Cilantro takes about 7-10 days to germinate and around 4 weeks for your cilantro to mature enough for harvesting.
Growing cilantro in grow bags is a great option, as cilantro can thrive in containers and grow bags offer several advantages such as portability and efficient use of space. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you grow cilantro in grow bags:
Choose the right grow bag: Select a grow bag that is at least 12 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the cilantro plants. Ensure the bag has proper drainage holes at the bottom.
Soil preparation: Cilantro prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.2 to 6.8. Use a good quality potting mix or a mixture of compost, coco coir, and perlite to create a loose and well-draining growing medium.
Sow the seeds: Sprinkle the cilantro seeds evenly on the surface of the soil in the grow bag. Lightly press them into the soil but avoid burying them too deep, as cilantro seeds require light to germinate. Space the seeds about 1 to 2 inches apart.
Watering: Water the soil thoroughly after sowing the seeds and keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. Avoid overwatering, as cilantro can be prone to root rot. The soil should be damp but not waterlogged.
Light and temperature: Place the grow bag in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Cilantro prefers cool temperatures and can tolerate light frost, but it grows best in temperatures between 55°F and 70°F (13°C to 21°C).
Fertilization: Cilantro is a fast-growing herb, so it benefits from regular feeding. Use a balanced organic fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer according to the instructions on the package. Apply the fertilizer every four to six weeks or as directed.
Harvesting: Cilantro leaves can be harvested once the plants have reached a height of about 6 inches. Snip off the outer leaves as needed, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Regular harvesting promotes bushier growth.
Prevent bolting: Cilantro has a tendency to bolt (produce flowers) quickly, especially in warm weather. To delay bolting, keep the plants cool by providing shade during the hottest part of the day and regularly harvesting the leaves.
Companion Plants:
Dill: Cilantro and dill are often planted together as they have similar growing requirements and complement each other's flavors. They can enhance each other's growth and attract beneficial insects.
Chervil: Chervil is another herb that pairs well with cilantro. It has a delicate flavor and can thrive alongside cilantro in similar growing conditions.
Lettuce: Planting lettuce near cilantro can provide shade and help keep the soil moist, benefiting both plants. Additionally, the tall cilantro plants can provide some protection to the more delicate lettuce.
Spinach: Spinach is a cool-season crop that can grow well with cilantro. The spinach leaves provide shade to the cilantro and help keep the soil cool, which can delay the cilantro from bolting.
Radishes: Radishes are fast-growing root vegetables that can be interplanted with cilantro. They help break up the soil and provide a natural barrier against pests.
Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are attractive flowers that can be grown near cilantro. They act as a trap crop, attracting pests away from cilantro while adding a pop of color to your garden.
Marigolds: Marigolds are known for their pest-repellent properties. Planting them near cilantro can help deter harmful insects and promote a healthier growing environment.
Tomatoes do not grow well with lavender, thyme, rosemary or fennel.
How do I fertilize my Cilantro?
Fertilize 1-2 times during the growing season by applying ¼ cup of a nitrogen based fertilizer (21-0-0) per 25 square foot of growing area. Be careful of over fertilization, too much nitrogen can make the plant less flavorful.
What bugs attack Cilantro and what gets rid of them?
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Even though aphids are considered minor pests of celery, they can be virus vectors. The soft-bodied adults put their needle-like mouths into plant tissue and suck the plant’s juices. While they are taking nutrients from the plant, these pests also insert toxins that affect the plant’s growth.
Aphids can be controlled with an insecticidal soap. Always spray plants in the early evening to reduce the chance of damage. Pay special attention to the lower leaf because that is where they usually are located.
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Since they’re so small, they hide, feed, and breed without human intervention. These mites have piercing mouthparts which they use to poke holes in the leaves of your plant.
Spider mites can be controlled using some rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab.
You can dip the cotton swab into the alcohol and then swab your plant. This will instantly kill any mites it touches.
Soapy water also works wonders. Just dilute some drops of dish soap into a quart of water.
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White flies will suck out the plant juice with their sharp mouthparts and this will make them shrivel or dry. The cilantro leaves also will turn yellow or appear stunted. This is from the larvae. Adult whiteflies cause indirect damage by leaving their eggs and larvae behind.
Whiteflies look like tiny white aphids with pointed wings and a brown or dark head. They’re easy to see with the naked eye.
Prune and clean any damaged foliage. Remove them entirely because it’s likely infected with plant bacteria and eggs.
Next, you’ll need to clean. Soapy water can sterilize whitefly populations. Spray your cilantro down with a mixture of soap and water. It should kill them upon contact.
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Flea beetles love cilantro. These little beetles have shiny coats with huge rear legs, which they use to propel themselves up into the air. They can be black, brown, or a mix of colors.
Flea beetles can be naturally controlled using rubbing alcohol. Dilute it with water in a 2:5 ratio. 2 parts alcohol to 5 parts water should do the trick. This should be enough to kill any flea beetles hiding on your plant.
Next, get some sticky traps and place them around your flower bed. The traps won’t lure the bugs, but they’ll catch any that hop.
You can also dust your plants with some pure talcum powder if you have some handy. This helps repel all sorts of pests like bagworms, booklice, kissing bugs,.
Soapy water works also works. Dilute a few drops of it in a container of water and spray down your cilantro. The soap kills the fleas and their larvae. Rinse down the plant after using soap water. And wash your cilantro before using
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Japanese beetles are those large, shiny beetles that make that buzzing sound when they fly by.
These will gobble up cilantro in quick time because of their voracious appetite and large mouths.
Thankfully, they’re quite easy to control because they’re so big.
A simple solution of a squirt or two of dish washing soap and water provides an effective trap for Japanese beetles. A simple solution of a squirt or two of dish washing soap and water provides an effective trap for Japanese beetles.
What soil pH is best for Cilantro?
Garden growing conditions for cilantro are very similar to almost all other vegetables and herbs. A soil that is light and well-drained with a generous amount of organic matter is beneficial. The plants need full sun for most of the year. The soil pH should be 6.5, which is slightly acidic.
How do you store Cilantro?
Loosely cover the leaves with an upside-down plastic bag and pop it in the fridge. Storing cilantro this way will keep it fresh for as long as a month — just make sure to occasionally refresh the water in the jar.
Interesting facts:
Cilantro is at least 5000 years old, making it one of the world's oldest herbs.
Cilantro seeds have even been found in ancient Egyptian tombs!
The entire plant is edible
Some people find that cilantro tastes like soap - Studies have found that a specific gene called OR6A2 is responsible for determining how people perceive the taste of cilantro. Those with a certain variation of this gene are more likely to dislike cilantro due to the presence of certain chemical compounds that they find unpleasant.
Cilantro was brought to the Americas from Europe around the 1600s.
Medicinal uses for Cilantro:
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a versatile herb that is not only used in cooking but also has several potential medicinal uses. While its medicinal properties are not as well-studied as those of some other herbs, cilantro has a long history of use in traditional medicine for various purposes. Here are some potential medicinal uses for cilantro:
Digestive Aid: Cilantro has been traditionally used to alleviate digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and gas. It may help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.
Anti-Inflammatory: Cilantro contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Some people use cilantro to ease symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Detoxification: Cilantro has been suggested to have detoxifying properties. It may help the body eliminate heavy metals like lead, mercury, and aluminum. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for this purpose.
Cholesterol Reduction: Some studies in animals have suggested that cilantro may have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels by reducing LDL ("bad") cholesterol and increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol. However, human studies are limited.
Antibacterial and Antifungal: Cilantro contains compounds that have antibacterial and antifungal properties. It may help combat certain bacterial and fungal infections, but further research is needed.
Blood Sugar Control: Some preliminary research suggests that cilantro may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
Anxiety and Sleep: Cilantro has a calming effect on some individuals and may help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep. Its mild sedative properties are often attributed to compounds like linalool.
Skin Health: Cilantro can be used topically in skincare products or as a poultice to soothe skin irritations, rashes, and insect bites due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Rich in Nutrients: Cilantro is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, and potassium, which can contribute to overall health and well-being.
It's important to note that while cilantro has potential health benefits, individual responses can vary, and more scientific research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and effectiveness in treating specific medical conditions. If you are considering using cilantro for its medicinal properties, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications, to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.