How to Grow Cilantro Microgreens from Seed: Complete Growing Guide
By Bryan, Microgreens Farmer at Wind River GreensQuick answer: You can grow cilantro microgreens from seed to harvest in just 10-14 days — a fraction of the 45-70 days needed for full-grown cilantro. These nutrient-dense greens can contain up to 40 times more vitamins than mature cilantro and deliver a bold but balanced flavor year-round. With minimal space and basic equipment, they're a perfect crop for any skill level.
Growing cilantro microgreens from seed is one of the most rewarding ways to add fresh, zesty flavor to your meals year-round. These tender young greens pack all the bold taste of mature cilantro into delicate, nutrient-dense leaves that are ready to harvest in just 10-14 days.
Unlike growing full-size cilantro plants that can bolt in hot weather, cilantro microgreens give you consistent harvests regardless of the season. They're perfect for beginners and experienced growers alike, requiring minimal space and equipment while delivering maximum flavor.
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Why Choose Cilantro Microgreens?
Cilantro microgreens offer several advantages over their full-grown counterparts. They're incredibly fast to grow, taking less than two weeks from seed to harvest compared to 45-70 days for mature cilantro.
The flavor is intensely concentrated in these young leaves. You'll get that distinctive cilantro taste without the sometimes overwhelming punch of mature leaves. This makes them perfect for people who find regular cilantro too strong.
From a nutritional standpoint, microgreens are powerhouses. Studies show they can contain 4-40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts, making cilantro microgreens an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, and K.
What You'll Need to Get Started
Before diving into the growing process, gather these essential supplies:
Seeds: Look for cilantro seeds specifically labeled for microgreen production. Regular gardening cilantro seeds work too, but microgreen varieties are often treated for better germination rates.
Growing medium: Coconut coir, peat moss, or a quality potting mix all work well. Avoid garden soil, which can contain harmful bacteria and doesn't provide the right texture for microgreens.
Containers: Use shallow trays with drainage holes, about 1-2 inches deep. Recycled produce containers work perfectly, or invest in purpose-made microgreen trays.
Weight for pressing: A second tray or books will help during the germination phase by applying gentle pressure to encourage root development.
Water and misting bottle: You'll need clean water for initial soaking and a spray bottle for daily misting.
Step-by-Step Growing Process
Step 1: Prepare Your Seeds
Start by measuring out your cilantro seeds. You'll want about 1-2 tablespoons of seeds per 10x20 inch tray, depending on how dense you want your microgreens.
Cilantro seeds benefit from a pre-planting soak, though it's not absolutely necessary. Soak them in room temperature water for 8-12 hours to improve germination rates. Some growers skip this step with success, but soaking generally leads to more uniform sprouting.
After soaking, drain and rinse the seeds thoroughly. They're now ready for planting.
Step 2: Set Up Your Growing Medium
Fill your growing tray with about 1 inch of your chosen growing medium. The surface should be level and slightly compressed - not packed tight, but firm enough that seeds won't sink too deeply.
Moisten the growing medium thoroughly but not to the point of being waterlogged. It should feel like a wrung-out sponge. At Wind River Greens, we've found that proper moisture at this stage sets the foundation for healthy growth.
Create a smooth, even surface for seed distribution. Any major bumps or valleys will lead to uneven growth later on.
Step 3: Plant Your Seeds
Distribute the cilantro seeds evenly across the moistened growing medium. Aim for good coverage without seeds piling on top of each other. They should be touching but not heavily overlapped.
Gently press the seeds into the growing medium using your hand or the bottom of another tray. This ensures good seed-to-soil contact, which is crucial for germination.
Unlike some microgreens, cilantro seeds don't need to be covered with additional growing medium. The initial pressing is sufficient.
Step 4: Create the Blackout Period
Cover your planted tray with another tray or a piece of cardboard to create darkness. This "blackout period" is essential for cilantro microgreens, encouraging strong stem development and preventing premature leaf growth.
Place a light weight on top of the cover - another tray filled with water works well. This gentle pressure encourages the seeds to develop strong roots and stems.
Keep the seeds in this dark, weighted environment for 3-4 days. During this time, check daily and mist lightly if the surface appears to be drying out.
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Step 5: Monitor Germination
After 2-3 days, you should see signs of germination. Lift the cover briefly to check progress, but don't leave it exposed to light yet.
The seeds will develop white root systems first, followed by pale yellow stems pushing upward. This is exactly what you want to see during the blackout period.
Continue the blackout period until the stems are about 1 inch tall and starting to push against the cover. This usually takes 3-4 days total.
Step 6: Introduce Light
Once your cilantro microgreens have reached about 1 inch in height, it's time to remove the cover and introduce them to light. Choose a location with bright, indirect light or use grow lights.
The stems will initially be pale yellow or white - this is normal. They'll begin developing green color within 24-48 hours of light exposure.
If using grow lights, position them 12-18 inches above the microgreens and provide 12-16 hours of light daily. Natural light from a sunny window works well too, just avoid direct sunlight which can be too intense.
Step 7: Daily Care and Maintenance
Water management is crucial during the growing phase. Check your microgreens daily and mist the surface when the top layer of growing medium starts to look dry.
Water from the bottom when possible by adding water to the drainage tray rather than misting from above. This prevents disturbing the delicate roots and reduces the risk of mold.
Good air circulation is important for preventing fungal issues. A small fan on low speed, positioned to create gentle air movement, can help significantly.
Watch for any signs of mold or unusual odors, which indicate problems with moisture or air circulation. Healthy cilantro microgreens should smell fresh and green.
Harvesting Your Cilantro Microgreens
Cilantro microgreens are typically ready to harvest 10-14 days after planting. Look for well-developed first true leaves - these are the small serrated leaves that appear after the initial seed leaves.
The microgreens should be 2-3 inches tall with vibrant green color and that distinctive cilantro aroma. The stems should be sturdy enough to stand upright without support.
To harvest, use clean scissors to cut the stems just above the growing medium. Cut only what you plan to use immediately for the best flavor and longest shelf life.
After harvesting, rinse the microgreens gently in cool water and pat dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner. They're now ready to enjoy or store.
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Storing and Using Your Harvest
Fresh cilantro microgreens can be stored in the refrigerator for 7-10 days when properly handled. Place them in a container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
For the best flavor, use them as soon as possible after harvesting. The delicate leaves can wilt quickly, so gentle handling is important.
These microgreens are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Add them to tacos, salads, soups, and sandwiches just like you would regular cilantro. They're also excellent as a garnish for Mexican and Asian dishes.
Try incorporating them into homemade salsas, guacamole, or chimichurri for an extra burst of fresh flavor. Their tender texture makes them perfect for dishes where regular cilantro might be too tough.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Slow or poor germination: This usually indicates old seeds or insufficient moisture. Make sure your seeds are fresh and the growing medium stays consistently moist during the blackout period.
Mold growth: Excess moisture and poor air circulation are the main culprits. Reduce watering frequency and ensure good ventilation around your growing area.
Leggy, weak stems: This typically results from insufficient light or keeping the microgreens in darkness too long. Introduce light as soon as stems reach 1 inch in height.
Yellowing leaves: Usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Allow the growing medium to dry slightly between waterings and ensure your trays have adequate drainage holes.
Uneven growth: Often due to uneven seed distribution or an unlevel growing surface. Take care to distribute seeds evenly and level your growing medium before planting.
Tips for Continuous Harvests
To enjoy fresh cilantro microgreens year-round, start new trays every 7-10 days. This staggered planting approach ensures you always have fresh microgreens ready when your current harvest is used up.
Keep detailed notes about your growing conditions, including temperature, humidity, and light levels. This information helps you replicate successful grows and troubleshoot any problems.
Consider growing cilantro microgreens alongside other varieties like radish, broccoli, or pea shoots for a diverse selection of flavors and textures. Each variety has slightly different growing requirements, but they can often share the same growing space.
Experiment with different seed sources to find varieties that perform best in your specific growing conditions. Some cilantro varieties are bred specifically for microgreen production and may offer better germination rates or flavor.
Growing Conditions That Actually Matter
Cilantro microgreens are forgiving, but a few environmental factors will make or break your results. Temperature is the most important. Aim for 65–72°F (18–22°C) during germination and growing. Below 60°F, germination slows noticeably and you may see uneven sprouting across your tray. Above 75°F, the seedlings can become leggy and prone to damping off — a fungal condition where stems collapse at the soil line.
Light matters more after germination than before it. During the first 3–5 days under your weight or cover, the seeds don't need any light at all. Once you remove the cover and the cotyledons start opening, move the tray to a location that gets 4–6 hours of indirect sunlight, or position it 2–4 inches beneath a grow light on a 16-hour cycle. A simple T5 or LED panel in the 4,000–6,500K color temperature range works well and doesn't require much investment.
Humidity is a double-edged issue. Some moisture in the air helps during germination, but high ambient humidity combined with poor air circulation is a fast track to mold. If you're growing in a basement or enclosed space, a small fan running on low nearby will significantly reduce mold risk without drying out the growing medium too quickly.
Watering: Bottom vs. Top
Once your cilantro microgreens are up and growing, switch from top misting to bottom watering if possible. Bottom watering — pouring water into a second tray and setting your growing tray inside it — keeps the foliage dry and dramatically reduces the chance of mold on the surface. Let the growing medium absorb water for 10–15 minutes, then remove the tray so it's not sitting in standing water.
Top misting is fine during the first few days when roots haven't established, but continuing it past day 5 or 6 tends to create damp conditions on the surface that favor mold growth, especially with the dense canopy cilantro forms.
Seed Selection and Sourcing
Not all cilantro seeds perform the same way as microgreens. Standard cilantro varieties like Santo and Leisure are widely available and grow reliably, but they're bred for full-sized production. For microgreens, look for varieties labeled specifically for microgreen or sprout use, or seek out slow-bolt varieties, which tend to produce more uniform germination when grown densely.
One thing worth knowing: cilantro seeds are actually seed pairs — what looks like one round seed is technically two seeds fused together in a husk. This is why soaking is especially helpful. The husk absorbs water and softens, allowing both seeds inside to germinate more easily. Some growers lightly crack the seeds before soaking using a rolling pin or the back of a spoon, which can improve germination rates by 10–15% in dry conditions.
Source your seeds from suppliers that sell them for food production — companies like True Leaf Market, Johnny's Selected Seeds, or High Mowing Organic Seeds. Avoid ornamental or flower-shop seed packets, which may be treated with fungicides not approved for food use.
Honest Tradeoffs With Cilantro Microgreens
Cilantro is one of the slower microgreens to germinate, and it's worth knowing that going in. Compared to radish or sunflower, which often show roots within 24–48 hours, cilantro can take 3–5 days to show meaningful germination. Don't panic and add more water or heat — that usually makes things worse.
- Mold risk is higher than with many other microgreens because of the dense seed coating and slow germination period. Good airflow and bottom watering largely solve this.
- Flavor varies by harvest timing. Harvesting at 10 days gives a milder, more herby taste. Waiting until day 14 produces a stronger, more pronounced cilantro flavor with slightly tougher stems.
- Regrowth is limited. Unlike some herbs, cilantro microgreens don't reliably regrow after a single cut. Plan for one harvest per tray and start a new tray every 5–7 days if you want a continuous supply.
- Yield per tray is modest. A standard 10x20 tray yields roughly 2–3 ounces of finished microgreens. If you cook with cilantro frequently, you'll want to run 2–3 trays in rotation.
None of these are reasons to avoid growing cilantro microgreens — they're just the reality of the crop. Knowing them upfront means you won't be surprised two weeks in.
Conclusion
Growing cilantro microgreens from seed is an excellent way to enjoy fresh, flavorful greens year-round with minimal time and space investment. With proper seed preparation, consistent moisture management, and attention to light requirements, you'll be harvesting delicious cilantro microgreens in less than two weeks. Start your first tray today and discover why these nutrient-packed microgreens have become a favorite among home growers and chefs alike.