Cilantro microgreen is just another form of a tiny plant that is a very common microgreen that adds a unique flavour to your food. More than this, this microgreen is a treasure for gardeners. This little green is full of vitamins and health benefits.
Microgreens are harvested after 7 to 10 days of their cultivation, when the plant reaches only a few inches tall, making them tender and nutrient-rich. Amongst these, cilantro microgreens stand out with their citrusy and earthy aroma and are so loved by chefs and home cooks all around the world.
Growing cilantro microgreens is quite a simple and fun process for either a seasoned gardener or a beginner. Let’s have a look at how cilantro microgreens are grown, how many days it takes and what do’s and don’ts you should look forward to during the process.
Microgreens are not merely smaller versions of plants but are at a stage where they contain concentrated nutrients and flavour. Studies have shown that microgreens can contain up to 40 times more nutrients than mature greens. This is why they are in demand as an addition to salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and gourmet dishes.
Of course, cilantro microgreens are great, adding a fresh burst of flavour to complement most cuisines. Beyond the refreshing taste, growing microgreens in your own garden ensures the quality they are pesticide-free and additive-free; you get the satisfaction of enjoying truly fresh greens.
If you’ve grown microgreens before, you’ll notice that cilantro is a bit unique. While most microgreens germinate in 3-5 days, cilantro sprouts take around 7 to 10 days to germinate. The process takes longer, but the tasty and healthy food that comes out of it is worth the wait.
The process of growing cilantro microgreens is easy, just like growing other plants. The only difference arises in the growing time. Here is a simple step wise growing process of microgreen cilantro at home.
Some of the things you will need for cultivating the cilantro sprouts are:
Fill your tray with 1-2 inches of potting soil or you can get a seed-starting mix to start. Then, spread the soil evenly, but avoid compacting it too tightly, as this can inhibit seed growth.
Spread the cilantro seeds over the soil. Do not leave room between these, as the seeds are much smaller; just spread them out evenly over the soil. Just press them into the soil lightly, but do not bury them, as they will need light to germinate.
Spraying the seeds with a mist from a spray bottle is best, moistening the top soil layer without over-saturating it. Then, place the tray with a lid, plastic wrap, or a damp paper towel covering it to create a humid environment that encourages germination.
Place the tray in a spot with a stable temperature of 65–75°F. Check daily to ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy. After about 7-10 days, the seeds should sprout, and you’ll see tiny cilantro shoots emerging.
Once germinated, remove the lid of the tray and place it in indirect sunlight or grow lights. Cilantro prefers 12-16 light hours per day. For good air circulation to ensure no mold growth occurs,
Your cilantro microgreens will be ready to harvest in about 2-3 weeks when they are 2-3 inches tall and have their first true set of leaves. Crop them using clean scissors when they are just above the soil line.
Microgreens require quality seeds. Choose cilantro microgreen seeds from a vendor like Lilybeth Microgreens. We guarantee fresh microgreen seeds that are known to germinate well and grow great. Low-quality seeds yield patchy sprouts as well as weaker plants and will save you from further hassle in the long term.
Cilantro microgreens need lots of water, but too much of it can be bad for them. Water the soil moist, not sopping wet, to avoid mold and root rot. Watering lightly and regularly ensures that the seeds and shoots grow properly and aren’t overwhelmed by the water.
Cilantro microgreens require 12-16 hours of light daily to grow strong and healthy. Natural sunlight near a bright window is ideal for consistent results. If the microgreens do not get enough light, they will become weak, stretching too much toward the light source. Always position the tray so that it receives balanced lighting for even growth.
Place the growing tray in a well-ventilated area or use a small fan to improve circulation. This will ensure your soil dries evenly, keeping your microgreens healthy and mold-free. This is especially important in warm, humid environments.
Cilantro microgreens are slower to germinate than other varieties, taking about 7-10 days to sprout. The entire growing process lasts 2-3 weeks. Rushing by overwatering or overexposing to heat can harm the plants. Trust the process; the vibrant and flavorful greens you’ll harvest are well worth waiting for.
It grows best in cooler temperatures, which makes it ideal for spring and fall planting. Bolting occurs when the extreme heat strikes, and frost damages young shoots. In indoor growing, a stable temperature between 65-75°F is required for optimal growth. Seasonal adjustment to cilantro ensures a healthier and more abundant yield.
But above everything else, cilantro microgreens make for not just a tasteful affair, but more of an experience. Having these miniscule leaves is enjoyable; the idea of having kids in and growing it along is amazing. People watch seeds get sprouts up, seeing them come together is educative about healthy eat microgreens while enjoying food produced right here at home.
Order premium cilantro microgreens seeds from LilyBel Microgreens Store, and join a journey of flavoring yourself with nutritionally efficient greens right from your doorstep.
Lilybel Microgreens brings the nutritional benefits of microgreens. We’re experts in growing a distinctive range of microgreens, perfect for enhancing the flavor and nutrition of your dishes.
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