Jon VanZile has spent nearly ten years as a writer focused on houseplants and indoor gardening. As a seasoned professional, his work on plants and horticulture has been featured in various national and regional publications.
Cilantro is a widely appreciated yet temperamental herb, celebrated for its aromatic leaves and seeds. In the U.S., the term “cilantro” is used for the leaves, whereas “coriander” pertains to the seeds. However, in other parts of the world, the entire plant is often referred to as “coriander,” and the terminology can vary. One of the challenges in cultivating cilantro is its tendency to bolt, or flower, which alters the distinctive taste of the leaves. Growing cilantro indoors can ensure a winter supply of the herb and may help manage the bolting issue.
Is it possible to cultivate cilantro indoors?
Cilantro is a quick-growing, ephemeral herb that can be harvested in a mere three to four weeks. It thrives indoors, provided it receives adequate light, which is crucial if you’re limited in that regard. This herb doesn’t need a lot of room, and by regularly snipping off the leaves for cooking, you can prolong its life.
Tips for Cultivating Cilantro Indoors
Sunlight
Cilantro thrives in outdoor environments with ample sunlight, as it is well-suited to sunny conditions. When grown indoors, however, exposure to direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, yet the plant still requires significant light—preferably six or more hours of bright, indirect light or a few hours of direct sunlight from a window facing east or west. While cilantro can survive in lower light conditions, its growth will be considerably slower, and the risk of rot increases.
Heat and Moisture Levels
Cilantro tends to bolt when outdoor temperatures reach approximately 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s rare for indoor temperatures to reach this level, areas near a warm window might be warmer than you expect. Furthermore, bolting is a natural phase in cilantro’s life cycle, and it will eventually occur. Once this happens, the flavor of cilantro will alter.
To delay bolting, you can maintain cilantro at standard indoor temperatures, ideally between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, consider bringing your outdoor cilantro plants inside prior to the warmer summer months to help prevent them from bolting.
Typical indoor humidity levels are suitable for cilantro. Keep in mind that in a very humid environment, the soil can retain moisture for a longer period, which means you may not need to water as often.
Watering
Maintain consistent moisture in the soil without over-saturating it. Proper drainage is crucial since cilantro develops deep root systems. Target approximately one inch of water each week.
Fertilizer
If cilantro hasn’t been sown in nutrient-rich soil, consider applying a liquid fertilizer or enhancing it with slow-release pellets. For those growing organic cilantro, opt for organic fertilizer or enrich the soil with compost. It’s advisable to nourish the herb on a monthly basis.
Trimming and Upkeep
As the young cilantro plants develop, occasionally trim them back by approximately one inch to promote bushier growth. To prolong your cilantro yield, consistently cut the tender stems, turning the plant as you gather to ensure you harvest from all areas. This technique may also help delay the bolting process.
Pollination
Cilantro is mainly cultivated for its leaves, so pollination is not necessary for its growth. However, if you intend to collect coriander seeds while growing the plant indoors, you might need to assist with pollination. After the plant blooms, consider gently shaking it every morning to promote pollination. If the conditions permit, you might also take the plant outside for a few hours daily, allowing natural pollinators to assist.
Vessel and Dimensions
Cilantro requires a sufficiently deep container to establish its roots; aim for a pot that is a minimum of 12 inches deep and approximately 18 inches in diameter. Opting for a plastic pot can aid in retaining moisture for the plant. It’s also crucial to select a pot that offers proper drainage.
Soil for Potted Plants and Water Drainage
Cilantro thrives in well-aerated, lightweight soil that drains quickly, ideally with a good amount of perlite or coarse sand added to enhance drainage. When planting in a container, opt for a high-quality potting mix instead of regular garden soil, as the latter tends to be too dense.
Transplanting and Replanting Cilantro
Cilantro is a yearly herb that develops a strong taproot. Due to this characteristic, it is sensitive to being repotted and may bolt with minimal disturbance. It is advisable to repot cilantro purchased from a garden center only once after bringing it home, and to leave it in that pot for the duration of its life.
Cilantro that has been grown from seeds can move from its initial seed-starting container to its final pot. As an annual plant, fully grown cilantro typically does not require repotting. A fully developed cilantro plant, complete with flowers, can reach a height of up to 24 inches, including its flower stems.
Transplanting Cilantro Outdoors for the Summer Season
When relocating cilantro outside, avoid doing so in the summer. Instead, consider moving it in the spring or early autumn when the weather is more temperate.
Considerations
When relocating cilantro to an outdoor setting, keep in mind that it thrives in bright sunlight but should remain in cooler conditions, ideally below 75 degrees, to avoid bolting. On particularly warm days, it may be beneficial to place cilantro in a shaded area to maintain a cooler temperature. Additionally, monitor rainfall levels and only water cilantro if there hasn’t been sufficient rain throughout the week.
The Right Time to Move Cilantro Indoors
Monitor the temperature carefully. If it starts to fall into the 60s or climb into the 80s, it’s the right moment to relocate the cilantro indoors to a climate-controlled environment.
What are the typical pests that affect cilantro plants?
Be on the lookout for pests such as aphids, cutworms, and root-knot nematodes. Cilantro is commonly impacted by diseases like bacterial leaf spot, soft rot, carrot motley dwarf, damping-off, and powdery mildew. To minimize the risk of disease, refrain from overhead watering and avoid handling the plant when it is damp.
What is the process for collecting cilantro?
Once you plant the seeds, you can expect the cilantro leaves to be ready for picking in just a few weeks. Coriander can be gathered in approximately 45 days, or when the plant reaches a height of three to four inches. When harvesting the leaves, try to cut them from the base of the plant, and refrain from taking more than a third of the plant at once, as excessive cutting can harm its health. If you are collecting seeds, snip the seed heads and place them upside down in a paper bag. After a few days, the husks will dry, crack open, and release the seeds.
What is the process for cultivating cilantro from seeds?
Cilantro can be cultivated using nursery transplants, but it’s also quite simple to grow from seeds. When planting seeds in containers, opt for a standard potting mix. Ensure the soil remains damp during the germination and sprouting process. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to a spacing of approximately 6 inches and maintain consistent moisture as they develop.
What is the lifespan of a cilantro plant?
The longevity of your cilantro is influenced by the conditions in which it is grown, but it generally lasts for several months. If you wish to enjoy cilantro throughout the year, consider sowing additional seeds or keeping a spare plant on hand.
Can cilantro regrow after being cut?
Indeed, once you trim or harvest your cilantro, it will regenerate, provided you haven’t taken too much away. Aim to leave at least two-thirds of the plant intact to ensure it continues to grow at a healthy pace.
