Growing Cilantro in Pots
Growing cilantro in pots requires special care when transplanting it. The plant is very sensitive to transplanting, as it has a tap root. Disturbance to this root can kill the plant or cause it to flower prematurely. You can transplant the cilantro plant after the last frost date or as early as six to eight weeks before the last frost.
Conditions to Grow Cilantro in Pot:
Use a water gauge to Grow perfect Cilantro :
When planting cilantro in a pot, make sure you give it sufficient water every day. You don’t want to overwater it, since overwatering will cause mildew to grow. To keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from growing, use a water gauge. For hotter climates, mulch is an excellent option for keeping the soil moist.
Avoid Overwatering Cilantro :
If you are planting cilantro in a pot, it is best to keep in mind that cilantro is an annual. It needs only one growing season before it produces flowers and seeds. It also needs shade during midday to prevent the leaves from turning yellow. Also, avoid overwatering your cilantro plants. If you do, your plant will bolt, which will cause the leaves to grow upright and develop more flowers.
Type of soil Cilantro Needs :
Cilantro needs well-drained, fertile soil. You can add organic compost or herb fertilizer to increase the number of nutrients in the soil. Make sure the soil pH level is between 6.5 and 6.7. If your soil pH is too acidic, you can use a soil pH tester tool.
Harvest Cilantro Leaves:
If you want to harvest your cilantro in pots before it goes to seed, you can harvest the leaves when they are three to six inches tall. Just remember to thin the plants after they grow a few inches to ensure you don’t have too many cilantro plants. The plant is delicate, so you should check it for pests and diseases weekly. Aphids and mildew are the two main threats to cilantro plants.
For transplanting Cilantro Use pots :
When transplanting cilantro, it is better to do it in pots instead of planting it in the garden. Because cilantro has a long taproot, it can be difficult to transplant. Therefore, you can start seedlings in a pot with 1/4-inch holes, and space them three to four inches apart. Once the seeds have germinated, you can fertilize the pots with an organic fertilizer. After a couple of months, cilantro plants will grow and need less water.
Sunlight for better Growth of Cilantro:
Cilantro needs full sunlight for optimum growth. Hence, it is better to plant it near a south-facing window. Cilantro seeds will germinate in a week to 10 days, so make sure you provide them with plenty of sunlight and keep the soil moist. Do not pour water directly on the seeds, as it may cause them to be displaced.
Best time to Plant Cilantro Seeds:
Cilantro seeds are best planted in the early spring. You should plant them at least an inch deep and space the seeds two to three inches apart. In addition, it is best to plant the seedlings in direct sunlight for seven to ten days.