Santo Cilantro Seeds

Cilantro may be grown from seed sown indoors and transplanted outside after your last frost date or sown directly in the garden once soil temperature has reached 40 degrees F. Cilantro plants can also be kept as potted specimens, either indoors or outdoors.

Sowing Seeds Indoors:
Because it develops a taproot, cilantro doesn’t like to be transplanted. It grows very quickly, and a little frost doesn’t harm it, so it should be sown directly in place whenever possible.
If you insist on starting cilantro plants indoors, make sure not to disturb the roots at transplant.
Sow cilantro seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the average last frost date in spring using a seed starting kit.
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed starting formula
Keep the soil moist at 70 degrees F
Seedlings will emerge in 14-21 days
As soon as basil seedlings emerge, provide plenty of natural light on a sunny windowsill or grow under fluorescent light on a 12 hours cycle.
Transplant cilantro plants in the garden after a period of “hardening”, increasing the seedling’s exposure to sunlight gradually over a one-week period. Seedlings are ready for transplants when they have 3 to 4 true leaves.
Do not allow cilantro plants or seedlings to dry out completely until well established.

Sowing Seeds Outdoors

Direct sow in average soil in full sun as soon as 2 weeks before your last frost date. Slower germination will occur with lower temperature.
Sow seeds evenly and cover with ¼ inches of fine soil.
Firm the soil lightly and keep evenly moist.
Seedlings will emerge in 14-21 days.
Thin to 6-8 inches apart when seedlings have three pairs of leaves.

Select a location in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.
Do not allow the plants to suffer drought. Plant or sow directly in average, well-draining garden soil and keep free or weed competition.
Cilantro does not need overly fertile soil, but a nitrogen deficiency will result in a poor harvest of leaves.