Cilantro Plant Care

Planting

• Cilantro plants are planted February in well-draining soil. The container must have drainage holes to allow excess water to run out. If planting outdoors, the plants can be planted when all signs of frost are past. When planting more than one plant, space them 4 inches apart. Soil cultivated 6 inches deep is best for outdoor planting.

Sunlight

• Whether planting cilantro indoors or outdoors, the plant needs full sunlight coming from the east and south for best results. The morning sun warms the plant and the afternoon sun encourages photosynthesis. If the plant must be in a location with partial shade, it should be a late afternoon shade.

Water

• During the first 10 days of growing, cilantro needs water twice a week and once a week thereafter. During times with extremely high temperatures, the soil will dry more quickly and the plants may need more frequent watering to keep the soil damp. Avoid getting water on the leaves of houseplants to prevent disease.

Feeding

• Cilantro needs fertilizing every two weeks. A 20-20-20 (nitrogen-phosphate-potassium) fertilizer is the best to promote rapid growth. Before and after adding fertilizer, water the soil thoroughly to prevent root burn.

Deadheading and Harvesting

• Promote new flowers by pinching off flowers before they turn to seed. For seed harvesting, allow the flowers to mature, die and seed. Once the flower dies, remove it and gently rub the flower between two fingers to encourage the seeds to drop.