HeirloomContainer OK

Cilantro Microgreens

Coriandrum sativum

Santo is a slow-bolting selection grown for its leaves. Like the leaves and seeds, the flowers are also edible. NOTE: We test all our cilantro/coriander lots for the presence of Pseudomonas. Attracts Beneficial Insects: if allowed to flower, provides pollen and nectar for beneficial insects such as, bees, hoverflies, and tachinid flies.Edible Flowers: Use them raw because the flavor fades quickly when cooked. Sprinkle to taste on salads, bean dishes, chicken, and spicy Southwestern dishes. Flavor is of mild cilantro.

Harvest

10-14d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Indirect bright light

☀️

Zones

1–12

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

12-24 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Harvest

Start Indoors

Harvest

Showing dates for Cilantro Microgreens in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 microgreen →

Zone Map

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Cilantro Microgreens · Zones 1–12

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Moderate

SpacingBroadcast seeding, moderately dense

SoilWell-draining microgreen potting mix with good aeration

pH6.0-7.0

WaterLight misting 1-2 times daily, less water than most microgreens

SeasonWarm season annual

FlavorIntense cilantro flavor, bright and citrusy with characteristic herb notes

ColorBright green with delicate, feathery true leaves

Size2-3 inch stems with small compound leaves

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 4	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 5	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 6	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 7	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 8	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 9	January – December	—	—	January – December
Zone 10	January – December	—	—	January – December

Complete Growing Guide

Soil: Loam (Silt). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Coriander seeds ripen in round, yellow-brown pod

Color: Brown/Copper, Gold/Yellow. Length: < 1 inch.

Garden value: Edible

Bloom time: Summer

Edibility: Leaves, stems, flowers and seeds are edible. Leaves/flowers as an herb and seeds (Coriander) as a spice.

Storage & Preservation

Store freshly harvested cilantro microgreens immediately in the refrigerator between 35-40°F in a breathable container—plastic clamshells with ventilation holes work perfectly. Line containers with a slightly damp paper towel to maintain humidity without creating soggy conditions. Properly stored microgreens maintain peak quality for 7-10 days.

For preservation, cilantro microgreens freeze exceptionally well. Spread clean, dry microgreens on parchment-lined trays, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll maintain flavor for up to 6 months and can be added directly to hot dishes without thawing.

Dehydrating is another excellent option—use a dehydrator at 95°F for 4-6 hours until crisp. Dried cilantro microgreens concentrate the flavor beautifully and store in airtight containers for up to one year.

History & Origin

Origin: Western Mediterranean, Southern Europe, Western Asia

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Humidity
+Attracts: Butterflies, Predatory Insects
+Wildlife value: Larval host plant to swallow-tailed butterflies
+Edible: Leaves, stems, flowers and seeds are edible. Leaves/flowers as an herb and seeds (Coriander) as a spice.
+Fast-growing
+Low maintenance

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Basil

Repels aphids and whiteflies that can damage cilantro microgreens

Chives

Natural pest deterrent that repels aphids without competing for space

Lettuce

Similar growing conditions and harvest timing, efficient space utilization

Spinach

Compatible moisture and temperature requirements, quick harvest cycle

Radish Microgreens

Fast-growing companion with similar care needs and harvest window

Arugula

Thrives in same cool, moist conditions preferred by cilantro microgreens

Peas

Nitrogen fixation benefits cilantro growth, similar moisture preferences

Mint

Repels ants and rodents, though should be contained to prevent spreading

Keep Apart

Fennel

Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit germination and growth of cilantro

Dill

Can cross-pollinate and compete for similar nutrients, may affect flavor

Sunflowers

Release allelopathic chemicals that suppress growth of smaller plants

Nutrition Facts

Calories

23kcal(1%)

Protein

2.13g(4%)

Fiber

2.8g(10%)

Carbs

3.67g(1%)

Fat

0.52g(1%)

Vitamin C

27mg(30%)

Vitamin A

337mcg(37%)

Vitamin K

310mcg(258%)

Iron

1.77mg(10%)

Calcium

67mg(5%)

Potassium

521mg(11%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169997)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Generally hardy but sensitive to overwatering

Common Pests

Aphids, fungus gnats

Diseases

Root rot from overwatering, damping off in poor drainage conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do cilantro microgreens take to grow?▼

Cilantro microgreens take 10-14 days from sowing to harvest. They require a longer blackout period of 4-5 days during germination, then 5-9 days under light before reaching harvest size. This is faster than growing mature cilantro plants which take 45+ days but slower than quick microgreens like radish.

Do I need to crush cilantro seeds before planting microgreens?▼

Yes, lightly crushing coriander seeds before soaking dramatically improves germination rates. Use the flat side of a knife to crack the hard outer shell, then soak for 12-24 hours. This step is crucial for cilantro microgreens—skipping it often results in poor, uneven germination.

Can you grow cilantro microgreens without soil?▼

While possible using hydroponic mats or coconut coir, cilantro microgreens perform best in well-draining soil medium. Their longer growing cycle and sensitivity to moisture levels make soil-based growing more forgiving than soilless methods. Hydroponic growing requires more precise moisture and nutrient management.

What do cilantro microgreens taste like compared to mature cilantro?▼

Cilantro microgreens have a more concentrated, intense cilantro flavor than mature leaves—bright, citrusy, and herbaceous with the characteristic cilantro taste. The flavor is cleaner and less potentially bitter since there's no risk of plants bolting. Perfect for people who love cilantro and want maximum flavor impact.

Why are my cilantro microgreens dying after sprouting?▼

This typically indicates overwatering and poor air circulation leading to damping off disease. Cilantro microgreens are particularly sensitive to excess moisture. Water from below rather than misting, ensure good drainage, and increase air circulation. Reduce watering frequency and remove any affected seedlings immediately.

Are cilantro microgreens good for beginners?▼

Cilantro microgreens have moderate difficulty due to their longer blackout period, seed preparation requirements, and sensitivity to overwatering. Beginners should start with easier varieties like radish or pea shoots first, then attempt cilantro once comfortable with basic microgreen growing techniques.