Cilantro

How to Sow

• 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 the seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill, or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.
• Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.
• If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of true leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots
• Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning.  This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.

Sowing Directly in the Garden:

• Direct sow in average soil in full sun after all danger of frost.
• Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth. 
• 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 12 inches apart when seedlings have three pairs of leaves.

Planting in the Garden:

• Select a location in full sun where water drains quickly after a rainfall.
• Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones.
• Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball. 
• Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the root ball, if tight, with your hands to encourage good root development. 
• Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand leaving a slight depression around the plant to hold water. 
• Use the plant tag as a location marker. 
• Water thoroughly, so that a puddle forms in the saucer you have created. This settles the plants in, drives out air pockets and results in good root-to-soil contact.
• Do not allow plants to dry out, but never let the soil stay wet. 

How to Grow