How to Germinate Coriander Seeds for Cilantro
By Tim the Techno-Gardener
Coriander and cilantro are the same plant. The seeds are called coriander, while the leaves are called cilantro. Cilantro is commonly used in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cooking, which makes it a great herb to grow at home.
One reason to grow cilantro yourself is that store-bought bunches are inexpensive, but they spoil quickly in the refrigerator. Growing your own indoors can give you a fresh supply on demand.
A Surprising Fact About Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds look like little round balls with a hard shell, but each one is not actually a single seed. In many cases, that round ball contains two seeds inside.
The outer shell is part of a dried fruit called the pericarp. If you gently crack the shell before planting, you can improve the germination process.
Why Crack the Seed Shell?
Cracking the coriander seed shell serves two useful purposes:
- It helps water reach the seeds more easily.
- It can give you two seedlings from one coriander ball.
To do this, place the seeds in a mortar and use a pestle very gently. Apply only enough pressure to crack the shells. Do not grind or crush them into powder.
How to Plant Coriander Seeds
You do not need fancy seed-starting mix to germinate coriander. A loose homemade potting soil can work fine. Plant the cracked seeds about 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil evenly moist.
Under good conditions, coriander seeds may begin sprouting in just a few days. Because each cracked seed ball may contain two seeds, you may notice a double sprout emerging from a single pericarp.
Tips for Growing Cilantro Indoors
Cilantro is known for bolting in warm temperatures, which means it quickly sends up a flower stalk and stops producing tender leaves. For best results, grow it in the coolest location in your house.
During winter, a cool windowsill can be a good spot. If you are trying to maintain a steady supply, sow new seeds regularly so younger plants are always coming along behind the older ones.
Grow Your Own Fresh Supply
If you enjoy cooking with cilantro, learning how to germinate coriander seeds is a simple way to keep fresh leaves available at home. By cracking the outer shell before planting, you can make it easier for the seeds to sprout and potentially double your seedlings from each seed ball.
Growing cilantro indoors is inexpensive, practical, and a great way to keep fresh herbs on hand for your kitchen year-round.
