Growing Conditions for Cilantro

Site and Soil

• Cilantro grows in well-drained soils. Loam or sandy loam beds provide the right mixture of drainage and nutrients without drying too quickly. Adding compost to the soil prior to planting helps improve less ideal soils so that the cilantro plants thrive. Areas that receive all day sun or morning sun with light afternoon shade provide enough light for the cilantro to grow well. The plants prefer cooler temperatures in spring and fall, as summer heat causes them to set seed. Once the plants set seed the leaves lose much of their flavor.

Water Needs

• Seedlings must receive regular irrigation but mature plants can tolerate dry conditions. Once weekly watering that moistens the soil to a 6-inch depth provides enough moisture for the plants. When the plants establish, watering only when the soil begins to dry provides sufficient moisture for the cilantro. Humid conditions favor fungal growth on the foliage but morning watering helps ensure excess moisture dries on the plants quickly, which helps prevent fungus.

Fertilization

• While cilantro requires some fertilization, too much can prevent the flavorful oils in the foliage from developing fully. Two applications of a 21-0-0 or similar analysis fertilizer each growing season provides enough nutrients for the plants to produce well. An application of ¼ cup at planting and a second application after two months of growing provides enough nutrients for the cilantro to produce well throughout the growing season.

Pests

• Insects spread disease through cilantro beds as their feeding pierces the foliage and leaves behind open wounds that are susceptible to infection. Insectides control leafhoppers, the primary insect pest infesting cilantro. Weeds also pose a problem in cilantro beds so frequent weeding must be practiced to keep the beds clear. A 2-inch mulch layer over the soil suppresses weed growth and also helps keep moisture in the soil so it doesn't dry out completely.