Cilantro won't germinate? Turns out the method was wrong

Summary: Cilantro is difficult to germinate. Plant it this way and it will germinate both quickly and evenly.

This year the price of cilantro soared to 39 yuan/jin, which let some farmers who grow cilantro enjoy a taste of profit, and the demand for cilantro in winter is also very high, so many friends grow cilantro. However, after sowing, cilantro is difficult to germinate, and often grows unevenly, so how should cilantro be planted to ensure it germinates quickly and emerges evenly?

What factors affect the germination rate of cilantro seeds?

On the one hand, it is due to the cilantro seed itself, that is, the seed coat is hard and difficult for water to penetrate, and without absorbing water, the germination rate is naturally affected; on the other hand, there are external environmental factors, including temperature, moisture, soil, fertility, pests and diseases, etc. When the external environmental temperature, humidity and so on are unsuitable, cilantro seeds are also difficult to germinate, or after germination the seedlings are prone to dying.

What measures can improve the germination rate of cilantro?

1. Breaking the seed shell. There are two kinds of cilantro seeds sold on the market. One is seed that the seller has already shelled; this kind of seed looks finely broken, with cracks in the shell. The other is seed that has not been shelled; this kind of seed looks plump and round, with a smooth seed coat, and this kind must be shelled by hand. Generally, the seeds can be rubbed between two flat surfaces, but be sure not to use too much force, or the seeds can be mixed with sand and rubbed to ensure the seed shell breaks, but the seeds must not be damaged.

2. Soaking and sprouting the seeds. Wrap the shelled seeds in gauze and soak them in water for 1~2 days, changing the water 1~2 times in between. After soaking, scoop out the seeds, drain the water, spread them flat in a wet cloth bag and place them in a cool place to sprout. Generally, the sprouting temperature is kept at around 20°C, and the germination of the seeds is observed so they can be sown at the right time.

Water must be sprinkled in between to keep the seeds moist. Some studies also say that placing the soaked seeds at 10°C for a few days before sprouting can increase the seed germination rate and the seeds grow better after germination. To prevent pests and diseases, the seeds are generally dressed before sprouting with 800-fold diluted Xin Gaozhi film solution or another fungicide solution.

3. Sowing preparation. Cilantro is also a crop that should not be planted continuously, so the plot for sowing is best one where cilantro or celery has not been grown within 3 years. Prepare the land before sowing; the plot should be watered sufficiently before sowing and given enough base fertilizer. When the soil moisture is suitable, plow deeply to loosen it, make raised beds, break up clods, and ensure the soil is fine and loose, with the bed surface loose and the lower part firm, which helps the seeds take root and germinate.

When sowing, choose the morning or afternoon, avoid exposure to strong sunlight, broadcast the seeds on the bed surface, and cover with a thin layer of soil. After sowing, spray the bed surface with 800-fold diluted Xin Gaozhi film solution to isolate pests and diseases, reduce water evaporation and maintain soil moisture. After sowing, cover with plastic film or, when sunlight is strong, cover with rice straw to avoid exposure to strong sunlight. Do not use decomposed farmyard manure or the like instead of covering, to avoid burning the seedlings.

After cilantro sprouts, remove the plastic film in good time according to the temperature, and ensure its growing temperature is around 20°C, generally not lower than 10°C and not higher than 30°C. Keep the soil moist in the early stage and water according to the soil moisture.

4. Field management. After cilantro emerges, weed in time and prevent pests and diseases. After emergence, water once every 3~4 days according to the soil moisture. Generally, when the cilantro seedlings grow to about 15 cm, they can be harvested and brought to market early.

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