Q&A for How to Grow Cilantro

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  • Question
    I have been growing cilantro but when the plants reach about two inches tall they fall over. Why is this?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    If the plants don't have enough light, they can get "leggy". The plant is trying to grow taller and find light. This leads to thin plants that eventually fall over. Try placing the plants in an area with more sun or using a grow light.
  • Question
    Can coriander live in the same pot as thyme?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    Yes they can grow together in the same pot as long as there is enough space for each to get sunlight, and the pot is big enough that they do not become root bound.
  • Question
    How can I make sure my cilantro grows okay in the cold?
    Community Answer
    Cilantro is naturally very resistant to the cold, it can easily handle temperatures ranging even to the low/mid 20s Fahrenheit.
  • Question
    My cilantro is not germinating. It's been three weeks, but I could not see the green shrub coming out of soil. I'm watering it daily. What might be the reason?
    Community Answer
    It could be that it is getting too much water. Cilantro's soil should be moist, not wet -- it is a dry herb.
  • Question
    Can cilantro grow with two hours of sunlight?
    Community Answer
    Most likely not. The seedlings might sprout, but the plants wouldn't grow. Cilantro needs full sun, about 6-10 hours a day.
  • Question
    Can I grow cilantro in a small pot?
    Community Answer
    Cilantro roots grow fairly deep even from a 3 inch tall plant. Thus, any small pot should be a pot 8 to 10 inches deep at a minimum.
  • Question
    How do I dry cilantro for future use?
    Community Answer
    Hang the cilantro in small bundles upside down in a dry area until they are dried out.
  • Question
    How should I grow cilantro during the rainy season?
    Community Answer
    Cilantro is very susceptible to powdery mildew, so it is important to not wet the foliage. During rainy season, bring it indoors.
  • Question
    I am not using fresh seed to plant Cilantro. Will it grow?
    Community Answer
    Cilantro seeds should last two years. If germination doesn't occur in 7 to 14 days, you'll know it isn't viable.
  • Question
    How deep should the container be for growing cilantro seeds for a project for 3 months?
    Community Answer
    The container should be at least 8 to 10 inches deep or else it will not grow.
  • Question
    Can I use egg shells as a fertilizer for my plant?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Egg shells provide phosphorus, which is very good for the growth of the plant. But only add egg shells after the plant grows somewhat big.
  • Question
    It is very hot and sunny where I live. Will cilantro bolt in this weather, even if they get some shade?
    Community Answer
    If you live in a region where it is hot in summer and cool (some frosty mornings) in winter, you may find that if your plant your coriander (cilantro) in the summer, it does tend to bolt to seed quite quickly. To get around this, plant your main crop in the autumn, giving it a good start before the winter hits (as long as you're in a non-snowy area) and then it will just keeps going through the winter. The frosts don't kill it but slow down or even stop its growth. For areas with snow, plant direct into containers.
  • Question
    Do we have to change the soil after 4 crops of cilantro are done growing?
    Community Answer
    No, just add some compost. You could add a little more topsoil if you feel it is not good, but compost will enrich the soil you already have.
  • Question
    When I plant cilantro in a pot, it turns yellow and dies off. A parsley bought same time, same place is flourishing. The cilantro plant is a droopy, yellow mess. Any advice?
    Community Answer
    Cilantro becomes yellow when is over watered. Cilantro does not like being moved from one container to another, and it becomes droopy due to water loss in the plant because of a different mineral/electrolytes concentration.
  • Question
    Can I grow coriander with dry seeds?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can.
  • Question
    Can cilantro grow without water?
    Community Answer
    Plants cannot grow without water. It may survive for a few days, but it will die.
  • Question
    Can I save the seeds and keep them to plant the following growing season?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can let your plant flower, although if it flowers it will not produce edible leaves. Once the flower dries out, you can harvest the seeds. You can then use the seeds in cooking or save them for the next growing season.
  • Question
    Can the plant grow in water?
    Community Answer
    No, it cannot. Cilantro is a dry herb, so it can't have too much water. If you have to, use a clean spray bottle filled with water to keep it moist.
  • Question
    How do I remove aphids from cilantro?
    Community Answer
    Use a spray bottle filled with lukewarm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap, and spray whenever necessary to control the pests. Encourage ladybugs, as they will eat the aphids. It's a good idea to buy a new empty spray bottle rather than using a discarded bottle whose original contents may be potentially harmful.
  • Question
    Do cilantro seeds need to be rubbed before germinating?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they should be beaten up to open the seeds.
  • Question
    Can I freeze it or dry it for storage?
    Glenn McGrew II
    Community Answer
    Yes, but the flavor will not be as strong. If you freeze it, you'll need to use 2x more than fresh leaves. If you dry it, you'll need to use 3x more. If you put it in a container, it should last a year frozen, perhaps longer. Dried cilantro in a dry container will probably not maintain its flavor as long as frozen cilantro, as is true of most dried spices.
  • Question
    What does it mean when it's yellow?
    Community Answer
    Cilantro turns yellow when it's over watered. Cilantro is a dry soil herb, it does not like a lot of water.
  • Question
    Why is my cilantro white?
    Community Answer
    The most probable cause is lack of sunlight.
  • Question
    Can I use the seeds readily available in the market?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but they need to be seeds, not sold as spices.
  • Question
    What is the proper way to trim a cilantro plant if it has grown so large that it is like a tree?
    Community Answer
    Once it's like a tree, it has likely bolted. There is nothing that can be done. Let the seeds mature, then germinate them again.
  • Question
    How would I grow coriander strong or big enough to use the roots for cooking? The roots are widely used in Thai cuisine.
    Community Answer
    Plant it in full sunlight and grow it outdoors or in a deep pot near a window with at least hours of direct sunlight.
  • Question
    How do I harvest cilantro?
    Community Answer
    You can harvest cilantro by cutting or pulling the leaves from the stems.
  • Question
    Can I grow cilantro in water? If so, how?
    Community Answer
    Short answer, no. Cilantro is a dryish soil plant. Overwatering will cause it to become yellow and sickly, and eventually to die.
  • Question
    Can cilantro germinate during rainy weather?
    Community Answer
    No, they can’t. They need a lot of sunlight (6 - 10 hours); if this isn’t possible, then use a grow light instead.
  • Question
    How do I store cilantro?
    Community Answer
    I recommend cutting, washing, and letting it dry on newspaper overnight to dry it. Once it's properly dried, you can freeze it.
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