Cilantro Slow Bolt is a reliable herb prized for its bold flavor and adaptability. Its slow-bolting habit ensures a prolonged harvest, making it perfect for fresh use in guacamole, soups, and marinades. The seeds are equally valuable, adding a warm, nutty flavor to curries and baked goods. This easy-to-grow herb tolerates a variety of soil types and thrives in sunlit gardens or containers.
Cilantro Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow cilantro seeds outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer for a fall harvest. Cilantro thrives in cool weather and tolerates light frost.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or partial shade in hotter climates. Cilantro grows best in well-draining, moderately fertile soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and incorporate compost to improve fertility. Cilantro prefers soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4-1/2 inch deep and space them 6 inches apart in rows.
- Thin seedlings to maintain proper spacing once they are a few inches tall.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 7-10 days. Consistent moisture ensures tender, flavorful leaves.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start cilantro seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost date for an early start.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4-1/2 inch deep, scattering them thinly over the soil surface.
- Cover lightly with soil and mist gently to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 7-10 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 6 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Cilantro
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Cilantro tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Regular watering helps prevent bolting and ensures tender leaves.
- Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Cilantro is a light feeder and rarely requires additional fertilization during its short growing season.
- Pruning: Regularly harvest leaves to encourage new growth and delay bolting. Remove flower stalks if you want to extend the leaf harvest.
- Pest and Disease Control: Cilantro is relatively pest- and disease-resistant. Proper spacing and well-draining soil help prevent fungal issues.
- Harvesting:
- For Leaves: Begin harvesting leaves when the plant is 6 inches tall. Snip outer leaves as needed, leaving the central stems to continue growing.
- For Seeds: Allow the flowers to mature into seeds (coriander). Harvest seeds when they turn brown and begin to dry on the plant.
- Storage: Store fresh leaves in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to a week. Dry coriander seeds and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
