Problems With Growing Cilantro

Cilantro is an herb that is a member of the parsley family. The herb is most commonly used in Mexican and Asian cuisine and is often referred to as Mexican parsley and Asian parsley. Cilantro seeds are also called coriander seeds. Growing cilantro in a home garden is usually a trouble-free endeavor. Occasionally, however, a cilantro gardener may experience problems with the plant.

Wilting

Cilantro plants require moist soil in order to grow properly. The plant should be watered at least every 3 to 5 days to maintain the proper moisture levels. If the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, the plant is too dry. A cilantro plant that is too dry will wilt and its leaves will turn dry and yellow.

Pests

Small white grubs on the soil surface is an indication that gnats have moved in. Plant gnats are tiny black flying insects that live in and around plants. Gnats are common pests in cilantro plants because they are attracted to the moist soil. Kill gnats and grubs with a food-safe insecticidal soap.

Going to Seed

Once a cilantro plant grows a long, flowered shoot of growth, the end is near. This process is called "bolting," and this is the plant's final stage of life. The flowery tip is full of seeds that the plant naturally scatters to resow itself. Taking regular cuttings of the cilantro plant postpones the bolting and prolongs the life of the plant.

Wrong Growing Conditions

Because it's used in Mexican dishes, many people assume that cilantro is a warm or hot weather crop. In fact, cilantro requires cool weather in order to survive. In the south, cilantro grows best during fall and winter. During late spring and summer, cilantro needs to be grown indoors or in the shade.

Procedure Of Growing Cilantro?

Cover a well-drained garden bed with a 2-inch layer of compost. Select a bed that receives about six hours of sunlight daily. Plant cilantro seeds 1/4 inch deep, and space them and about 4 inches apart in rows set 12 inches apart. Cilantro doesn't tolerate transplanting and does best when sown directly in the garden. Reduce watering to once weekly as needed to maintain moisture in the top 6 inches of soil, or water when the top 1/2 inch of soil feels dry. Pinch off excess cilantro seedlings once they grow 3 to 4 inches tall so that the remaining plants are spaced about 9 inches apart in the garden row. Harvest bright green, healthy leaves from the plant as needed. Separate the seeds from the stems and store the dry seeds in an airtight jar.