Cilantro

Planting Cilantro: Tips for Success

When to Plant Cilantro

Cilantro thrives in mild temperatures between 50°F and 85°F (10°C to 29°C). Higher temperatures can cause early seeding, while colder conditions may damage its foliage or lead to premature death.

In North Carolina, there are two ideal planting windows:

• Fall: Sow seeds in early fall for a winter harvest.
• Spring: Plant in early spring, after the last frost date.

To extend the growing season, use row covers to protect against frost and extreme heat or move plants indoors if conditions are favorable. With proper care, cilantro can stay lush and productive until around May.

Where to Plant Cilantro

Cilantro growing conditions are great for raised beds, containers or directly in garden soil with the following in mind:

• Cilantro sun requirements: Cilantro needs full sun (6+ hours) to grow best. In especially hot weather, partial shade in the afternoon is ideal.
• Cilantro soil requirements: Cilantro thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8. You can also add compost or organic matter to improve soil quality further.

How to Plant Cilantro

• Space: Cilantro seeds should originally go 2 inches apart from each other and other plants to ensure airflow and prevent overcrowding.
• Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep or transplant seedlings when they’re a few inches tall.

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Cilantro Care Tips

How Often to Water Cilantro

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged, with deeper waterings 1-2 times weekly (depending on the weather). To reduce the risk of disease, avoid overhead watering.

Cilantro Maintenance

• Pruning and trimming: Harvest leaves every 2-3 weeks to encourage continued growth and remove flower heads to delay seeding and extend the harvest.
• Fertilizer: Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, organic fertilizer.
• Spacing: After cilantro seeds germinate and seedlings emerge, remove some of them so the remaining plants are spaced 6 inches apart.
• Sowing: Sow cilantro seeds every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.

Do you have questions about caring for cilantro? Visit Fairview Garden Center in Raleigh, NC, or give us a call—we’re here to help!

What Are the Most Popular Varieties of Cilantro?

Leisure

This classic cilantro variety is known for its robust flavor and steady growth. It’s a versatile choice for most gardens and perfect for beginners.

Caribe

Perfect for warm-weather conditions, Caribe produces large, aromatic leaves packed with flavor, making it a go-to choice for home chefs.

Calypso

Renowned for its high yields and resistance to seeding, Calypso is ideal for gardeners looking for consistent, long-lasting harvests.

Santo

This slow-seeding variety is a favorite in hot climates, giving gardeners more time to harvest leaves before the plant begins to flower.

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Cilantro Benefits: Culinary and Flavor Tips

Cilantro can add a fresh, citrusy flavor to salsas, tacos, curries and soups. It’s also a perfect garnish for salads, seafood and rice dishes, making it a versatile kitchen staple.

When cooking with cilantro:

• Use fresh leaves for the best flavor (dried cilantro loses potency).
• Add cilantro at the end of cooking to preserve its taste.
• Pair with lime, garlic and chili for classic flavor combinations.

Cilantro Facts: Origin and Other Uses

Native to Southern Europe, North Africa and Southwest Asia, cilantro is one of the oldest herbs, with uses dating back over 5,000 years. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used it for both culinary and medicinal purposes, believing it could aid digestion and reduce inflammation. In countries where both the leaves and seeds are used, cilantro is better known as coriander.

Other uses of cilantro include:

• Perfumes and soaps made with its essential oils.
• Repelling pests in gardens when planted alongside other crops.