Cilantro

Basic Information

Seed Number

174

Seed Name

Cilantro

Variety

Unknown

Category

Herb

Plant Family

Apiaceae

Plant Type

Cilantro/coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Planting Method

Direct Sow

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 24

Last Recommended Planting Date

Sep 15

Plantable Months

March, April, May, August, September

Indoor Start

Not recorded

Direct Sow

Mar 24 – Sep 15

Transplant

Not Recommended

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

Not Recommended

Transplant Weeks After Frost

Not Recommended

Germination Days

7–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

28–45 days to leaf harvest

Succession Planting

21 days

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

55-68°F

Planting Depth

1/4-1/2 in

Plant Spacing

3-8 in

Row Spacing

18-24 in

Thin-To Spacing

3-8 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

Keep evenly moist; hot, dry conditions accelerate bolting

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil; approximately pH 6.2-6.8

Minimum Container Size

8-10 in deep

Plant Height

About 12-24 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

No

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

Yes

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

Cornell Garden-Based Learning; MSU Extension

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow preferred
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: Mar 20 – Jun 1; Aug 1 – Sep 10
Germination Time: About 7–20 days
Days to Harvest / Bloom: Variety unknown; usually about 30–45 days for leaves
Container Friendly: Yes, 8–12+ in deep
Pollinator Friendly: Yes when flowering
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary herb; coriander seed is edible
Perennial?: No; annual
Succession / Reusable Notes: Sow every 2–3 weeks in cool weather.
Zone 6B Notes: Because the variety is unknown, do not assume it is a slow-bolt type.
Companion Plants: Lettuce, spinach, radishes, brassicas
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Exact bolt resistance/maturity is unknown. Heat can trigger rapid flowering; avoid unnecessary root disturbance.
Sources: Cornell Garden-Based Learning: https://gardening.cals.cornell.edu/garden-guidance/foodgarden/vegetable-growing-guides/ | MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Standard cilantro is best grown during spring and fall in Zone 6B because summer heat rapidly triggers flowering.
Germination: Direct sowing is preferred. Germination generally occurs in approximately 7-10 days under favorable cool conditions.
Harvest: Begin cutting leaves once plants reach approximately 6 inches. After bolting, allow the plant to mature coriander seed if desired.
Seed Saving: Allow coriander seeds to dry on the plant until brown, then collect and store dry.
Special Care: The cultivar is unknown, so no variety-specific bolt resistance, maturity or foliage characteristics are assigned.
Research Source: The Spruce — https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-cilantro-from-seeds-8418593 — Coriandrum sativum identity, direct sowing, 7-10 day germination, 55-68°F soil temperature, spacing, row spacing, cool-season growth and leaf harvest
Research Source: National Library of Medicine / PMC — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8747064/ — documented traditional medicinal uses of Coriandrum sativum
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]