How Deep to Plant Cilantro Seeds? | Pepper's Home & Garden (2024)

byMike Supdated 4:46 am, 4:46 am

Plant your cilantro seeds about ¼–½ inches (6–13 mm) deep. The plants will need at least 18 inches (45 cm) of soil to fully grow out their roots. The seeds should have at least ¼ inch (6 mm) of soil over top to help them germinate. You cannot just put cilantro seeds right on top of the soil. A planting depth of over ½ inch (13 mm) will likely prevent the cilantro from sprouting. Put three seeds in each hole to fill out your garden with enough plants for the season.

How Deep Does the Soil Need to Be for Cilantro?

Garden beds with at least 18 inches (45 cm) of soil work best for cilantro. You can get by with a five-gallon container though. The root depth of mature cilantro plants reaches from 8–18 inches down (20–45 cm).

• Cilantro thrives in garden beds that are at least 18 inches (45 cm) deep.
• Five-gallon containers can be used to grow cilantro.
• The roots of the plants will reach anywhere from 8–18 inches (20–45 cm) in depth.
• Water and fertilize your plants more often if using shallow soil.
• Apply this balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer every 2 weeks.

Cilantro plants will usually adapt to a slightly shorter container. You will just need to water and fertilize cilantro more often if planting in less than 18 inches (45 cm) of soil. Add an organic 10-10-10 fertilizer every two weeks. The soil should stay moist at all times. Avoid letting it get overly soggy.

Do You Cover Cilantro Seeds with Soil?

Always cover your cilantro seeds with at least ¼ inch (6 mm) of soil. A thin layer of soil helps keep the seeds in place until they sprout. Plus, it helps the seeds stay moist enough to trigger the germination process.

• Cover your cilantro seeds with ¼ inch (6 mm) of soil when planting.
• The soil helps keep the seeds in place until they germinate.
• A layer of soil also ensures the seeds stay sufficiently moist.
• Cilantro seeds germinate best in loamy, nutrient-rich soil.
• Make your own loamy soil by mixing equal parts garden soil, compost, and sand.

Cilantro seeds germinate fastest when put in fertile, loamy soil. This type of soil has the perfect balance of clay, silt, and sand. To create your own ideal soil mix, combine one part each of garden soil, sand, and compost. This will provide an excellent bed for your cilantro.

Can You Plant Cilantro Seeds on Top of Soil?

You cannot plant cilantro seeds on top of the soil. They will dry out and fail to germinate. Or they could get knocked out of place by the wind, eaten by birds, or otherwise disturbed. Loamy soil works best to protect the seeds and keep them moist.

• You cannot simply place cilantro seeds on top of the soil.
• The seeds will dry out or get knocked out of place if they are not covered.
• Loamy soil works best for keeping seeds protected and hydrated.
• Cover your cilantro seeds with ¼–½ inch (6–13 mm) of soil.
• Use this 21-0-0 fertilizer to jump-start your cilantro, and then switch to a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer.

Cilantro seeds need at least ¼ inch (6 mm) of soil over top to sprout. Up to a ½ inch (13 mm) of soil works, too. Start off your plants with a 21-0-0 fertilizer mix. Switch to a balanced fertilizer—such as 10-10-10 fertilizer—after the initial fertilizer application. You can expect to see seedlings sprout in 1–2 weeks after planting.

Can You Plant Cilantro Seeds Too Deep?

It’s definitely possible to plant cilantro seeds too deep. Ideally, you want them at a depth of ¼– ½ inch (6–13 mm). Anything deeper than that and the seeds may not sprout. Your cilantro seedlings won’t have enough energy to break through more than ½ inch (13 mm) of soil. Deeply buried cilantro seeds will be smothered and die when they attempt to sprout.

• You can easily plant cilantro seeds too deep.
• Planting depth of ¼–½ inch (6–13 mm) is ideal for cilantro seeds.
• Planting cilantro seeds too deep may result in poor germination.
• The ideal planting depth balances seed protection with proximity to the surface.
• Every plant has its own planting depth range.

An ideal planting depth keeps the seeds moist and well protected. But it also lets them stay close enough to the surface to sprout without running out of energy. Every plant has its own ideal depth based on the seed size, coat hardness, and other key characteristics.

How Many Cilantro Seeds Do You Plant Per Hole?

Plant up to three cilantro seeds per hole. The extra seeds make up for the 50% to 70% germination rate. Place the seeds every 2 inches (5 cm) in rows spaced 12 inches (30 cm) apart. The seedlings should sprout in 1–2 weeks.

• Plant 3 cilantro seeds in each hole.
• The extra seeds make up for the low germination rate of cilantro.
• Space your rows 12 inches (30 cm) apart and add seeds every 2 inches (5 cm).
• Thin out the seedlings to one plant every 2 inches (5 cm).
• Clip the extra seedlings at soil level to avoid disturbing the roots.

Thin out the seedlings to one plant every 2 inches (5 cm) after they sprout. Do not pull up the seedlings and try to replant. Instead, snip off the extras at the base to avoid disturbing the roots. Always leave the healthiest looking seedling standing.

How Deep Should You Plant Cilantro?

When planting cilantro, you should:

• Plant your cilantro seeds ¼–½ inch (6–13 mm) deep.
• Make sure your garden beds have 18 inches (45 cm) of soil.
• Avoid putting the seeds on top of the soil or pushing them too deep.
• Add three seeds in each hole to make sure seedlings grow.
• Thin out the seedlings to one per-hole after they sprout.

When grown properly, cilantro serves as a constant source of tasty leaves. And they’re a great source of coriander after the flowers go to seed at the end of the season. So, take the time to plant your seeds correctly, and then get ready to enjoy the spoils of your hard work.