Growing Cilantro Indoors — Complete Guide
Yes, Cilantro can be grown indoors. Here's everything you need to know: container size, light requirements, watering schedule, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Cilantro Indoors — At a Glance
Container Size for Indoor Cilantro
Recommended: 8–10 inch pot
Cilantro has a long taproot — use a pot at least 8 inches deep. Wide, shallow pots cause poor root development. A 10-inch deep pot produces the most productive plants.
Light Requirements
Hours of Light Needed
12–14 hours
per day, consistently
Grow Light Recommendation
Cilantro grows best under cool-spectrum (6500K) LED grow lights for 12–14 hours. South-facing windows work but cilantro bolts faster in intense direct sun and heat.
Watering and Humidity
Ideal Humidity: 40–60%
Average home humidity suits cilantro. It prefers cooler temperatures — above 75°F it bolts rapidly. Keep away from warm spots near stoves.
Ideal Temperature: 55–75°F (13–24°C)
Keep away from cold drafts (air conditioning, windows in winter) and excessive heat sources (heaters, ovens). Consistent temperature produces the most vigorous growth.
How to Grow Cilantro Indoors: Step by Step
Direct sow into final container
Cilantro dislikes transplanting — its taproot is easily damaged. Sow seeds directly into the container you'll grow it in. Scatter seeds on the surface and cover with 1/4 inch of soil.
Germinate in cool conditions
Cilantro germinates best at 65–70°F. Keep soil consistently moist until seeds sprout in 7–14 days. Do not let the surface dry out during germination.
Thin to 3-inch spacing
Once seedlings have 2 leaves, thin to 3 inches apart by snipping with scissors. Crowded plants bolt faster.
Provide cool, bright light
Place under grow lights for 12–14 hours or on a bright, cool windowsill. Keep temperatures below 75°F to delay bolting.
Harvest from the outside
Harvest outer leaves and stems first, working toward the center. Once the plant bolts (sends up a flower stalk), sow a fresh batch — the seeds that form are coriander spice.
Common Indoor Cilantro Problems & Fixes
Bolting (going to seed quickly)
Cause
Heat, long days, or root disturbance
Fix
Keep below 75°F, sow new seeds every 3 weeks for continuous supply, do not transplant — direct sow into final pot
Sparse germination
Cause
Seeds (actually a dried fruit) may have one non-viable side
Fix
Lightly crush seeds to separate the two halves before planting for better germination rates
Wilting despite moist soil
Cause
Root rot from poor drainage
Fix
Ensure drainage holes; allow top inch to dry before watering
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Cilantro indoors?
Yes, Cilantro can be grown indoors with the right conditions. You'll need 12–14 hours of Bright indirect light or grow lights, a 8–10 inch pot, and temperatures of 55–75°F (13–24°C). The difficulty level for growing Cilantro indoors is Moderate.
How much light does indoor Cilantro need?
Indoor Cilantro needs 12–14 hours of light per day. Cilantro grows best under cool-spectrum (6500K) LED grow lights for 12–14 hours. South-facing windows work but cilantro bolts faster in intense direct sun and heat.
What size container does indoor Cilantro need?
Cilantro has a long taproot — use a pot at least 8 inches deep. Wide, shallow pots cause poor root development. A 10-inch deep pot produces the most productive plants.
Best Cities for Growing Cilantro Outdoors
If you're growing Cilantro indoors year-round, check the outdoor calendar for your city — you may be able to grow it outside during warmer months too.
Growing Cilantro Outdoors Too?
Find the best planting times for Cilantro in your city with our climate-based calendar.