How To Grow Cilantro Microgreens

<a href='https://typesofmicrogreens.com/author/admin/'>Jon Smith</a>Jon Smith
June 17, 2021

Cilantro microgreens are one of the most versatile microgreens They can be used as an ingredient, as a garnish, or as a topping. These amazing microgreens add flavor and freshness to every dish.

Cilantro microgreens are healthier than mature cilantro. When cilantro microgreens first sprout, they contain up to 40 times the amount of nutrients as mature cilantro plants have.

Regular consumption of cilantro microgreens can improve your health. Cilantro microgreens have high levels of vitamin K to help with blood coagulation and vitamin C, an antioxidant used to enhance the immune system. In addition to this, cilantro microgreens have lutein and beta carotene that is used by the body to protect against cellular damage.

Cilantro microgreens help to protect against age related degeneration of the eyes. Vitamin E helps to improve immune function and improve the health of your skin and hair. This powerful microgreen removes heavy metals and free radicals from the body, improves sleep, and reduces anxiety.

Cilantro Microgreen Profile

Our microgreen profile provides you with the information that you need about cilantro microgreens. You can quickly find out the pertinent information about microgreens in an easy-to-read format.

AttributeProfile
FlavorCilantro microgreens have a fresh, full cilantro flavor.  
Pre-Soak (Yes/No)  Yes – Pre-soak your cilantro seeds in cold water for 4 to 8 hours
Color  Cilantro microgreens are a beautiful medium green color.
Germination Time  Cilantro microgreens will germinate in 7 to 10 days
Harvest Time  You will be able to harvest your microgreens 21 to 28 days after planting.
Green Thumb Level (1-5)  3 – Cilantro microgreens are easy to grow; however, the germination process takes time.

Cilantro microgreens are filled with flavor and nutrition. Many new gardeners may worry about the length of time it takes their cilantro microgreens to germinate, which is why we rate the green thumb level as medium difficulty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions concerning growing cilantro microgreens.

Do Cilantro Microgreens Regrow After Harvesting?

Cilantro microgreens do not regrow after harvest because their growth modules are removed during the harvest.

How Fast Do Cilantro Microgreens Grow?

Cilantro microgreens are some of the slowest growing microgreens. It takes between 21 and 28 days before they are ready to harvest.

Equipment Needed to Grow Cilantro Microgreens

Cilantro microgreens should be grown in soil or a soilless growing medium. These microgreens are extremely difficult to grow hydroponically, which is why we recommend the following method to grow cilantro microgreens. The following equipment options will ensure you have everything you need to grow tasty and healthy microgreens.

Starter Kits

A cilantro microgreens starter kit will provide you with the supplies you need. These starter kits will contain your growing trays, growing medium, and misting bottle.

Specific Equipment Needed for Cilantro Microgreens

If you decide to purchase your equipment separately, here is a list of items you will need:

Mason Jars

Cilantro microgreens must be soaked for 4 to 8 hours before planting. After trying several different supplies and methods, we have found that a pint mason jar with a screw top lid is your best option for presoaking cilantro microgreens.

Sale
Ball Regular Mouth Mason Jars with Lids and Bands, 16-Ounces (4-Pack)
  • Made in America by the Ball Mason Jar Company Great for candles, lotions, jams and jellies, preserves, herbs etc. Lid and airtight band included Set of 4 jars No shipping outside of the continental U.S. The line on the jar says 12oz but you can fill in to 16 oz.

Cilantro Microgreens Growing Medium

There are several types of growing mediums on the market. We recommend using coconut coir as the best cilantro microgreens growing medium.

Coconut Coir

Coconut coir is a compressed growing medium for microgreens made from coconuts. This soilless growing medium retains moisture well while reducing the risk of water-borne fungi and mold infestations.  

MOTHER EARTH Coco Plus Perlite Mix - For Indoor and Outdoor Container Gardens, Provides Strong Aeration & Drainage, 70% Coconut Coir, Resists Compaction, 50 Liter
  • Mother Earth Coco + Perlite is a great alternative to potting soil as it enables gardeners to aggressively feed and not worry about over-watering
  • Use Mother Earth Coco + Perlite with indoor and outdoor container gardens
  • Achieve better aeration and drainage with a mix that incorporates 70% of the finest coconut coir and 30% perlite
  • Plant directly in Mother Earth Coco + Perlite
  • Coconut coir resists compaction and last longer in a container (vs traditional growing media)

Seed Starting Mix

Cilantro microgreens seed starting mix is a fine-grained soil filled with the nutrients that your microgreens need for proper growth. This type of soil is good at holding water yet creates pockets to improve airflow in the mix which helps prevent mold and other types of fungi.

FoxFarm Ocean Forest FX14000-1.5 Cubic Foot Organic Potting Soil (2 Pack)
  • SIZE: 38.6 quarts of FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil for your hungry plants
  • APPLICATION: Ultimate potting soil that has everything your plants need in one bag
  • CONTENTS: Blend of earthworm castings, bat guano, sea-going fish & crab meal, forest humus, moss & more
  • PH LEVELS: Ocean Forest is pH adjusted at 6.3 to 6.8 to allow for optimum fertilizer uptake
  • BENEFITS: Encourages strong branching and a sturdy, healthy growth habit and is ideal for containerized plantings

Cilantro Microgreen Growing Trays

You will need a total of three microgreen growing trays for your cilantro microgreens. You will need one tray with holes and two trays without holes. We recommend using 10 inch by 20 inch growing trays; however, there are other sizes of growing trays that can also be used.

Growing Trays with Holes

A growing tray with holes will be used for your cilantro microgreens. This tray will hold your growing medium and your cilantro microgreen seeds. A growing tray with holes allows you to water your microgreens from the bottom up which can reduce the risk of mold.

Sale
10 Plant Growing Trays (with Drain Holes) - 20" x 10" - Perfect Garden Seed Starter Grow Trays: for Seedlings, Indoor Gardening, Growing Microgreens, Wheatgrass & More - Soil or Hydroponic
  • Quantity 10 - Durable Plastic - WITH Drain Holes
  • Perfect for hydroponic growing and seed starting
  • Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
  • Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
  • Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.

Growing Trays Without Holes

You will also need two growing trays without holes for your cilantro microgreens. These trays will be used as a humidity dome and to hold the water for bottom watering.

Sale
10 Plant Growing Trays (No Drain Holes) - 20" x 10" - Perfect Garden Seed Starter Grow Trays: for Seedlings, Indoor Gardening, Growing Microgreens, Wheatgrass & More - Soil or Hydroponic
  • Quantity 10 - Durable Plastic - NO Drain Holes
  • Perfect for use as a drip tray, hydroponic growing and seed starting
  • Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
  • Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
  • Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.

Cilantro Microgreens Misting Bottle

A misting bottle allows you to gently water the soil and microgreens without disturbing the location of the seeds and soil.

GETTON 2.0L Garden Sprayer, Hand-held Pressure Pump Sprayer Plant Mister Spray Bottle with Adjustable Nozzle and Detachable Wand for Indoor Outdoor Household Cleaning Garden Lawn Watering
  • 【Safe Pressure Valve】The garden spraying bottle equipped with a safety pressure release valve, which allows you to control the pressure of water and automatically releases the excess pressure. The pump holds a good amount of pressure while offers a place reducing fatigue while operating the equipment.
  • 【Adjustable Nozzle】The premium adjustable nozzle of this garden sprayer can be easily adjusted the intensity of the water from direct injection to fine mist spray as desired. Greater even coverage for a better performance.
  • 【Durable & Easy to Clean】The pump sprayer is manufactured from PP material for excellent durability. 2L Translucent water tank can clearly show the liquid level inside so you can add more in time. It is also convenient for cleaning.
  • 【Wide Application】This universal pressure sprayer can accommodate your daily cleaning and watering needs both indoors and outdoors . Ideal for household cleaning, watering plants and flowers, misting veggies, pet bathing, and moisturizing flowers.
  • 【Ergonomic Handle】The pump pressure sprayer comes with an ergonomic 4-finger handle that is non-slip for effortless use and convenient to be carried anywhere. A removable long wand is good to help spray more spaces or hard-to-reach places.

Light Source

You will also need a light source like a full spectrum LED grow light to ensure your microgreens grow consistently and are healthy.

Sale
Barrina LED Grow Light, 144W( 6 x 24W, 800W Equivalent), 2ft T8, Full Spectrum, High Output, Linkable Design, T8 Integrated Bulb+Fixture, Plant Lights for Indoor Plants, 6-Pack
  • Full Spectrum - Barrina grow light is a great option for plants that in seedling, vegetative and flowering cycle. It provides light that plants need, especially blue and red light
  • Integrated Plant Light Chips- Compare with the lamp consisting of only "blue chips" + "red chips", integrated plant light chips have more efficiency and better color layout
  • Super Bright - Consume only 144W with 576 LEDS totally, replacing 800W general plant lights. These grow light provid a higher PPFD
  • Easy Installation - Plug and play. And could link up to 6 grow lights in a series by 48 inches connecting cords. Also, you could mount to ceiling or hang up for shelf. Saving your installation cost and time
  • Quality Assurance - 2-year unlimited warranty, easy and fast replacement is offered if any quality issue

(Optional) Heating Mat

A heating mat helps regulate the temperature of your growing medium to encourage germination.

HYDGOOHO Waterproof Seedling Heat Mat for Seed Starting Propagation and Increase Germination Success 10 Inch x 20.75 Inch MET Safety Standard Certified
  • Makes a differeance in germination time, leafy greens in about 2 days and tomatoes 3-4 days for sprouts.
  • Try to use the seedling heat mat and heat mat thermostat to heat water in the seed container to increase humidity in your grow tent.
  • Using to keep a batch of fermenting beer wort at 72F is also available
  • Great affordable heating solution to starting plants from seed.
  • If you’re doing home gardening for your seasonings, go find this seedling heat mat sets.

(Optional) Microgreen Planting Rack

A cilantro microgreen planting rack is used to store multiple trays of microgreens. Vertical storage of growing trays allows you to grow multiple trays in a small area.                     

Storage Shelves 2100Lbs Capacity, 6-Shelf on Casters 48" L×18" W×82" H Wire Shelving Unit Adjustable Layer Metal Rack Strong Steel for Restaurant Garage Pantry Kitchen,Black
  • IMPRESSIVE STORAGE CAPACITY - With six tiers of shelving, this unit boasts an enormous amount of space and shelving. It’s able to provide a great deal of additional storage without taking up too much space itself.
  • STURDY AND DURABLE - Constructed from heavy-duty steel wire, this shelf is durable and resistant to dirt buildup and corrosion. Each shelf has a capacity of up to 220 lbs when properly assembled, with a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs total.
  • ADJUSTABILITY - You can adjust the height of the storage shelves in one-inch increments, creating a customized unit best suited for your specific storage needs.
  • MULTIFUNCTIONALITY - This metal shelving unit can be used virtually anywhere, in the kitchen, the bathroom, the garage, outdoor shed, and more. It’s perfect for storing tools, clothes, books, and whatever else is taking up space in your home or office. Equipped with wheels, you can transport this unit smoothly and efficiently room to room.
  • FAST, EASY ASSEMBLY: The shelving unit comes packaged ready to assemble, and doesn’t require any tools for installation. In just 15 minutes, your unit can be installed and ready to save space.

(Optional) Circulation Fans

Circulation fans are used to improve the airflow around your cilantro microgreens. Increased airflow helps to reduce the risk of mold and other soil borne diseases.

Sale
Active Air HORF6 6-Inch Clip-On 360-Degree 5W Brushless Motor Hydroponic Grow Fan with Spring-Loaded Plastic Clip for Gardens, Black, 2 Pack
  • LONG LASTING: Fan features a 5W brushless motor that lasts longer and can be hooked up to fan speed controllers; Features a smooth and quiet operation (2 Pack)
  • CLIP-ON DESIGN: Clip-on portable fan is convenient and effective for small spaces; Can be used to help grow healthy plants or for cooling, in your garden, flood tables for airflow under foliage, small spaces, or on your office desk with a spring-loaded plastic clip that won't mar surfaces
  • AIR-FLOW: With the 6-inch adjustable-angle head that rotates 360 degrees you can direct airflow where you need it and it can also be wall-mounted to free up space
  • DURABLE: The cooling fan features 3 durable plastic blades and the easily-removable safety grills make cleaning a breeze; The motor outlasts traditional fans that use oil to lubricate rotation
  • SPECIFICATIONS: The product has a 6-foot power cord and is powered by DC 5V/5W making it energy efficient; Weight: 1 pound; Dimensions of (L x W x H): 6 x 8 x 8 inches; Quantity: 2

Cilantro Microgreen Seed Options

Slow Bolt Cilantro Microgreens have deep green, broad foliage that provides you with ad deliciously sweet aroma and strong cilantro flavor. This microgreen is also available in organic cilantro microgreen seeds.

Leisure Splits Cilantro Microgreens Seeds provide you with the classic cilantro flavor that you have come to love. This Non-GMO seed is the perfect choice for beginner microgreen growers. The microgreen is also available in organic seeds, allowing you to grow a premium cilantro microgreen crop.

Step by Step Growing Guide for Cilantro Microgreens

Once you have purchased your supplies for growing cilantro microgreens, you are ready to get started. Our handy, step by step cilantro microgreen growing guide will provide you with all the information that you need to grow and harvest a large crop of microgreens.

Step 1 Prepare Your Growing Trays

The first step you need to do is prepare your microgreen growing trays. Fill your cilantro microgreens growing tray with holes with your growing medium. Then, use one of the remaining growing trays to press down your growing medium, being careful not to compact the soil.

You want your growing medium slightly below the top of your growing tray. Once you have pressed down the growing medium, add more soil if necessary to create a level soil surface that extends from one side of the tray to the other.

Once this is complete, fill one of your remaining grow trays with water. Place your prepared tray with the growing medium in the tray with water and allow the growing medium to soak up the water. This process should take approximately 30 minutes.

While your growing medium is soaking up the water, use your misting bottle and thoroughly wet the surface of your growing medium. Spray the soil and allow the water to be absorbed for 10 minutes before spraying again. Repeat three times.

After your growing tray has soaked in water for 30 minutes, remove the bottom tray and pour out any remaining liquid. Then, place your tray with holes back inside your tray with no holes.

Once you have filled your tray with growing medium and thoroughly moistened the soil, place the tray inside one of your grow trays without holes. You are now ready to plant your cilantro microgreen seeds.

Step 2 Plant Your Cilantro Microgreen Seeds

You will need approximately 1 ounce of cilantro microgreen seeds for each 10 inch by 20 inch growing tray. Spread the seeds evenly across the entire surface of your microgreen tray.

Once the seed has been planted, gently press the seeds into the prepared soil. Then, sprinkle a small amount of soil on top of your seeds.

You will want to water your seeds and soil one more time. Use your misting bottle to water your seeds. The fine mist created from the misting bottle allows you to moisten the seeds and soil without the risk of disturbing the seeds.

Step 3 Understand the Cilantro Microgreens Germination Process

Once you have planted and watered your seeds, it is time to begin the germination process. Seeds germinate in total darkness.

Because your microgreen seeds are only covered with a thin layer of soil, you must create total darkness by inverting your third grow tray and placing it on top of your soil. Use a brick or other heavy object to weigh down the lid. This excess weight helps ensure the roots of your microgreens grow downward.

Once you have weighed down the tray, place your cilantro microgreen in a cool, dark place like a closet. Cilantro microgreens require a blackout period of at least 7 days. During this time, you should check the moisture level of your soil every three days to ensure the soil has not dried out.

If the soil shrinks or begins to dry out, use your misting bottle to gently water the soil. It typically takes 5 to 10 sprays to thoroughly re-moisten the soil.

Cilantro microgreens require a soil temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. A heating mat will help keep the soil at a consistent temperature for good germination rates.

Step 4 Place Your Cilantro Microgreens Under Grow Lights

From day 7 to day 10, check your cilantro microgreens daily. Once at least 90 percent of your cilantro microgreens have sprouted, it is time to remove your inverted tray.

When you first remove the inverted tray, your microgreens will be white; however, once they are exposed to light, photosynthesis will activate, and your microgreens will turn a beautiful green within a matter of days.

To help speed up the photosynthesis process and ensure proper growth and development, turn on your grow lights. Full spectrum grow lights should be placed approximately 12 inches from the top of your grow trays. These lights should be left on 24 hours a day until you are ready to harvest your microgreens.

Step 5 Turn on Your Circulation Fans

Circulation fans are used to increase the amount of airflow around your cilantro microgreens. When your microgreens do not receive enough airflow, the risk of mold and soil borne diseases increases.

Your circulation fans should be placed on one side of your microgreen rack to allow horizontal airflow across your plants. Keep your circulation fans for cilantro microgreens running 24 hours a day until it is time to harvest your microgreens.          

Step 6 Know When to Harvest Your Cilantro Microgreens

Cilantro microgreens are harvested when the plants reach approximately one to two inches tall. It typically takes 21 to 28 days after planting to reach the harvest stage.

You will want to wait until the cotyledon leaves have completely opened and turned green. Furthermore, to ensure peak nutrition and flavor, you want to wait until the first set of true leaves have formed. Once this occurs, you are ready to harvest your cilantro microgreens.

Harvesting Cilantro Microgreens

Understanding the steps involved in cilantro microgreens harvest, will help ensure you get the freshest and longest lasting cilantro microgreens. First, when your cilantro microgreens are ready for harvest, withhold watering for approximately 12 hours. Withholding water eliminates any excess moisture.

You will need a pair of sharp scissors or a sharp knife to harvest the cilantro microgreens. Cut the stems right above soil level and place your cut cilantro microgreens on a clean plate or paper towel.

When harvesting microgreens, make sure you use a gentle touch to help avoid bruising your microgreens. If your cilantro microgreens bruise, it can shorten the life expectancy of your microgreens when they are stored.

If you will be using your microgreens immediately, fill a bowl with cool, not cold water. Place the microgreens in the cool water bath and gently swirl to remove any dirt that may be on your cilantro microgreens.

Lift your microgreens from the water and place them on a paper towel to dry. You can speed up the process by either using a salad spinner or sitting your microgreens in front of a fan.

Storing Cilantro Microgreens

If you will be storing your cilantro microgreens, do not wash them when you harvest them. Rinsing your cilantro microgreens can reduce how long your microgreens will last in the refrigerator.

Gently place your cilantro microgreens between two pieces of clean, dry paper towels. Then, place your microgreens in an airtight container or resealable storage bag.

Keep your cilantro microgreens refrigerated until ready to consume. Remove from the refrigerator and rinse using the method described before eating your cilantro microgreens.

Final Thoughts

Cilantro microgreens are delicious and nutritious. These microgreens take longer to grow than other types of microgreens; however, they are no more difficult to grow than other microgreens if you use this easy to follow and understand step by step guide to growing cilantro microgreens successfully.

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How To Grow Cilantro Microgreens
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About The Author
I have been growing microgreens for myself and others for quite some time now and I absolutely love the process.

Even more I love spreading awareness of an amazing crop that has so many nutritional benefits for our bodies which improve our overall health and wellbeing.

Jon Smith

Founder/Writer
Copyright 2021 TypesOfMicrogreens.com All Rights Reserved!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.