How to Germinate Cilantro Seeds

Co-authored by Jon Rowland and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: September 18, 2021 References

Cilantro can be a hard to grow from seed as the setting must be just right to create seed germination. Cilantro seeds can easily catch mold/fungal diseases and make any chances of sprouting impossible. This article will show you how to germinate cilantro seeds indoors, in a pot, next to other plants, faster germination, etc.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Soil

1
Fill your container, pot, etc. with soil.^{[1]
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Research source} Seed starting mix soil is suitable for this early stage of the plant.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Jon Rowland
Plant Specialist
Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.}
2
Get cilantro seeds and pick out ones that aren't cracked or irregularly small.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
EDIS
Electronic database of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences's peer-reviewed articles
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3
Gently push the seeds into the dirt, and cover the seeds with a layer of dirt.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Germination

1
Keep the soil moist and expect to see seed germination around 7 days after the seeds were planted.^{[5]
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2
After 7 days or less, under the soil the cilantro should have a white sprout coming out of the seed. You can check by gently uncovering the soil with your fingers and exposing the seed.^{[6]
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3
After another 2-3 days, you should see a green sprout pushing through the soil. If you uncovered the sprout than a green sprout should be visibly coming out of the seed.^{[7]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Care for Cilantro Seedlings

1
The soil should always be wet, but allow the soil to dry out before watering.^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Jon Rowland
Plant Specialist
Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.} This will help keep mold and diseases away from the seedling.^{[9]
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2
The seedling should have full sun for a few hours. The seedling should not have more than 4/5 hours of full sunlight or else it can wilt and die.^{[10]
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- After 2-3 weeks, you can gradually increase the outdoor exposure of the plants and acclimatize them to the natural environment. Then transplant them outside.^{[11]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jon Rowland
  Plant Specialist
  Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.}
3
Cilantro seedlings can be grown together but about ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) apart.^{[12]
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Research source} If you calculate the wrong number of seeds, the soil might be too tight to grow them all. You should remove extra plants so that the remaining cilantro seeds can thrive. You can also re-pot the plant and transplant it to another pot.^{[13]
X
Expert Source

Jon Rowland
Plant Specialist
Expert Interview. 7 September 2021.}
4
Make cilantro immune to aphids. Kill most of the aphids, but leave a few to teach the cilantro to be immune and thrive even with aphids.^{[14]
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- Usually, aphids will always find their way to cilantro plants.
- If plants are growing slower than usual, aphids could be the cause.

Community Q&A

Question

Fifteen days ago, I planted a row 75 feet long of cilantro, and not a single seed germinated. Any suggestions?

Community Answer

Your question posted in February, and 15 days ago was January. Depending on your zone, most likely you planted the seeds during winter. If you're going to plant in winter, it is best to so indoors, and then transplant the seeds outdoors after the last frost.

Warnings

Cilantro plants may grow slower than usual due to aphids eating the younger leaves or where they are not easily seen

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