How to Grow Cilantro in Planters

Prepare a planter suited to growing cilantro. Choose a bowl-shaped ceramic container with a broad, open mouth and a depth of at least 8 inches.

Fill the container with a mix of three parts potting soil and one part compost. Moisten the mix with a spray bottle so the top 1 inch feels moist when pressed.

Mix the cilantro seeds with fine sand to help better distribute them. Combine three parts cilantro seed with one part sand. Sprinkle the sand and seed mixture evenly over the surface of the soil.

Spread a scant layer of sand over the cilantro seeds to just barely cover them. Pat the soil firm with the flat part of your palm to anchor the seeds into the soil.

Spray the surface of the soil with water to settle the soil around the seeds. Do three or four spritzes to adequately moisten the soil.

Place the container where it will receive at least five hours of direct sunlight per day, or place it where it will be lightly shaded during the hottest part of the day, if you live in a very hot place such as Arizona.

Watch for germination beginning in seven days. Thin the seedlings to one every 2 square inches. Begin harvesting the leaves as soon as the plants grow to at least 4 inches in height.

Pinch off flower heads as they appear to extend the usefulness of the cilantro plants.