How to Grow Cilantro Herbs Indoors

Overview

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), also known as Chinese or Mexican parsley, is biennial herb. Cilantro leaves are a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine, most especially salsa. Cilantro is also grown for its seed, which is sold in markets as coriander. Cilantro does not do well in heat, so growing plants indoors allows the gardener to have fresh cilantro year round.

Step 1

Pour equal parts of potting mix and sand into the pot to within one-fourth inch of the rim. Drench the soil with water, until it runs out of the bottom of the pot.

Step 2

Plant the cilantro seeds one-half inch deep and two inches apart in the soil. Do not pat the soil after planting. It needs to be loose to allow the seeds to germinate.

Step 3

Place the pot in a sunny window. Cilantro requires four to five hours of sun per day. Keep the soil moist by misting it with a plant misting bottle.

Step 4

Water the cilantro plant when the surface of the soil is dry. Give it a good drenching, until the water comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Allow it to dry again prior to the next watering.

Step 5

Fertilize the cilantro bi-weekly with a 20-20-20 formula, diluted to half the strength recommended on the package.