How To Grow And Care For Your Cilantro Plant

Crowned "Herb of the Year" by the International Herb Association in 2017, Coriandrum sativum – better known by its street name, cilantro — is a two-for-one herb and spice. To avoid bolting — the process whereby a plant quickly grows into a flower — one key thing to note is that coriander does well in cooler seasons, such as spring or fall.

Despite the plant being prone to bolting in warmer weather, a few hacks guide you through growing this herb, even in more tropical climes. One way to grow and keep your plant healthy and fruitful is to grow it alongside similar but taller plants, as the shade cools down the soil and allows the plants to thrive a little better. Another great hack is to be mindful of the type of soil you're planting your herb in. When planting seeds, many often don't consider the importance of soil quality or fertilizer. It's important to ensure both of these things are of great quality and the right type for the herb you are trying to harvest. There are many simple ways to grow and care for your cilantro plant. Let's dive into a few.

Cilantro seeds benefit from space when planted, and not just because the herbs tend to grow bushy. When planting your first cilantro seeds, it's advisable to space them 2 inches apart in rows that are 1 foot apart. Cilantro seeds aren't too fussy but need a fair bit of area to avoid overcrowding. This is vital if your primary goal is to use them for their leaves — the herbs themselves. 

By spacing them apart this way, you're more likely to get fuller, healthier leaves thanks to the generous airflow the growing seeds will enjoy. Additionally, the seeds don't need to compete for nutrients from the soil when spaced apart. The soil, in turn, is well-drained and can provide enough moisture to all the seeds and their roots. Another thing to note is that cilantro seeds don't need to be planted too deep into the soil, so place them 1/2 an inch into the ground, and they'll reward you with beautiful sprouts.

Two main threats to your herbs are aphids, like blackflies and greenflies, and red spider mites. Aphids attack in groups. They can usually be found on the leaves of your herbs, sucking the sap from the plant and leaving behind a secretion that ants feed on. The entire process can be traumatic for your cilantro plants, rendering them all but useless to you. However, if the infestation turns out to be mild, you can either flick them off with your hands, spray them down with a hose, or — gasp! — leave them to be preyed on by less threatening insects such as ladybugs. However, if they are large in quantity, it is important only to use water to get rid of them. You don't want to spray any chemicals on plants you plan to ingest.

The wily red spider mites can pose a bigger threat to the well-being of your cilantro plants. These creatures thrive in very dry weather by creating a funnel through the plant's cells and consuming the contents. If left untreated, this process can cause your cilantro plants to develop yellow spots on the leaves. Further harm can cause your plants to wilt and die. The spider mites are often not as easy to spot as the aphids because they start off yellow in the summer. One great way to identify these plant predators is through a trace of silky webbing they often leave behind at the crime scene. Predators in very dry weather won't do well in moisture. To prevent or eliminate red spider mites, blast the leaves with your hose to knock them off. Do this every time you water your plant. If you notice infested leaves, cut them off and throw them out immediately to not invade other parts of the yard.

When thinking about when to fertilize and when to mulch, it helps to understand the difference between the two. Found in both natural and artificial forms, a fertilizer's key goal is to add nutrients to the soil where the seeds are planted. Mulch, on the other hand, is any organic material that is used to protect the soil from weeds and other threats. So in even simpler terms, fertilizer works in the soil, while mulch works on top of it. 

Mulch is particularly important to leafy plants such as cilantro because it helps the soil retain its moisture. Cilantro likes plenty of water, so this helps it stay moist in between waterings. However, mulch can be a disadvantage in warmer months as it traps heat in the soil, which isn't conducive for mild-weather-loving cilantro. So it's important to consider when to mulch and how best to navigate the seasons. In general, put organic mulch such as wood shavings, hay, or straw around the plants, aiming for a 2-inch layer.

We've discussed the best time to plant and harvest cilantro seeds and plants — spring and fall. But what about those who live in more tropical climes? All hope isn't lost! You, too, can plant and harvest your cilantro. Cilantro requires six hours of direct sunlight to foster its growth, but anything more than that is too much heat for the herb. When cilantro gets too much heat, it bolts fairly quickly, meaning you don't get to enjoy the flavors of the herb. So in warmer climates, it's often best to plant the seeds in a spot with access to shade. You can plant them underneath taller plants or provide a manual cover like an umbrella.

When sourcing cilantro seeds for warmer areas, it's important to note that there are varieties that thrive better in hotter temperatures. These seed variants are known as "Slow Bolt" cilantro seeds. As the name suggests, these seeds will still bolt eventually, but the process to get there is more favorable to hotter zones.