When to Plant Cilantro? Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Timing
Cilantro is grown by sowing seeds. The sowing time for cilantro varies by region; for example, in North China it is sown in July-August, while in the warm southern regions it is sown in October-November. If grown in a greenhouse, it can be planted year-round.
To grow cilantro well, do the following:
1. Choose a good variety and prepare the soil
When choosing a variety, it is best to use a small-leaf variety. Although the leaves are small, it is cold-resistant, strongly aromatic, and of excellent quality, making it the best choice if you are growing it for your own consumption. Also, the seeds should be fresh and plump, as this gives a higher germination rate. Once the seeds are ready, take advantage of the soil moisture and spread some decomposed farmyard manure, mix in an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer, deeply plow the soil, and break it up finely, leaving no large clods.
2. Broadcast sowing and good management
The seeds are generally scattered directly onto the soil, and a thin layer of soil can be spread on top. To preserve moisture, chopped straw can be spread over it. Cilantro germinates rather slowly, usually sprouting in about a week. After the seedlings emerge, pay attention to thinning them. When planting only a small amount, do not thin too early; let the seedlings grow a bit larger, and the thinned seedlings can be eaten directly, quite fresh and tasty.
3. Thinning, water and fertilizer management
After thinning, some nitrogen fertilizer can be applied along with watering to boost seedling growth. When the seedlings reach ten cm, the plants grow vigorously, so water frequently to keep the soil surface moist. While watering, apply a quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer one to three times. Pay attention to cultivating the soil and thinning appropriately, and pull out weeds when thinning. In addition, in summer provide appropriate shade, protect against erosion from heavy rain, and drain water after rain.
Besides growing cilantro in open fields or greenhouses, you can also grow it in pots at home. Friends who like eating cilantro can try planting some at home.