Are you looking for the best guide on how to grow Cilantro indoors? How much do you know about this excellent plant? Cilantro, an annual herb in the parsley family, is a popular ingredient in Mexican and Thai cuisine. It has a light, refreshing taste with a hint of citrus that can add zing to any dish. But what if you live in an area where fresh Cilantro is not readily available? Or what if you want to be able to have some on hand at all times? You can grow Cilantro indoors! This guide will show you how to do it.
How To Grow Cilantro Indoors?
Like other houseplants, Cilantro requires the right mix of light, water, and nutrients to grow. However, that doesn’t mean that it is hard to grow indoors. It can survive well. All you need to do is follow the following steps, and you’re good to go.
Gather the Necessities
Before you start, you’ll need to have some of the essentials.
What You’ll Need:
- A pot or container that is at least 6 inches wide and has drainage holes
- Potting soil
- Seeds or cilantro plants
- Water
- Sunlight (at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight per day)
Choose the Perfect Spot
Now that you have everything you need, it is time to choose the perfect spot in your home for your cilantro plant. Finding a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day is essential. If you cannot provide this much sunlight, you will need to supplement with artificial grow lights. Once you have found the perfect spot, it’s time to move to the next step.
Prepare Potting Soil
To give your Cilantro the best chance at success, you must start with quality potting soil. You can either purchase potting soil or make your own. If you decide to make your own, mix equal parts of perlite, vermiculite, and compost. Once you have the potting soil ready, it is time to plant. Cilantro requires well-draining soil, so make sure your pot has drainage holes.
Plant Cilantro Seedlings or seeds
Plant Cilantro seeds in the potting soil about ¼ inch deep if you are starting with seeds. Be sure to space the seeds about 2 inches apart. If you are using a cilantro plant, dig a hole twice the size of the container it came in and gently remove it from the container. Carefully loosen the roots and plant them in the potting soil. Once you have planted the Cilantro, water it well.
Give It Sunlight and Water
After you plant Cilantro, you should note that it needs sunlight and water to grow. Place the pot in an area that receives at least six hours of indirect sunlight each day. Water the Cilantro when the top inch of the soil is dry. Be sure to not over or underwater the plant.
Fertilize Monthly
To keep your cilantro plant healthy, you must fertilize it once a month. Use a liquid fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Then, apply the fertilizer according to the package directions. You can also supplement with compost tea every other month.
Harvest Cilantro
You can start harvesting cilantro leaves when the plant is about 6 inches tall. Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the stems about ½ inch above the soil line. Be sure not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. After you harvest the Cilantro, it will regrow quickly.
Pro tip: Cilantro is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, and root rot. They mainly cause deformed leaves and stunted growth in this plant. Caterpillars are in the larval stage of moths and butterflies; hence they can devour a cilantro plant in a matter of days.
What Are the Health Benefits of Cilantro?
Cilantro is an herb that is native to Central and South America. It is a member of the mint family and has a light, fresh flavor often used in Mexican and Southeast Asian cuisine. Cilantro is also known for its health benefits. Here are some of the ways that Cilantro can improve your health:
- Improve digestion
The herb contains compounds that can help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, aiding in the breakdown of food. Additionally, Cilantro can help to reduce bloating and gas.
- It’s a good source of antioxidants
These nutrients scavenge harmful toxins and free radicals, damaging cells and leading to disease. Antioxidants have been linked with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
- Lowers blood sugar levels
These fresh herbs contain compounds that help slow sugar absorption into the bloodstream, preventing spikes in blood sugar levels. This effect may be especially beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes.
- It’s rich in vitamins and minerals
The herb contains high levels of vitamins A, C, and K and magnesium, potassium, and iron. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and preventing disease.
Cilantro is a versatile herb that one can use in many different dishes. It is also easy to grow at home. Whether you use it fresh or dried, Cilantro is an excellent way to add flavor and nutrition to your diet.
Tips for Growing Healthy Cilantro Indoors
If you want to have healthy and flourishing Cilantro indoors, then you should follow these tips:
- Fill the pot with high-quality mix and ensure it has good drainage.
- Place the pot in an area with at least six hours of sunlight daily.
- Water your Cilantro bolts regularly, ensuring the soil is always moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize your Cilantro every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Pinch back the stems of your Cilantro regularly to encourage bushier growth.
- Harvest your cilantro leaves as soon as they are big enough to use. Harvesting Cilantro should be done carefully. Cut off the stems about an inch above the soil line. Growing Cilantro indoors is that easy.
Conclusion
How to grow Cilantro indoors is simple if you have the right tips. By following the steps above, you can grow your healthy and flavorful Cilantro. You can use it in many different dishes or even dry it for later use. You can do this! You might also love our article; how to grow parsley indoors.
