slow Bolt’ or ‘Santo’ are good choices for indoor growing. These varieties are less prone to bolting.

Freshness: Use fresh seeds for the best germination rate. Check the expiration date on the seed packet.

Quality: Purchase seeds from a reputable source to ensure they are healthy and viable.

Other Helpful Tools

Watering Can: A watering can with a gentle spout is ideal for watering without disturbing the soil.

Spray Bottle: Use a spray bottle to mist the plants occasionally, especially in dry indoor environments.

Scissors or Pruning Shears: For harvesting cilantro leaves.

Fertilizer: A balanced liquid fertilizer can help boost growth.

Seed Starting Tray (Optional): For starting seeds indoors before transplanting.

Planting Cilantro Seeds

Now that you have all your supplies, it’s time to plant your cilantro seeds.

Starting Seeds Directly in the Pot

This is the easiest method for growing cilantro indoors.

Prepare the Pot: Fill the pot with potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top.

Sow the Seeds: Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil surface. You can sow them fairly densely, as you’ll be harvesting leaves regularly.

Cover the Seeds: Lightly cover the seeds with about ¼ inch of soil.

Water Gently: Water the soil gently until it’s moist but not soggy.

Placement: Place the pot in a warm location with plenty of light.

Germination: Cilantro seeds typically germinate in 7-10 days. Keep the soil consistently moist during this time.

Starting Seeds in a Seed Tray (Optional)

This method allows you to control the germination environment more closely.

Fill the Tray: Fill the seed starting tray with potting mix.

Sow the Seeds: Sow 2-3 seeds per cell.

Cover the Seeds: Lightly cover the seeds with about ¼ inch of soil.

Water Gently: Water the soil gently until it’s moist but not soggy.

Humidity Dome: Cover the tray with a humidity dome to retain moisture.

Warm Location: Place the tray in a warm location.

Transplanting: Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.

Caring for Your Indoor Cilantro Plants

Once your cilantro seeds have germinated, it’s important to provide proper care to ensure healthy growth.

Watering

Consistent Moisture: Cilantro needs consistent moisture. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot. Make sure the pot has good drainage.

Watering Frequency: The frequency of watering will depend on the temperature, humidity, and light levels. Check the soil regularly and water as needed.

Lighting

Adequate Light: Ensure your cilantro receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight or 12-14 hours of artificial light per day.

Rotate the Plant: Rotate the plant regularly to ensure all sides receive equal light. This will prevent the plant from leaning towards the light source.

Adjust Light as Needed: If you notice the plant becoming leggy (tall and spindly), it’s likely not getting enough light.

Temperature and Humidity

Ideal Temperature: Cilantro prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C).

Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Avoid placing the plant near drafts or heat sources, such as radiators or air conditioners.

Humidity: Cilantro prefers moderate humidity. If your indoor environment is very dry, you can mist the plants occasionally or place a tray of water near the pot.

Fertilizing

Balanced Fertilizer: Fertilize your cilantro plants every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Dilute the Fertilizer: Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning the roots.

Organic Options: Organic fertilizers, such as compost tea, are also a good option.

Preventing Bolting

Bolting is when cilantro plants start to produce flowers and seeds. Once this happens, the leaves become bitter and less flavorful.

Temperature Control: Keep the temperature relatively cool. High temperatures can trigger bolting.

Consistent Watering: Consistent watering can help prevent stress and bolting.

Harvest Regularly: Harvesting leaves regularly encourages the plant to produce more leaves instead of flowers.

Choose Bolt-Resistant Varieties: Select cilantro varieties that are known to be more bolt-resistant.

Harvesting Cilantro

Harvesting cilantro regularly is crucial for maintaining healthy growth and preventing bolting.

When to Harvest

Mature Leaves: Harvest leaves when they are mature and fully developed.

Stem Length: Cut the stems about an inch above the soil level.

Avoid Over-Harvesting: Don’t harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time.

How to Harvest

Scissors or Pruning Shears: Use clean scissors or pruning shears to harvest the leaves.

Cut Stems: Cut the stems just above a leaf node. This will encourage new growth.

Harvest Regularly: Harvest leaves regularly to encourage the plant to produce more leaves.

Storing Harvested Cilantro

Refrigerate: Wrap the harvested cilantro in a damp paper towel and store it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. This will help keep it fresh for several days.

Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze cilantro. Chop the cilantro and freeze it in ice cube trays with water or oil.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with the best care, you may encounter some common problems when growing cilantro indoors.

Leggy Growth

Cause: Insufficient light.

Solution: Provide more light, either through a brighter window or a grow light.

Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Overwatering or underwatering.

Solution: Adjust your watering schedule to ensure the soil is consistently moist but not soggy.

Root Rot

Cause: Overwatering and poor drainage.

Solution: Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.

Pests

Common Pests: Aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.

Solution: Wash the plants with a strong stream of water. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.

Bolting

Cause: High temperatures, stress, and insufficient harvesting.

Solution: Keep the temperature cool, water consistently, and harvest regularly.

FAQ About Growing Cilantro Indoors

Here are some frequently asked questions about growing cilantro indoors:

Can I grow cilantro from cuttings?

Yes, you can grow cilantro from cuttings, but it’s not as reliable as growing from seeds. Place the cuttings in water until roots develop, then transplant them into soil.

How long does it take for cilantro to grow indoors?

Cilantro typically takes 4-6 weeks to reach maturity and be ready for harvesting.

Can I grow cilantro in a small pot?

While you can grow cilantro in a small pot, it’s best to use a pot that is at least 6-8 inches deep and wide to accommodate the taproot.

Why is my cilantro wilting?

Wilting can be caused by underwatering, overwatering, or insufficient light. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering and lighting accordingly.

Can I grow cilantro with other herbs?

Yes, you can grow cilantro with other herbs that have similar growing requirements, such as parsley and chives.

Is cilantro a perennial or annual?

Cilantro is an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in one growing season. However, you can repeatedly sow seeds to have a continuous supply of cilantro.

Conclusion

Growing cilantro indoors is a rewarding experience that provides you with fresh, flavorful herbs year-round. By providing the right conditions and care, you can enjoy a continuous harvest of this versatile herb. With a little patience and attention, you’ll be adding a burst of fresh cilantro to your favorite recipes in no time! Happy growing!