The most requested herb at the Market is cilantro, especially as summer tomatoes arrive and the memory is fresh salsa returns. Unfortunately, cilantro does not like hot weather and it will not grow in our area during the summer months. Once the soil reaches 75 degrees cilantro will "bolt" (grow very tall) and go to seed. This means that the ideal cilantro growing conditions are cool but sunny. You can try growing cilantro where it will get early morning or late afternoon sun, but is shaded during the hottest part of the day. However, even with ideal growing conditions, this is a short lived herb. Pruning cilantro frequently will help delay bolting, but no matter how much you prune cilantro it will still eventually bolt. Planting new seeds every 6 weeks and harvesting early will give you the best chance for a steady supply throughout the growing season.

 

If you would like to try growing cilantro indoors, it is important that the plant have full sun 4 - 5 hours per day. A growing light and carefull harvesting will make growing the cilantro inside more successful. Indoor herbs naturally reach for the light, and can become spindly. Pinch them at the growing tips to force a bushier plant.