When to Plant Cilantro? Detailed Guide to Planting Time and Methods

In our daily lives, cilantro is generally used as a side dish or for seasoning. It has a very fragrant aroma, but because some people dislike it, it is also called stink weed. However, adding some cilantro to dishes with a strong fishy smell makes them very delicious, and it also has high medicinal value. Actually, cilantro is not difficult to grow. As long as you follow the correct methods step by step, it can grow very well. Below, let us take a look at its planting time and methods.

Planting Time

Cilantro can be planted in all four seasons, but there is a big difference in growth and yield. Generally, the normal planting time for cilantro is March to April in spring and September in autumn. This is because the optimal temperature for cilantro growth is between 15 and 20°C. Below 15°C, cilantro struggles to germinate, and even after germination it grows very slowly. Above 20°C, it also affects the quality of cilantro. If planted in summer at temperatures of over 30°C without artificial regulation, it generally yields nothing at all.

Planting Methods

1. Land Selection and Preparation

Cilantro is a rather picky vegetable when it comes to location, and its requirements for the growing environment are somewhat strict. When choosing land, pay attention to selecting plots containing organic matter. At the same time, the soil should be relatively fertile with good moisture and nutrient retention capacity. Ideally, it should be flat land with a good drainage and irrigation system. When preparing the land, try to plow deeply, and apply base fertilizer, which is generally farmyard manure.

2. Sowing and Seedling Cultivation

Before sowing, the seeds need to be treated. First, rub off the outer pericarp layer of the cilantro seeds, then soak them in water for one day. After removing them, wrap them in a wet cotton cloth, and finally place them in an environment suitable for seed germination to promote sprouting. After about seven to ten days, the sprouts will basically all emerge. Once the sprouts have all emerged, you can sow them. When sowing, pay attention to first moistening the soil, then scatter the sprouted seeds row by row, cover the seeds with fine soil, and finally cover with a layer of plastic film. When three to four leaves have grown, remove the film to let in air.

3. Field Management

After sowing and watering, there will be a long period when watering is not needed. Generally, you wait until after transplanting to water for the first time. After this watering, you generally water once every seven to ten days. In the early stage of cilantro growth, watering is generally not needed much. In the middle stage, you need to keep the soil moist, generally watering once every seven days. In the later stage, watering once every ten-plus days is fine. During the cilantro growing period, generally if the base fertilizer is sufficient, no additional fertilizing is needed. If you find that the nutrients in the soil are insufficient, generally apply a little urea or phosphate fertilizer.

4. Disease Prevention

Cilantro generally has few diseases, but there are relatively more pests, so pest prevention measures should be taken. Generally, we use emamectin benzoate and vegetable suspension concentrate for prevention, spraying once every five to seven days.

The above is a brief introduction from Qinnong Network regarding cilantro planting time and planting methods, for reference only. When cilantro grows to 10 to 15 cm, it can be harvested, using the method of harvesting the large and keeping the small. Then apply fertilizer once more, and the small ones will continue to grow.