When Is the Best Time to Sow Cilantro Seeds? A Detailed Guide to Germination Time and Growing Methods

Cilantro is a fairly common vegetable in daily life, widely used as a seasoning because of its distinctive aroma. It is now grown in many regions, but to grow cilantro well, you need to understand the right planting time and techniques. So when is the best time to plant cilantro seeds? How long until they germinate? How do you plant them?

Cilantro planting time:

Cilantro can be planted all year round, though it is generally planted in spring and autumn, so now is a good time to plant cilantro. At present, more people plant autumn cilantro in September, but heat-tolerant varieties can also be planted in August; the germination rate will not be very good, but the returns are decent! In addition, there is a saying in the north: radishes in the first fu, vegetables in the second fu. Cilantro can also be planted together with Chinese cabbage, but it emerges more slowly, so moisture-retention measures are needed, such as covering with wheat straw or dry grass.

How long until germination?

Under normal conditions, cilantro germinates in about a week. The exact time depends on temperature and humidity. It is an annual or biennial herb with a strong scent, 20-100 cm tall. The root is spindle-shaped and slender, with many fine lateral roots. The fruit is spherical, with the main ridges on the back and the adjacent secondary ridges prominent. The endosperm is concave on the ventral side. The oil tubes are inconspicuous, or there is 1 located below the secondary ridges. The flowering and fruiting period is April to November.

How do you plant them?

1. Seed treatment

Choose a high-quality variety, soak the seeds in clean water at 15°C-20°C for 12-24 hours (changing the water once in between), then remove them, drain off excess water, put them in a wet cloth bag, and place them in a pit to sprout for a full day and night. Then mix in a 800-fold dilution of Xin Gaozhi Mo (using Xin Gaozhi Mo for seed dressing can repel underground pests and diseases, isolate viral infection, not affect the imbibition function for germination, strengthen respiration intensity, and increase the seed germination rate). Immediately after, broadcast the seeds evenly on a leveled seedbed, sowing the right amount, and cover with a very thin layer of fine sand and soil, then spray the soil surface with a 800-fold dilution of Xin Gaozhi Mo. This can preserve soil moisture and prevent water evaporation, protect against sun and drought, keep warm and prevent freezing, prevent soil crusting, suffocate and isolate pest and disease sources, and increase the emergence rate.

2. Sowing

Cilantro has a relatively short growth period, but its main root is thick and sturdy. It is a shallow-rooted vegetable with poor soil-piercing ability and strong fertilizer absorption capacity. For planting cilantro, you must choose fertile land, which is beneficial for cilantro planting management and thereby promotes root absorption and robust plant growth.

3. Planting

Cilantro can be divided into two types: large-leaf cilantro and small-leaf cilantro. Small-leaf cilantro is suitable for autumn planting, and the suitable planting period is mid-August. For drilling, the row spacing is 10-15 cm with a trench depth of 5 cm; for broadcasting, the trench depth is 4 cm. Pay attention to watering and keep the soil moist to facilitate emergence. At the same time, also watch out for soil crusting before the cilantro emerges, which can prevent seedlings from pushing through the soil. Check for seedlings promptly after sowing. If soil crusting is found when seedlings are emerging, quickly sprinkle water and loosen the soil to help the young shoots emerge and promote rapid growth.

4. Field management

In order to create a soft and comfortable growing environment for cilantro and favorable living conditions for growth and development, and to achieve management with suitable temperature and moisture, repeated careful intertillage, soil loosening, and weeding are key. When the seedlings grow to about 3 cm, thin and set the seedlings. Generally, during the entire growth period, intertillage, soil loosening, and weeding are done 2-3 times. The first is mostly when the seedlings are pushing through the soil, using a light hand hoe or small rake to lightly break the soil surface and loosen the soil, eliminating the crusted layer. At the same time, pull out weeds that emerged early, so as to facilitate the robust growth of seedlings. The second is done when the seedlings are 2-3 cm tall; for drilled sowing, a small flat hoe can be used to loosen the soil appropriately deeper, combined with pulling out weeds. The third is done when the seedlings are 5-7 cm tall. Such early intertillage, soil loosening, and weeding can promote vigorous seedling growth. After the leaves close over the ground, whether drilled or broadcast, no more intertillage or soil loosening is done, only targeted weeding several times. Cilantro is not drought-tolerant, so it must be lightly watered every 5-7 days, basically 5-7 waterings over the whole growth period, frequently keeping the soil moist. In the mid-growth period, apply 15 kg of urea per 0.1 hectare to ensure good growth.

Cilantro seeds germinate fairly quickly; you just need to get the temperature and air humidity right. When treating cilantro seeds for germination, you need to do a good job of isolating pest sources and pathogens to avoid affecting the survival rate of later planting. Once these are done, you just need to choose an appropriate time for planting.