It is possible to cultivate fresh cilantro using materials sourced directly from the grocery store, offering two distinct paths to a continuous supply of this aromatic herb. The cilantro plant provides both the leafy herb, known as cilantro, and the dried seed, which is the spice called coriander. Both the fresh bunches and the dried spice containers found on store shelves can serve as the starting point for growing your own plants.
Starting Cilantro from Dried Seeds (Coriander)
The dried spice labeled as coriander is the fruit of the cilantro plant, holding the seeds necessary for germination. Each sphere is a protective casing that naturally contains two seeds within. To increase the chances of successful germination, this outer husk should be gently cracked or lightly crushed before planting. This process helps water penetrate the tough outer layer, signaling the seeds inside to sprout.
Once prepared, the seeds should be sown directly into well-draining soil at a shallow depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Cilantro does not transplant well due to its long taproot, so starting the seeds in their final container or garden location is recommended. Space the crushed seed pairs about one to two inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period, which typically takes between one and three weeks, ensuring the soil remains damp but not waterlogged.
Propagating Cilantro from Fresh Cuttings
Another effective method utilizes the fresh bunches of cilantro sold in the produce section. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem four to six inches long, which is a sign of a vigorous, leaf-producing plant. Use clean scissors to snip the stem just below a leaf node, which is a slightly swollen area where roots are most likely to emerge.
Remove all the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting to prevent them from rotting when submerged in water. Place the prepared stem in a clean glass of room-temperature water, ensuring only the bare stem is underwater and the remaining leaves are held above the surface. Position the glass in a location that receives bright, indirect light, as direct, intense sunlight can scorch the tender cutting.
New white roots should begin to develop from the node within seven to ten days. Change the water every other day to maintain oxygen levels and prevent the growth of bacteria. Once the roots have grown to about one to two inches in length, the cutting is ready to be transitioned into a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. This allows the cutting to establish a more robust root system in the soil for long-term growth.
Ongoing Requirements for Healthy Growth
Once the cilantro plant is established, its success relies on maintaining specific environmental conditions. Cilantro is a cool-season herb, and its main challenge is its tendency to “bolt,” or prematurely send up a flower stalk and produce seed. This bolting is primarily triggered by high temperatures, typically above 75°F, and long daylight hours.
To delay this process and maximize leaf production, position the plant in an area that receives partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the afternoon. While the plant appreciates four to six hours of direct morning sun, shielding it from intense heat is necessary. Consistent soil moisture is also necessary; allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again, as drought stress is a common trigger for bolting.
Harvesting the outer leaves frequently encourages the plant to continue producing foliage. For a continuous supply, consider planting small batches of seeds every two to three weeks, a technique called succession planting. This ensures that as one plant begins to bolt, a younger, leafier plant is ready to take its place in the harvest cycle.