Coriander, also known as cilantro, is a popular herb widely used in cooking for its fresh, citrusy flavor. Whether you use its leaves or seeds, it brings an aromatic boost to many dishes. The good news is, coriander is relatively easy to grow indoors from seeds, making it a perfect addition to your kitchen windowsill garden. Here’s a complete guide to growing coriander indoors—from seed to harvest—so you can enjoy fresh herbs all year round.
1. Choosing the Right Seeds
Start with high-quality coriander seeds. You can buy them from a garden center or use whole coriander seeds from the spice rack, but keep in mind that culinary seeds may have reduced germination rates. For best results, choose seeds specifically labeled for planting. Opt for a slow-bolting variety if possible—these are less likely to flower too early in warm indoor conditions.
2. Preparing the Seeds for Planting
Coriander seeds are actually two seeds encased in a husk. To speed up germination, gently crush the husk using a rolling pin or the flat side of a knife, being careful not to crush the seeds inside. Soak the split seeds in water for 12 to 24 hours before planting to further encourage sprouting.
3. Choosing the Right Container and Soil
Select a container that is at least 20 cm (8 inches) deep to allow for proper root growth. Ensure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Coriander prefers loose, well-draining soil, so use a quality potting mix or make your own with a blend of garden soil, compost, and a bit of sand or perlite.
Fill your pot with the soil mix, leaving about 2 cm (an inch) of space from the rim. Moisten the soil before sowing the seeds.
4. Sowing the Seeds
Sow the pre-soaked coriander seeds about 1 cm (0.5 inch) deep. Scatter them evenly over the soil surface or plant them in shallow rows. You can space them around 5 cm (2 inches) apart if you want well-formed plants, or closer together if you plan to harvest frequently.
Lightly cover the seeds with soil and gently press down to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Mist the surface with water to avoid displacing the seeds.
5. Providing Light and Warmth
Coriander seeds need warmth to germinate, ideally between 18–24°C (65–75°F). Place the pot in a warm location, such as a sunny windowsill or under a grow light. Germination typically takes 7–14 days.
Once the seeds sprout, move the container to a spot where the plants can receive at least 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. If sunlight is limited, use a grow light for 10–12 hours a day to supplement natural light.
6. Watering and Care
Coriander prefers evenly moist soil but does not tolerate soggy conditions. Water the soil when the top inch feels dry. Avoid letting the soil completely dry out, especially during germination and early growth.
To promote healthy, bushy plants, thin the seedlings to allow for airflow and space. Snip the weaker seedlings at the base rather than pulling them out, which could disturb neighboring roots.
You can fertilize the plants every two to three weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer, especially if you’re harvesting leaves regularly. However, avoid overfeeding, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth and early bolting.
7. Harvesting
Coriander leaves can be harvested once the plant reaches about 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) tall. Use scissors to snip the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Frequent harvesting encourages the plant to produce more foliage.
If you’re growing coriander for its seeds, allow the plant to flower and set seed. Once the seed heads turn brown, cut them off and hang them upside down in a paper bag to dry. After drying, shake the seeds loose and store them in a jar.
8. Preventing Bolting
Bolting (premature flowering) is common when coriander is stressed by heat or inconsistent watering. To delay bolting
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Keep the plant in a cooler spot away from intense afternoon sun.
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Maintain even moisture in the soil.
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Harvest leaves frequently to slow down flower development
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9. Regrowing for Continuous Supply
Coriander does not regrow well once harvested completely, so for a continuous supply, sow seeds every 2–3 weeks in separate pots. This way, you’ll always have a fresh batch growing while another is ready to harvest.
Final Thoughts
Growing coriander indoors is a rewarding and cost-effective way to keep fresh herbs at your fingertips. With the right conditions—plenty of light, proper moisture, and regular care—you can enjoy a steady supply of fragrant, flavorful leaves for months. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, coriander is a great herb to grow indoors for cooking, garnishing, or simply enjoying the greenery.
