Do you want to make your own Coriander (also known as cilantro)? Well, it is really an easy-peasy job to grow coriander. It typically takes a few longer than 3 days to grow from seeds to mature plants. We can get quick vegetation by following the steps I discussed below.
Steps to Grow Coriander in 3 Days at Home
First day: Pre-Seeding
- Select high-quality seeds: Coriander can easily be grown from seeds. Choose healthy coriander seeds from a reputable source. Fresh seeds will have a better germination rate.
- Soak the seeds: Place the coriander seeds in a small container and cover them with water. Let them soak for about 24 hours. This will help speed up the germination process.
Day 2: Planting the seeds
- Choose a suitable container: Use a shallow container with drainage holes or a seed tray to plant the soaked coriander seeds.
- Prepare the soil: Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix. Mix in some organic compost or coco coir to improve moisture retention.
- Plant the seeds: Create shallow furrows or depressions in the soil using your finger or a stick. Place the soaked seeds in the furrows, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart. Lightly cover the bases with a thin layer of soil.
- Water gently: Use a spray bottle or a gentle stream of water to moisten the soil. Avoid overwatering, as coriander seeds can rot if the soil is too wet.
- Cover the container: Place a clear plastic lid or plastic wrap over the container to create a mini-greenhouse effect. This will help retain moisture and warmth, promoting germination.
Day 3: Grow and Care the Coriander
- Check for germination: After about 24 hours, you may start to see tiny sprouts emerging from the soil. At this point, remove the plastic cover to prevent mold growth.
- Provide sunlight: Place the container in a location where it receives bright but indirect sunlight. If you don’t have access to natural light, you can use a fluorescent or LED grow light.
Growing Coriander/cilantro - Maintain moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist the soil with water as needed to prevent it from drying out.
- Thinning: As the seedlings grow, they may become overcrowded. Thin out the weaker seedlings, leaving about 3-4 inches of space between each plant.
- Fertilize: After the first true leaves appear, you can apply a diluted liquid fertilizer to provide nutrients for healthy growth.
Please note that, it’s recommended to allow the plants to grow for a few weeks before harvesting any leaves for use.
