Cilantro is a versatile herb used as a flavor enhancer in many dishes and cuisines. Its distinct flavor is hard to duplicate and adds an extra layer to food. But caring for cilantro plants is challenging and requires patience and proper care. This article will give you all the tips and tricks you need to know to grow and maintain your cilantro plants successfully. From planting and soil preparation to watering and fertilizing, you will learn everything you need about caring for your cilantro plants.
Where to Plant Cilantro
Cilantro grows best in a spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a place in your outdoor garden that gets full sun and is sheltered from strong winds. If you have limited outdoor space or live in an area where outdoor temperatures are too cold to grow cilantro, you can also grow it indoors. To do this, select a sunny window in your home or purchase a grow light so your plant can get enough sunlight.
When planting, space cilantro about six to eight inches apart as it does not require a lot of room for growth. It also helps to group plants of the same species. This will help conserve moisture, reduce weeds and make harvesting easier. Once planted, water the cilantro thoroughly and give it a liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
Cilantro is a short-lived annual herb, so consider planting more than one crop throughout the season. This will ensure you have a continuous supply of fresh cilantro to enjoy. When planting subsequent crops, try to wait until the soil has cooled off to ensure optimal growth.
Soil Preparation
Soil preparation is an essential factor when it comes to growing cilantro. Poorly prepared soil can lead to poor plant growth and health. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure your soil is designed correctly to get the best result from your cilantro plants.
First, you should ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 – 7. You can adjust the pH level of your soil by adding either lime or sulfur to reduce or increase the pH, respectively. If you need to, you can purchase a soil testing kit to assess your soil pH accurately.
Your soil must have adequate drainage. If your soil is too dense and holds water, the cilantro roots may rot. If the soil is too sandy, the water may run right through before the roots absorb it. Amend your soil with organic matter such as compost, leaves, or peat moss to increase drainage.
When to Plant
Cilantro is a cold-loving, short-lived annual herb, so it is best planted in the early spring or fall in warmer climates. It can also be produced in succession to extend the harvest time or in early winter in mild climates.
When planting cilantro, spread the seeds evenly over the surface and cover them lightly with the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not too wet. Cilantro will usually germinate in 7-14 days, depending on the soil and air temperature. Once the plants reach several inches in height and have four sets of true leaves, thin them to around 4-6 inches apart.
Watering
Properly watering your cilantro plants is essential to a healthy and plentiful harvest. Without enough water, your plants will suffer from nutrient deficiencies, poor development, and a lack of flavor. On the other hand, too much water can cause root rot, diseases, and pest infestations. It is essential to get the watering just right to ensure the health of your cilantro.
When watering your cilantro plants, the general rule is to water deeply and thoroughly but only a few times. The plants should be watered when the soil has dried out, and you should aim to water the plants until you see some run-off. You should also try to water in the morning, allowing the plants to use the water before the heat of the day sets in.
You may need to water your cilantro plants in the summer months more frequently. The soil can dry out quickly during the hot days, and you’ll need to ensure the plants don’t suffer from a lack of water. However, be careful not to overwater your plants. If the soil is still damp, you should wait for it to dry before watering again.
In the winter, you can reduce the water you give your cilantro plants. The cool weather and the lower amount of sunlight mean that the plants will not need as much water as in the summer months.
When watering your cilantro plants, it is essential to avoid getting the leaves wet. This can lead to fungal diseases, so direct the water to the roots. You can also use a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose to ensure the water goes directly to the roots and not onto the leaves.
Fertilizing
Make sure only to use an organic or an organic-based fertilizer labeled explicitly for use on cilantro plants. You should not use chemical fertilizers, as they can harm your plants. You should also use a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content, as this will help increase the growth of your plants and ensure a more abundant harvest.
You should apply fertilizer at least once a month, preferably early in the morning or late in the evening. Check the label on the fertilizer, as different fertilizers may have different application rates. Before applying, you should also water the plants to absorb the fertilizer correctly.
When you apply the fertilizer, you should just spread it evenly around the pot’s perimeter but make sure not to get on the leaves or stems of the plants. Once you’ve finished applying the fertilizer, water the plants thoroughly to ensure it is absorbed.
Harvesting
To ensure a good harvest, it is essential to pay attention to the timing of when you cut or pull the plant. Once the cilantro leaves start to dry and curl, the plant has reached maturity.
When you are ready to harvest the cilantro, use sharp scissors or a knife to cut off all the leaves and stems at the base of the plant. Do not discard the stem, as it can help maintain the plant’s nutrition. Be sure to harvest the plant before the temperature gets too high and the leaves begin to wilt.
When harvesting the cilantro, you can pick individual leaves as needed or cut the entire plant and store the leaves in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Keeping the leaves away from moisture, light, and heat is essential to prevent them from spoiling.
In some cases, cilantro may produce seeds. If you notice small white balls at the end of the stems, this is a sign that the plant is ready to be harvested for its seeds. To harvest cilantro seeds, allow the plant to dry out in the sun and then shake the stems and leaves over a bag or bin to collect the seeds.
Once the cilantro has been harvested, you can enjoy the leaves and seeds in your favorite dishes. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to add flavor to your meal or to enjoy the unique scent and taste of cilantro, harvesting your cilantro plants is an easy and rewarding activity.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cilantro plants are susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. It’s important to know what to look for so you can correctly identify any potential problems and take the necessary steps to fix them.
Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that can cause damage to your cilantro plants. They can be identified by the mix of black, green, brown, and yellow colored spots on the leaves, stems, and buds. These insects can be controlled using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils.
Whiteflies are tiny white insects that feed on cilantro plants, weakening the plant by sucking sap and damaging the leaves. White spots on the underside of leaves can identify them. These pests can be checked using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease affecting cilantro plants, causing leaves to become covered in a white powder substance. This fungus can be prevented by avoiding over-watering and providing adequate air circulation and light. Using a fungicide can also help keep powdery mildew from becoming a problem.
Cercospora leaf spot is another fungal disease that can affect cilantro plants. Dark, circular spots on the leaves can identify this. The best way to prevent this disease is to ensure that cilantro plants have enough air circulation and light and to avoid overhead watering. Additionally, using a fungicide spray is also recommended.
Read more:
Planting and Growing Healthy Columbine Plants
