How to Grow Cilantro in Wisconsin

Sow coriander seeds in loose, well-drained soil in full sun after all danger of frost has passed. Plant the seeds in rows a few inches from each other, spacing the rows 6 to 12 inches apart. Cover the seeds with 1/2 inch of fine, well-drained garden soil or potting mix. Last frost generally occurs from late April to late May, depending on your location in Wisconsin.

Water the seeds as they mature into seedlings and small plants. Cilantro dries out quickly, so check the soil daily during dry spells. As seedlings grow and become crowded, thin them out by cutting them with scissors or pinching them between your fingers. Mature plants should ultimately be at least 6 inches apart. As always, disinfect tool blades with rubbing alcohol before and after each cutting project.

Harvest the leaves while they are fresh and green. Use scissors to remove the leaves without yanking up the plant.

Sow a new batch of seeds two to three weeks after you sow the first. By the time the first crop bolts and goes to seed, the second will be ready to harvest. Repeat the cycle until new plants no longer thrive because of Wisconsin's stifling heat.

Resume sowing seeds when the nights begin to cool in late summer. You can continue sowing until about one month before the first expected frost. Continue harvesting cilantro leaves until the first killing frost of fall.