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.
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.
Attribute | Profile |
Flavor | Cilantro 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.
Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions concerning growing cilantro microgreens.
Cilantro microgreens do not regrow after harvest because their growth modules are removed during the harvest.
Cilantro microgreens are some of the slowest growing microgreens. It takes between 21 and 28 days before they are ready to harvest.
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.
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.
If you decide to purchase your equipment separately, here is a list of items you will need:
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.
There are several types of growing mediums on the market. We recommend using coconut coir as the best cilantro microgreens growing medium.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A misting bottle allows you to gently water the soil and microgreens without disturbing the location of the seeds and soil.
You will also need a light source like a full spectrum LED grow light to ensure your microgreens grow consistently and are healthy.
A heating mat helps regulate the temperature of your growing medium to encourage germination.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.