Cilantro Seeds

West Coast Seeds, Cilantro Seeds - Additional Information

How to Grow Cilantro

Planting Schedule:
For a fresh supply, start sowing cilantro seeds just after the last frost has passed through to late spring. For those seeking a winter crop, direct sow in the fall using a protective cover. The ideal soil temperature for germination is around 15°C (60°F), with seeds typically sprouting within 5-10 days.


Seed Starting:
Place seeds 2cm (1 inch) deep in the soil, organizing them into short rows. For leaf harvesting, thin out the seedlings to a spacing of 5-10cm (2-4 inches). To collect seeds, maintain a distance of about 23cm (9 inches) between plants.


Growing:
Cilantro can bolt or go to seed prematurely due to factors like transplant shock, excessive heat, or too much moisture. It prefers a sunny to partly shaded spot, light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering. Protecting plants with a cloche during winter can create ideal growing conditions.


Harvesting:
Harvest young cilantro leaves when they reach around 10cm (4 inches) tall. Since cilantro's flavour is most potent when fresh, add it to dishes before serving. Freezing cilantro in ice cube trays with water is a great way to preserve its flavour.

Don't overlook the stems and roots, as they're also flavorful. For seeds, place several seed heads in a paper bag and hang them in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight to catch the seeds as they mature and fall.

Cilantro Pests & Diseases

Aphids:
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause cilantro leaves to become distorted and stunted.

Encourage natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. A healthy garden ecosystem often keeps aphid populations in check.

Wash aphids off plants with a strong stream of water. For more severe infestations, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, especially on the leaves undersides.


Powdery Mildew:
This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on leaves and stems, reducing the plant's vigour.

Ensure good air circulation around cilantro plants and water them at the base to avoid wetting the foliage. Plant cilantro in full sun to partly shaded areas where the environment is less conducive to mildew.

Remove and destroy affected plant parts at the first sign of powdery mildew. As a preventative measure, apply sulphur-based fungicides or a mixture of milk and water (1 part milk to 9 parts water).


Leaf Spot:
Caused by bacteria or fungi, leaf spots appear as dark, water-soaked spots on cilantro leaves.

Space plants properly to improve air circulation and use drip irrigation to keep foliage dry. Practice crop rotation to prevent soil-borne pathogens.

Prune affected leaves to prevent the spread of the disease. Copper-based fungicides can be effective against bacterial leaf spot.