How to grow coriander from seeds in the country and at home

Cilantro is a wonderful spice that gives dishes a special taste. In addition, it is very useful, as it has bactericidal, wound healing, anthelmintic and other properties. Growing coriander from seeds is not difficult if you take into account the main features of the plant and know what kind of care you need. Moreover, it can grow both in the garden and at home, on the windowsill.

Where to plant cilantro

If the cultivation will take place in the open field, then you should start by choosing a place. It should be sufficiently lit, because cilantro, or, as it is also called, coriander, is very light-requiring. A sunny area or partial shade is suitable. It is better that it be level or located on an elevation. If you plant a plant in a lowland, then it can be flooded with water, which will interfere with further growth.

It is good if cucumbers, tomatoes, legumes have been growing on the selected area before. If cilantro was there for several years before, then the risk of infection with diseases and pests increases. Light soil is preferable, but clayey is not suitable at all. Fertilize the soil before planting coriander.

Even in the process of digging, the following fertilizers are applied:

• half a bucket of humus per square meter;
• a small amount of fresh wood ash.

The use of mineral fertilizers is also possible. They are introduced even before planting in an amount of about 30 g per square meter.

How to plant seeds outdoors

Before starting sowing directly, it is advisable to prepare the seeds. They do not need to be soaked, but heating with the air-thermal method will have a beneficial effect on their germination. To do this, they are simply laid out in a well-lit place and mixed from time to time. You can do this indoors, if the temperature is high enough there - more than 25 degrees.

When sowing takes place depends on where you live. In temperate climates, coriander should be planted in early spring for early and dense greens. But in the south, where winters are warm and hot days come early, it is better to start growing in autumn.

The cultivation of cilantro from seeds does not require special knowledge of agricultural technology. It is enough to make holes in the ground no more than 2 cm deep. If the ground is dry, then it must first be moistened. You can plant after the water is absorbed. Seedlings should appear in 2 weeks. For this to happen really quickly, you can cover the crops with foil. After the sprouts appear, they must be thinned out. The distance between the plants should be about 7 cm.

At first, proper care is especially important. Cilantro needs to be watered and weeded regularly. You should be aware that both the green of the plant and the seeds are used. In the first case, it will be possible to stimulate further growth if you cut off part of the leaves weekly. If the coriander is grown for seed, then this is not recommended.

The seeds of the plant also make a wonderful seasoning. Growing is done in the same way as when only greens are needed, but with minor differences. The distance between the bushes should be greater - about 15 cm. The leaves do not break off from them. Umbrellas of inflorescences with small light flowers will be visible soon. You need to cut them off after they start to burst. It is worth noting that they do not ripen at the same time. The seeds are taken out, dried and packed in paper bags. You can store them for no more than two years.

Growing at home and in a greenhouse

Growing cilantro from seeds at home is also possible. The best time to plant is early March.It is worth choosing an earthen pot, without enamel, since coriander needs loose soil and good drainage.

If planting is done in boxes, then it is recommended to maintain a distance of about 6 cm between the seeds. When using a pot, two seeds are placed in it. This is not very difficult to do, since the seeds are large enough. It is worth remembering that coriander does not like transplanting, so placing several seedlings in one container and then planting them will not work.

It is not necessary to place the seeds deeply, 1.5-2 cm is enough. After sowing, the pot or box should be covered with foil. It is removed only after the first real leaves appear. Then, if necessary, the plants can be thinned out.

If the cultivation of cilantro from seeds occurs at home, then it is very important to provide a sufficient amount of light. In the spring, you will most likely need a fluorescent lamp. Care is also important, first of all watering. It should not be too frequent, but abundant. At the same time, a clod of earth will be properly saturated with moisture, water can even drain into the sump. In winter, watering is necessary less often. If all the conditions are met, greens will appear in three weeks, which can be safely used when cooking.

Growing a plant from seeds is also allowed in a greenhouse. Care is the same as with other methods. Planting in early spring is possible, then the flower stalks will appear in a month and a half. If you start sowing by the beginning of summer, then this will happen in three weeks. For convenience, maintain a distance of about 10 cm between bushes and 30 cm between rows. So there will be enough space for the normal development of plants.

Care features

Cilantro care is minimal. The main thing that it consists of is timely and regular watering. This will help the plant grow quickly. But it should not be frequent: the plant will receive the required amount of moisture when watering 2 times a week. When growing in open areas, it is especially important to pay sufficient attention to the care. Moreover, during the first time after germination, during the period of green mass gain. When the seeds begin to ripen, the volume of water must be reduced.

It will also be helpful to mulch the soil around the plant. This will help to retain moisture in the ground, helping to keep the soil loose, just like the coriander loves.

Growing this plant from the seeds is possible even for a novice gardener. After all, coriander can even spread by self-seeding. But if you take care of it correctly, then the greens will be especially lush, and the seeds will be fragrant. With them, any dish will get a spicy taste.

Cilantro can grow both in the country and at home. So this wonderful and healthy seasoning can be consumed all year long.