The whole, dried seeds purchased from the spice aisle of a grocery store can be planted to grow fresh leafy herbs. The spice, known as coriander, is the dried fruit of the plant Coriandrum sativum. When planted, these seeds grow the leafy herb commonly called cilantro. This provides an economical and readily available source for starting a new herb garden. With proper preparation and care, grocery store seeds can successfully yield a harvest of fresh leaves and new seeds.
Seed Selection and Preparation
Selecting the correct product is the first step; the seeds must be whole and untreated to remain viable. Avoid any product labeled as “ground,” “crushed,” “toasted,” or “roasted,” as these processes destroy the embryo within the seed. Look for whole coriander seeds, preferably organic, to reduce the risk of heat or chemical treatments that can sterilize the germ.
The most significant preparation step involves lightly crushing the seed to aid germination. What appears to be one round seed is botanically a schizocarp, containing two separate, viable half-seeds. Planting the whole, intact husk prevents moisture from reaching the seeds inside, slowing germination. Gently pressing or rolling the seeds with a flat object, like a rolling pin, splits the outer casing without damaging the internal seeds. This scarification process allows for better water absorption and dramatically increases the likelihood of sprouting.
Planting and Initial Care
Once the seeds are prepared, they can be sown directly into the final growing location, as cilantro develops a long taproot and does not transplant well. The herb prefers a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. Plant the seeds shallowly, covering them with approximately one-quarter to one-half inch of soil.
Coriander seeds contain two embryos, so spacing is important; aim to place the prepared half-seeds about one to two inches apart. The seeds require consistent moisture to germinate, which typically takes between seven and 20 days. Use a gentle watering method, like a spray bottle or fine shower, to avoid dislodging the shallowly planted seeds.
Cilantro thrives best in cooler temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 75°F. Provide a location that receives full sun in the spring or fall, or partial shade during the warmer summer months. High heat and prolonged dry periods stress the young plants, causing them to prematurely shift energy from leaf production to flowering. Maintaining consistent soil moisture and avoiding high temperatures ensures a long harvest of desirable leaf foliage.
Comparing Grocery Store Seeds to Garden Stock
While convenient, grocery store coriander seeds generally perform differently than seeds purchased from a specialized garden supplier. The primary difference lies in the germination rate, which is the percentage of seeds that successfully sprout. Culinary seeds are not stored with germination viability as the main goal, meaning they may be older or exposed to temperature fluctuations, resulting in a lower success rate compared to professionally packaged stock.
A second factor is the genetic tendency toward bolting, which is the plant’s rapid shift to produce a flower stalk and seeds. Store-bought seeds are often generic bulk stock highly sensitive to rising temperatures, causing the plant to bolt quickly. Specialized garden varieties are often bred for “slow-bolt” characteristics, extending the period during which fresh leaves can be harvested before the flavor becomes bitter.
The viability of bulk spice seeds may also be compromised by post-harvest treatments intended for preservation. Some commercial spice processing involves heat or irradiation to sterilize the product for storage, which inevitably kills the plant embryo. Although many grocery store seeds will successfully grow, gardeners should manage expectations for the final yield and germination percentage compared to dedicated horticultural seed packets.