How to Grow Cilantro Microgreens: The Complete Guide

Unlock a steady supply of zesty, nutrient-packed greens right in your kitchen.

By Medha deb

Created on Aug 29, 2025

Unlock a steady supply of zesty, nutrient-packed greens right in your kitchen.

Cilantro microgreens, the tender and aromatic shoots of Coriandrum sativum, offer an easy and cost-effective way to enjoy the distinctive flavor and vibrant nutrition of cilantroâright at home. Often celebrated for their bold flavor and culinary versatility, these baby greens are an approachable project for gardeners of any level. This comprehensive guide covers every step of the process, from seed selection to troubleshooting and harvesting, to help you grow lush, healthy cilantro microgreens year-round.

What Are Cilantro Microgreens?

Cilantro microgreens are young shoots of the cilantro plant, typically harvested when the first two seed leaves (cotyledons) or the initial set of true leaves appear. Unlike mature cilantro, microgreens provide a milder but still distinct zesty flavor that enhances salads, sandwiches, and a variety of dishes. They are dense in vitamins and nutrients, making them an excellent addition to any diet.

Rapidly growing, ready in 14â21 days from seeding.
Maximum flavor when harvested at the true leaf stage.
Perfect for indoor or small-space gardening.
Excellent in garnish, salads, tacos, and wraps.

Benefits of Growing Cilantro Microgreens

High Nutrient Density: Rich in vitamins C, E, and K, as well as antioxidants.
Fresh, Zesty Flavor: Offers a fresh cilantro flavor in compact, easy-to-use greens.
Short Growth Cycle: Harvest in as little as two weeks, much faster than mature cilantro.
Space-Saving: Suitable for windowsills, countertops, or any small indoor area.
Year-Round Harvest: Grows indoors regardless of the season.

The Cilantro Microgreen Lifecycle

Cilantro microgreens begin as soaked seeds. Once sprouted, they first produce long, grass-like cotyledon leaves. Within a few days, the first delicate true leaves emerge, resembling miniature versions of mature cilantro foliage. The optimal harvest time is when these true leaves have developed, bringing with them the full, robust flavor of the herb.

Step-by-Step: Growing Cilantro Microgreens

Follow this six-step process to cultivate healthy, tasty cilantro microgreens:

1. Gather Your Materials

Cilantro microgreen seeds (high quality, untreated)
Shallow growing tray (with and without drainage holes for bottom watering)
Fine-grained soil mix (peat-based, or coconut coirâavoid fully hydroponic setups)
Spray bottle (for gentle misting)
Grow light (preferred for indoor, year-round cultivation)
Weight or blackout cover (to encourage germination)

2. Prepare and Soak the Seeds

Soak cilantro seeds for 8â24 hours in room-temperature water. This softens the seed coat and encourages uniform, rapid germination.
Optional: Lightly crush the seeds before soaking to increase germination rates.

3. Fill Your Tray With Growing Medium

Use a sterile, fine-textured potting mix or coconut coir, filling the tray to about 1â2 inches deep.
Level and gently firm the surface for even seedspread.
Moisten the medium using a spray bottleâdamp but not soggy.

4. Sow and Cover the Seeds

Scatter soaked seeds evenly across the surface, about Â¼âÂ½â apart. Denser sowing is okay for microgreens; thereâs no need to thin later.
Lightly press seeds into the medium but do not cover deeplyâjust a light dusting of soil helps maintain humidity.
Cover the tray with a humidity dome, another tray, or plastic wrap to keep moisture in and encourage sprouting. Optionally, add a slight weight atop the cover to simulate natural soil pressure and increase germination vigor.

5. Wait for Germination (The Blackout Period)

Maintain warmth and darkness for 3â5 days while seeds germinate. Check once daily to ensure the medium stays moist.
Once most seeds have sprouted and are pushing against the cover, remove the cover and place under a grow light or on a sunny windowsill.

6. Provide Light and Water

Cilantro microgreens require at least 12 hours of bright, indirect light daily for optimal growth. If using a grow light, set it on a timer.
Water from below by adding water to a secondary tray under the main one. This keeps foliage dry and reduces disease risk.
Keep the growing medium consistently moist, but never waterlogged.

Best Growing Medium for Cilantro Microgreens

Cilantro microgreens thrive in a fine-grained, moisture-retentive medium. While hydroponic mats are suitable for many microgreens, cilantro is best grown in soil or coconut coir. These media provide the seed with all the nutrients and structural support it needs during its rapid growth phase.

Soil Mix: Fine potting mix offers structure and retains moisture well.
Coconut Coir: An organic, soilless option that holds water and is easy to handle.
Vermiculite or Perlite: Can be mixed in to improve drainage without drying out the medium.
Fully hydroponic setups: Not recommended for cilantro due to poor root anchoring and variable moisture retention.

Lighting Requirements

Consistent, bright light is crucial for optimal photosynthesis and healthy microgreen development. While a sunny south-facing window may suffice, a dedicated grow light provides control and reliability, ensuring even, lush growth year-round.

Duration: 12â16 hours of light per day is ideal.
Distance: Place lights 6â12 inches above the canopy.
Type of Light: LED or fluorescent grow lights are most efficient.

Harvesting Cilantro Microgreens

Most cilantro microgreens are ready for harvest within 14â21 days after sowing. The optimal time is when the cotyledons are fully opened and the first set of true leaves is visible.

Use clean, sharp scissors to snip the stems just above the soil line.
Harvest only what you plan to use within several days, as microgreens donât keep long once cut.
Rinse gently and pat dry before eating.

Fresh cilantro microgreens can be refrigerated for up to a week, though best flavor and texture is enjoyed soon after harvest.

Flavor and Culinary Uses

Cilantro microgreens have a bright, citrusy, herbal flavorâless intense and sometimes less soapy than mature cilantro. Use them as a nutrient-dense garnish or mix them into:

Salads and grain bowls
Tacos, wraps, and sandwiches
Soups and curries
Egg dishes
Garnishing dips, like guacamole or salsa

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Cilantro microgreens are generally resilient, but some challenges may arise:

Slow Germination: Pre-soak seeds and maintain warmth to ensure quicker, more uniform sprouting.
Mold or Fungi: Ensure adequate ventilation, avoid overwatering, and always use clean trays and tools.
Leggy Growth: Insufficient light is usually to blameâmove trays closer to your grow light.
Uneven Growth: Sow seeds evenly and make sure all parts of the tray receive equal light.

Table: Quick Reference for Cilantro Microgreens

Stage	Days After Sowing	Key Actions
Seeding and Soaking	Day 0â1	Soak and sow seeds
Blackout/Germination	Days 1â5	Keep covered, moist, and dark
Uncover and Grow	Days 6â14	Provide light, water as needed
Harvest	Days 14â21	Clip at soil line, rinse, and enjoy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do cilantro microgreens taste like regular cilantro?

Yes, cilantro microgreens offer a similar yet slightly milder and fresher flavor than mature cilantro leaves. They lack the full pungency but retain the signature zesty, citrusy notes.

What is the best way to grow cilantro microgreens indoors?

Indoors, cilantro microgreens grow best in a shallow tray filled with fine potting soil or coconut coir. Provide at least 12 hours of bright, indirect light, keep the medium moist, and maintain consistent warmth during germination.

How long does it take to harvest cilantro microgreens?

While cilantro takes slightly longer than some microgreens, itâs generally ready in 14â21 daysâharvest when you see the first true leaves.

Can I grow cilantro microgreens without soil?

While some microgreens do well on hydroponic mats, cilantro is best grown in soil or coconut coir due to its unique root needs and tendency to grow unevenly without a soil base.

Why are my cilantro microgreens not germinating?

Cilantro seeds naturally germinate slowly. To improve rates, soak seeds for 8â24 hours before sowing and ensure adequate warmth during sprouting.

Is fertilizer needed when growing cilantro microgreens?

No, fertilizer is unnecessary for microgreens since all nutrients required are stored in the seed. For larger, mature cilantro plants, use a balanced fertilizer starting a few weeks after germination if desired.

Expert Tips for Success

Pre-soak and gently split seeds before planting to accelerate germination.
Provide steady, strong light from a grow lamp for uniform growth.
Harvest promptly upon first true leaf appearance for best taste and nutrition.
For continual harvest: Sow new trays every 10â14 days.
Store microgreens dry in the fridge between paper towels in an airtight container.

Conclusion

With just a bit of preparation and attention to lighting and moisture, anyone can enjoy crisp, aromatic cilantro microgreens in just weeks. Their intense flavor, nutrition, and culinary appeal make them a natural fit for home gardeners looking to elevate their meals.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb