Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a versatile herb cherished worldwide for its fresh, citrusy flavor and its ability to enhance a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re preparing salsas, curries, or garnishing your favorite meals, having a constant supply of fresh cilantro can elevate your cooking to a whole new level.
Imagine stepping onto your balcony or into your kitchen and picking fresh, aromatic leaves right when you need them. Growing cilantro in pots offers this convenience while fitting perfectly into even the smallest spaces. With the right care and knowledge, anyone can cultivate thriving cilantro plants.
Let’s explore how you can grow cilantro from seeds in pots.
Table of Contents Show
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Cilantro seeds (split or whole)
- A planter box, 6-8 inch (15-20 cm) deep, with drainage holes
- High-quality potting mix with compost or organic matter
- Spray bottle or Watering can
- Labels for pots
Light Requirements

4-6 hours direct sunlight
Water Requirements

Consistently moist,
but not waterlogged
Temperature

50°F and 75°F
(10°C to 24°C)
Light
Requirements

4-6 hours direct sunlight
Water
Requirements

Consistently moist,
but not waterlogged
Temperature

50°F and 75°F
(10°C to 24°C)
Preparing the Seeds
Cilantro seeds, often called coriander seeds, are unique because they’re actually two seeds encased in a single husk. To ensure better germination, start by preparing the seeds:
Split the Seeds: Gently crush the outer shell of the seeds by rolling them under a rolling pin or lightly pressing them with your fingers. This step helps release the two individual seeds inside and promotes faster sprouting.

Soak the Seeds: Place the split seeds in a jar of room-temperature water and let them soak for 12-24 hours. Soaking softens the outer shell, making it easier for the seeds to germinate.

Pro Tip: Avoid soaking the seeds for more than 24 hours, as this can cause them to rot.
Pot and Soil Preparation
A healthy cilantro plant starts with the right pot and soil. Here’s how to set up the perfect growing environment:
- Pot Size: Choose a container that is 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep with drainage holes. This provides adequate space for the plant’s root system while ensuring proper drainage.
I prefer using a rectangular planter box for growing cilantro – it’s great for windowsills and lets you grow more plants. But any container will work perfectly, as long as it’s deep enough and has drainage holes! - Drainage: Ensure the pot has multiple drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
For the soil:
- Use a High-Quality Potting Mix: A nutrient-rich mix is essential for healthy growth. Look for soil with good aeration and water retention properties.
- Add Organic Matter: Mix in compost or aged manure to boost nutrient content.
- Add Perlite: Incorporate perlite into the mix to improve drainage and aeration.
- Ensure Proper pH: Cilantro thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8.

Tip: Avoid using heavy garden soil, as it can compact and restrict root growth.
For more detailed instructions, check out our guide on How to Make Your Own Potting Mix.
Sowing the Seeds
Once your seeds are prepared and your pot is ready, it’s time to sow:

- Drain the Seeds: Using a sieve, drain the soaked seeds to remove excess water before sowing.
- Water the Soil: Gently water the soil before sowing to create a moist base for the seeds.
- Scatter the Seeds: Scatter the seeds evenly across the soil surface without worrying about precise spacing. Cilantro naturally grows in clusters, making spacing unnecessary at this stage. Thinning will be done later to ensure optimal spacing and healthy plant growth.
- Cover the Seeds: Add a thin layer of soil, approximately 0.5-1 inch (1-2 cm) deep, to cover the seeds.
- Mist the Top Layer: Use a spray bottle or gentle watering can to water the top layer without washing the seeds away.
- Label your pots if you’re growing multiple herbs to avoid confusion later.
- Sprouting Time: Cilantro seeds typically sprout within 7-10 days, depending on temperature and moisture levels. Warmer conditions around 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) can speed up germination.

Tip: Keep the soil moist by misting once or twice daily until the seeds germinate.
Maintaining Ideal Growing Conditions
Maintaining optimal conditions for cilantro is key to ensuring its healthy growth and productivity.

Here’s how you can provide the best care for your plants:
☀️Sunlight: Cilantro thrives with 4-6 hours of sunlight each day. Place your pots in a location that receives morning sun, as it’s less intense and helps prevent the plants from bolting. In hotter climates, consider using shade cloth or moving the pots to a shaded area during the afternoon to protect them from excessive heat.
💧Watering: Consistent soil moisture is essential. Check the soil regularly by inserting your finger about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep. If it feels dry, water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Mulching can help retain moisture and reduce the frequency of watering.
🌡️Temperature: Cilantro grows best in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F (10°C to 24°C). If temperatures exceed this range, move the pots to a cooler spot or indoors to prolong the growing season. Spring and fall are ideal planting seasons for cilantro.
🍂Mulching: Apply a 1-2 inch (2.5-5 cm) layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the plant. This not only retains moisture but also regulates soil temperature and suppresses weeds. Replenish the mulch as needed to maintain its effectiveness.
🐛Inspect for Pests: Check the plants regularly for common pests such as aphids and spider mites. Treat infestations early using organic methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap. Healthy plants with proper airflow are less likely to attract pests.

By following these steps, you’ll create an environment that supports robust and productive cilantro plants, providing you with fresh, aromatic leaves throughout the growing season.
Thinning the Seedlings
When the seedlings develop 2-3 true leaves, it’s time to thin them:
- Choose the Strongest Seedlings: Select the healthiest seedlings to keep and remove the weaker ones.
- Spacing: Leave about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of space between the remaining seedlings to allow proper growth.
- How to Thin: Gently pinch or snip the weaker seedlings at the soil line to avoid disturbing the roots of the healthy ones.

The thinned seedlings don’t have to go to waste! These young shoots are edible and delicious, with a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Cilantro is a fantastic herb for growing as microgreens. With just a few days of growth, you can harvest a large amount of tender, flavorful shoots. These are perfect for adding a fresh and citrusy touch to your meals. To learn how to grow cilantro microgreens effectively, check out our guide on Growing Microgreens at Home.
Harvesting Cilantro

Cilantro grows quickly, and harvesting correctly ensures a continuous supply of fresh leaves:
- When to Harvest: Start harvesting when the plants are 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) tall, typically 3-4 weeks after planting.
- How to Harvest: There are two effective methods for harvesting cilantro. The first involves cutting the outer stems, leaving the center intact to allow continued growth. Alternatively, you can harvest all the stems at once, leaving just a few inches (5-7 cm) above the soil. This encourages regrowth and provides a new cycle of fresh leaves.

Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at a time to keep it healthy.
- Regular Harvesting: Repeat harvesting every 1-2 weeks for a fresh and continuous supply.
- Seed Harvest: If you want to collect coriander seeds, allow the plant to flower and set seeds. Harvest the seeds when they turn brown and dry on the plant.
Pro Tip: Harvest leaves early in the morning for the best flavor and aroma.
Common Challenges and Solutions

Bolting: Cilantro tends to bolt in hot weather. To delay bolting, provide partial shade, maintain consistent moisture in the soil, and harvest leaves regularly. Frequent harvesting helps redirect the plant’s energy away from flowering and bolting, encouraging continued leaf production.
Yellow Leaves: This may indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Check the soil drainage and consider adding compost or fertilizer.
Pests: Aphids and spider mites are common pests. Inspect your plants regularly and treat infestations promptly with organic solutions.
FAQs
Yes, cilantro can thrive indoors if placed near a sunny window or under a grow light.
Water 2-3 times per week or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging the roots.
Provide partial shade in hot weather, keep the soil consistently moist, and harvest leaves frequently to delay flowering.
Absolutely. Grow cilantro indoors during the colder months or reseed every few weeks for a continuous supply.
Parsley and cilantro are often mistaken for one another due to their similar appearance, but they have distinct differences.Cilantro leaves are rounded with serrated edges, while parsley leaves are more structured and frilly. In terms of flavor, cilantro offers a bold, citrusy taste often used in Mexican, Indian, and Asian dishes, whereas parsley has a milder, earthy flavor that complements Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. For tips on growing parsley, check out our guide on How to Grow Parsley in Pots.
Parsley, dill, chives, and celery are great companions for cilantro as they have similar growing requirements.