How to Grow Cilantro Microgreens Hydroponically
Cilantro microgreens are the slowest common microgreen — but they pack the same fresh cilantro flavor and serve as a year-round substitute when mature cilantro bolts.
BY ROOTLESS FARM
Quick answer
Cilantro microgreens (Coriandrum sativum) reach harvest in 18–25 days from seed at pH 6.0, EC 0.8, DLI 10–12, and air 18–24 °C. Slow but reliable, with the same fresh cilantro flavor as mature plants. Best on hemp mats in 1020 trays.
Conditions
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.5–6.5 (6.0 ideal) |
| EC | 0.4–1.0 mS/cm |
| Air temp | 18–24 °C |
| Water temp | 18–22 °C |
| Humidity | 50–70% |
| DLI | 10–12 mol/m²/day |
| Photoperiod | 16 h |
| Spacing | dense, ~3 cm |
| Days to harvest | 18–25 |
| Yield/tray | ~100–200 g per 1020 tray |
Why cilantro microgreens are worth the patience
Three reasons despite the long cycle:
- Year-round supply. Mature cilantro bolts indoors within 5–6 weeks. Microgreens deliver the flavor in 3 weeks before bolting becomes an issue.
- No bolting variability. Every harvest is consistent — no "this batch went to seed before I could use it."
- Premium pricing. Restaurant supply pays $40–60/kg for cilantro microgreens (closer to gourmet greens pricing than commodity herbs).
The workflow
Standard 1020-tray microgreen process, with longer cycle. Cilantro-specific notes:
- Soak time: 12–24 hours. Some growers gently crush the seeds first to split the dual-embryo fruit.
- Dark phase: 4–7 days. Longer than other microgreens — cilantro seeds germinate slowly.
- Light phase: 11–18 days.
Variety picks
- Slow Bolt cilantro — standard pick. Reliable germination.
- Santo — commercial variety; broad leaves, classic flavor.
- Calypso — newer cultivar, slightly faster germination.
- Coriander (Indian variety) — produces similar microgreens; same flavor.
Light and temperature
- Air 18–24 °C.
- DLI 10–12.
- Photoperiod 16 hours.
- Humidity 50–70%.
Nutrients
Same dilute approach. The long cycle means more nutrient drawdown — refresh the reservoir at day 10 for best results.
Common problems
- Slow, uneven germination — natural for cilantro. Be patient.
- Damping off — fungal collapse during the extended dark phase. Improve airflow; reduce mat moisture.
- Weak shoots — light too low.
- Premature flowering — rare in microgreens but possible if cycle extends past 25 days. Harvest at day 20–22.
Harvest
Cut at media line when shoots are 5–10 cm tall and the second leaves are emerging (true leaves with the characteristic flat cilantro shape). Rinse, spin-dry, refrigerate. Keeps 5–7 days.
Culinary uses
- Tacos and Mexican dishes — same flavor as mature cilantro.
- Garnish for Asian noodle bowls — pho, ramen, lao.
- Salsa garnish — for visual interest.
- Curry topping — adds freshness to rich curries.
- Cocktails — gin, tequila, light rum.
See also
- Cilantro — mature plant
- Mustard microgreens
- Microgreen broccoli
- Ebb and flow
FAQ
4 entries- Q01Why grow cilantro as microgreens?
- Mature cilantro bolts fast indoors — going from fresh leaves to flower stalks in 4–5 weeks. Microgreens harvest before bolting becomes an issue. Reliable, year-round cilantro supply.
- Q02How long until harvest?
- 18–25 days. Slowest of the common microgreens.
- Q03Do I need to split the cilantro seed?
- Cilantro seed (coriander) is a fruit containing 2 embryos. Some growers crush gently before soaking to separate; many skip this and accept slightly slower germination.
- Q04Does cilantro microgreen taste like mature cilantro?
- Yes — same fresh, citrus-soap flavor profile. The "soapy" perception some people have is the same (genetic, not microgreen-specific).