Herb Growing Times

Basil

• Sow seeds directly into the ground after the spring frosts. Cover with 1/4 inch of soil. Seeds can be sown indoors six to eight weeks prior to the end of the frosts and then transplanted outside. Germination occurs in five to seven days. Thin seedlings and transplant excess plants once the seedling has developed two to three pairs of true leaves. Plants should then be 6 to 12 inches apart. Harvest basil at any time once the plants have become established by snipping off young leaves as needed.

Parsley

• Sow seeds indoors under 1/8 inch of soil six to eight weeks before the end of spring frosts or in the ground outside when spring frosts are over. Germination takes two to four weeks, depending on seed freshness. Thin and transplant the seedlings when they have reached 2 to 3 inches of height so that the seedlings are 10 to 12 inches apart. Harvest stalks from the outside so as to encourage new growth.

Chives

• Sow chive seeds when the soil temperature is 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in pots. Germination will take place after two to three weeks. Transplant the seedlings to prepared beds after a further four weeks. The plants should be far enough apart to accommodate a spread of up to 14 inches in diameter. Harvest chives once established in the beds by cutting leaves 2 inches above the ground. Pink blossoms that appear in summer are also edible.

Cilantro/Coriander

• Plant cilantro seeds in the fall or spring, as hot weather encourages it to flower and it can survive temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Early spring plantings in greenhouses can be transplanted into the field when the soil temperatures improve. Plant the seeds every 1 inch, 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in rows spaced 1 foot apart. Cilantro seeds will germinate in seven to 10 days. Thinning is not required, and close growth can help to inhibit weeds.