What Is the Procedure of Growing Cilantro?

When to Plant

• Cilantro grows best in cool, dry climates. In fact, when the weather turns hot, this plant begins to bolt or form small, white flowers that rapidly go to seed. Cilantro leaves quickly deteriorate and lose their flavor once the plant goes to seed. In hot, humid climates, plant cilantro in early spring and again in fall. In the Deep South, cilantro grows all winter long. It can even bounce back from the occasional winter freeze. If you live in an area where summer temperatures are cooler, plant cilantro in the spring when there is no longer danger of frost. To keep fresh supplies of cilantro coming all season, sow seeds successively every two or three weeks from spring through early fall.

Site Preparation

• Cilantro grows best in well-drained, sandy loam soil. Before planting, work organic material, such as compost or rotted manure, into the soil. Cilantro prefers full sun; however, a partially shaded location will help deter bolting in hot summer months. Cilantro also grows well in containers. In fact, in warm, sunny climates, using a container allows you to move the plant to cooler, shadier locations to prolong the plant's growth.

Planting

• Typically grown as an annual, cilantro grows easily from seed and does best when seeds are planted directly in the garden. Although you can start seeds indoors, the plant's long taproot makes it difficult to transplant. Dig rows about 1/4 inch deep and 1 foot apart. Sow seeds outdoors in prepared soil when danger of frost has passed. Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil moist. Sprouts should appear in about 2 weeks. When seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin to 6 to 8 inches apart and begin feeding with a water-soluble fertilizer.

Harvesting

• Begin harvesting cilantro leaves when the plants reach about 6 inches tall. Young, small leaves have the best flavor. Pick leaves from the top of the plant but avoid the larger, lower leaves as these are tougher and less flavorful. Cut the tops of the plants back frequently to stimulate new growth and delay the formation of seeds.

Storage

• Cilantro leaves are best used directly from the garden. The leaves stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week. Cilantro loses its flavor when dried, but retains flavor well when frozen. To freeze, clean and chop fresh cilantro leaves, spread out on a cookie sheet and freeze. Place the frozen leaves in a plastic storage bag and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.