Plant Spacing for Cilantro

Sowing

• Sow cilantro seeds directly in the garden, as transplanting stresses the plant and causes bolting. In cooler climates, plant cilantro after last frost. Bolting occurs if temperature reaches 75, so in hot climates its best to plant cilantro in the fall as a winter crop. Plant it in well-drained soil and keep the soil moderately moist. Soil temperature should be 55 to 65 degrees for the seeds to germinate, which takes seven to 14 days.

Spacing

• For leaf harvest, plant cilantro seeds 2 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. For seed harvest, space the seeds 8 inches apart in rows 15 inches apart. Place them1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and cover the seeds lightly with soil. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them to 12 inches apart. Cilantro is a relatively compact plant and easily grows in a small- or medium-sized pot placed on a windowsill. It needs enough space between plants to produce vigorous stems and leaves. Plants grow as tall as 24 to 36 inches.

Harvesting Cilantro

• Harvest cilantro leaves before the plant bolts, about 45 to 70 days after sowing. Either harvest the larger exterior leaves when the plant is 6 inches tall or wait and pull the entire plant when it reaches a height of 8 to 10 inches. After rinsing, store the leaves in water in the refrigerator. Flavor is quickly lost if cilantro is dried or frozen, so use it fresh. Add it to salsas, Mexican dishes, soups and meat dishes.

Harvesting Coriander

• For seed harvest, wait until the plant flowers and produces seeds from its tops. Seedheads turn yellow, and then brown, when they can be shaken from the flower into paper bags. Alternatively, chop of the heads and dry them or storage. Coriander has a flavor often compared to orange. It is included in fruit and pastries and is essential as a pickling and curry spice.