How to grow cilantro from seeds indoors is a question that many home gardeners ask when aiming to cultivate fresh herbs year-round. Cilantro, also known as coriander in some parts of the world, is a staple in a wide range of cuisines, from Mexican and Indian to Thai and Middle Eastern. With its unique flavor and versatility in the kitchen, growing this herb inside your home not only provides a continual harvest but also adds greenery and aroma to your indoor space.
Whether you’re short on outdoor space or simply looking for a convenient way to access fresh herbs while cooking, cultivating cilantro indoors can be a deeply rewarding experience. But cilantro is known for being slightly temperamental if not given the right conditions. That’s why understanding how to grow cilantro from seeds indoors—step by step—is the key to success.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything necessary for nurturing cilantro from seed to harvest right inside your kitchen, balcony window, or sunroom. We’ll cover container selection, soil requirements, lighting, watering, harvesting techniques, and troubleshooting common problems so your indoor cilantro project is as productive as possible.
Understanding Cilantro’s Growth Habits
Before you begin planting, it’s essential to understand how cilantro behaves as a plant.
Cilantro is a cool-season herb that tends to bolt (flower and go to seed) when exposed to high heat or extended daylight. Bolting is a natural process, but it reduces the quality and quantity of usable leaves. When grown indoors, you can mitigate this tendency by controlling temperature, humidity, and light exposure.
There are two key stages in cilantro's life cycle:
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Leaf production (the part used as cilantro)
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Seed production (the part known as coriander)
Since the goal of this guide is to maximize leafy harvests, you’ll want to delay bolting for as long as possible by providing the right indoor conditions.
Materials Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to grow cilantro from seeds indoors:
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Cilantro seeds (preferably slow-bolt varieties)
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Seed-starting mix or high-quality potting soil
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Containers with good drainage (at least 6-8 inches deep)
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Tray or saucer to catch excess water
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Grow light (if natural light is limited)
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Spray bottle or watering can
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Plastic wrap or humidity dome (optional but helpful during germination)
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Fertilizer (organic liquid fertilizer or fish emulsion)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Grow Cilantro from Seeds Indoors
Step 1: Select the Right Cilantro Variety
Not all cilantro is created equal when it comes to indoor cultivation. Choose a slow-bolt variety such as ‘Calypso,’ ‘Cruiser,’ or ‘Leisure.’ These are bred for extended leaf production and resist premature flowering better than standard types.
Purchasing organic, untreated seeds ensures your harvest is free from chemicals and suitable for culinary use.
Step 2: Prepare the Seeds for Germination
Cilantro seeds are actually two seeds joined together in a single husk. You’ll improve germination rates by gently crushing the seed husk using a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass. Avoid pulverizing the seeds—just crack them open slightly.
Next, soak the cracked seeds in room-temperature water for 12–24 hours. This softens the outer coating and activates germination enzymes.
Step 3: Choose the Right Container
Cilantro develops a long taproot, so it prefers deeper pots. Choose a container that’s at least 6 to 8 inches deep. A wider container is ideal if you’re planting multiple seeds and want continuous harvesting.
Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes. Sitting water leads to root rot, one of the most common issues in indoor herb gardens.
Step 4: Fill the Container with Soil
Use a light, well-draining potting mix rather than dense garden soil. A mix labeled for seed-starting or herbs usually works well. Look for a blend with:
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Peat moss or coco coir (for moisture retention)
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Perlite or vermiculite (for aeration)
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Compost or worm castings (for nutrients)
Fill the container almost to the top, leaving about an inch for watering space.
Step 5: Plant the Seeds
Once your soil is in place:
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Moisten the soil lightly before sowing.
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Sow cilantro seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep, spaced about 1 to 2 inches apart.
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Cover with a thin layer of soil and gently pat down.
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Mist the surface with a spray bottle to settle the soil.
If you’re using a humidity dome or plastic wrap, now is the time to place it over the container. This creates a warm, moist environment conducive to sprouting.
Step 6: Provide Optimal Germination Conditions
Cilantro seeds typically germinate in 7 to 14 days, depending on temperature and moisture.
Maintain a consistent temperature of 65–75°F (18–24°C) for best results. If your home is cooler, consider placing the container on a seedling heat mat.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mist or lightly water as needed, especially if using a heating mat that may dry soil more quickly.
Step 7: Light Requirements After Germination
Once seedlings emerge, remove the plastic cover and move the container to a south-facing windowsill or under a grow light.
Cilantro needs 12 to 16 hours of light per day for strong, healthy growth. If natural light is limited or your windows face north or east, supplement with full-spectrum LED grow lights placed 4–6 inches above the plants.
Rotate the pot regularly to encourage upright, even growth and prevent legginess.
Step 8: Thin the Seedlings
When seedlings reach 2–3 inches tall, thin them to avoid overcrowding. Leave the strongest plants spaced about 3 inches apart. Overcrowded plants compete for light and nutrients, leading to weak stems and lower yields.
You can repot the thinned seedlings in another container if you want to grow more plants.
Step 9: Watering and Feeding
Cilantro enjoys evenly moist soil but hates being waterlogged. Check the top inch of soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Use a watering can with a narrow spout to avoid splashing the leaves.
Feed with a diluted organic liquid fertilizer every 10–14 days once the plants are established. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can encourage bolting.
Step 10: Harvesting Cilantro Indoors
You can begin harvesting cilantro leaves when the plants reach about 6 inches in height, usually within 3–4 weeks of germination.
Harvest tips:
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Use sharp scissors or garden snips to cut outer leaves at the base, leaving the central stem intact.
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Always harvest from the outside in to allow new growth in the center.
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Do not remove more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth and delays flowering.
Managing Bolting Indoors
Even indoors, cilantro will eventually try to bolt. Once it starts forming tall flower stalks and the leaves become fine and feathery, the plant’s energy shifts away from leaf production.
To reduce the chances of bolting indoors:
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Keep the temperature below 75°F (24°C).
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Ensure consistent watering—dry soil can trigger bolting.
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Avoid intense afternoon light or hot air drafts.
If the plant bolts, you can still let it flower and collect the coriander seeds, which are also edible and used as spice.
Succession Planting for a Constant Supply
Cilantro grows quickly but also fades quickly. To keep a steady supply of fresh leaves, practice succession planting. Every 2–3 weeks, sow a new container of seeds. This overlapping schedule ensures that as one batch bolts or slows down, the next is ready for harvest.
You can line up multiple containers on a sunny shelf or stagger them under your grow lights.
Troubleshooting Common Indoor Cilantro Problems
Even with care, issues can arise. Here’s how to tackle some common problems:
1. Leggy Seedlings
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Cause: Insufficient light or too much warmth.
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Solution: Move closer to a light source and lower temperature slightly.
2. Yellowing Leaves
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Cause: Overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
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Solution: Check drainage and water schedule; apply diluted fertilizer.
3. Pests (Aphids, Fungus Gnats)
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Cause: Indoor conditions, especially overwatering.
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Solution: Use neem oil spray, yellow sticky traps, or let soil dry between watering.
4. Bolting
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Cause: High temperatures or inconsistent care.
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Solution: Harvest frequently, reduce light and heat, and start a new batch.
Benefits of Growing Cilantro Indoors
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Convenience: Harvest as needed while cooking.
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Freshness: Indoor herbs taste better than store-bought.
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Pesticide-free: You control what goes into the soil and onto the plant.
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Year-round growth: Even in winter, your kitchen can house thriving greenery.
Conclusion
Learning how to grow cilantro from seeds indoors opens the door to fresh culinary inspiration, greater self-sufficiency, and a greener living space. While cilantro may have a reputation for being tricky, with the right approach and a bit of observation, you can grow robust, flavorful leaves in your own home.
Start with good seeds, provide the right light and soil, and monitor your plants regularly. Succession planting will ensure you never run out of this essential herb. Whether you’re chopping it for salsa, folding it into flatbreads, or using it as a garnish, the taste of freshly grown cilantro is unmatched—and now it’s just a windowsill away.