How to Cultivate Cilantro in Summer?

Cilantro, a vegetable loved by many, can be eaten raw or used as a seasoning vegetable to complement various delicious dishes. In the high temperatures of summer, cultivating cilantro requires careful management as it is prone to bolting. Let's learn about the techniques for cultivating cilantro in summer.

How to Cultivate Cilantro in Summer?

1. Variety Selection:
   

   Choose varieties that grow quickly, are heat-resistant, bolt late, have good quality, strong aroma, fewer pests and diseases, and strong adaptability. Examples include Beijing cilantro and North China large leaf cilantro.

2. Seed Germination:
   

   Due to the high temperatures in summer and rapid evaporation of water from the soil, soak the cilantro seeds for germination before sowing to ensure uniform and rapid germination. Rub the seeds to separate them, soak them in clean water for 4-5 hours, and then place them in a cloth bag at room temperature for humidification and germination. Water them every 2-3 days. After about 10 days, when the young roots turn white, they are ready for sowing.

3. Direct Sowing at the Right Time:
   

   Cilantro prefers cool temperatures and grows best at temperatures between 17°C and 20°C. For summer planting, sow cilantro directly in the ground. The suitable sowing period is usually from late April to early June, with a batch sowing every 5-7 days. Harvesting can be done after 40-50 days of sowing.

4. Soil Preparation and Fertilization:
   

   Choose fertile soil with good water retention, easy drainage, and ventilation, preferably land that has not been used to grow cilantro in the past 3 years. Soil with high organic matter content is more suitable for cilantro growth. Apply 3000 kg of farmyard manure and 30 kg of high-nitrogen compound fertilizer per acre, spread the fertilizer evenly, plow the land, and make ridges about 5-6 meters long for sowing.

5. Precision Sowing:
   

   For summer cilantro planting, it is advisable to sow seeds evenly. Generally, about 2 kilograms of cilantro seeds are used per acre. The sowing method is "sow two ridges, leave one ridge." Spread the covering soil prepared for the first sowing ridge on the sides of the remaining ridge, then water it, and after the water seeps in, sow the seeds evenly. Cover the seeds with 2 centimeters of soil, and then sow the remaining empty ridge. After sowing, lightly roll the soil, cover with grass to retain moisture, and help the seedlings emerge. Remove the covering material when most of the seedlings have emerged, usually 7-10 days after sowing. After sowing all the seeds, press down once to retain moisture. If the weather is dry and the soil moisture is low, watering may be necessary to facilitate germination.

6. Field Management:
   

   Cilantro is sensitive to high temperatures and strong light. In areas where conditions permit, consider covering the planting ridges with shade nets to reduce temperature and light intensity, which is conducive to cilantro growth, yield improvement, and quality enhancement, thereby increasing planting benefits. In fields where herbicides are not used, inter-row cultivation should be combined with hoeing during the seedling stage to timely remove weeds and prevent competition for fertilizer and water with cilantro. The principle of fertilizer and water management during the cilantro growth period is to water when it is not dry. Water less during the seedling stage and ensure sufficient water and fertilizer supply during the vigorous growth period to keep the soil moist. Fertilization depends on the fertility of the land. Combined with watering, mainly apply urea or nitrogen-potassium fertilizer, generally applying 15 kg of fertilizer each time, and apply fertilizer twice.

7. Timely Harvest:
   

   Summer cilantro grows fast. For cilantro that meets the harvest standards, it should be harvested early to prevent bolting. When the plants reach a height of 20-25 centimeters, they can be harvested. To improve marketability, harvesting is usually done after 6 p.m. or in the early morning, and the harvested cilantro should be sold promptly.

The above are some key points for planting cilantro in summer. With proper management, planting cilantro in summer can still yield good returns.

How to Grow Cilantro All Season

Cilantro, also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, is a popular herb known for its vibrant flavor and culinary uses. Growing cilantro all season can be challenging due to its tendency to bolt in warm weather. However, with the right techniques, you can enjoy a continuous harvest of fresh cilantro throughout the growing season.

1. Planting Cilantro

Start by selecting a location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures, so plant it in early spring or late summer for the best results. Sow the seeds directly in the ground or in containers, spacing them about 6 inches apart.

2. Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overhead watering, as cilantro is prone to fungal diseases.

3. Fertilizing

Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month to support healthy growth. Alternatively, use compost or organic matter to enrich the soil before planting.

4. Harvesting

Harvest cilantro leaves once the plant reaches about 6 inches in height. Use scissors to cut the outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and prevents the plant from bolting.

5. Preventing Bolting

To prevent cilantro from bolting in hot weather, provide shade during the hottest part of the day or plant it in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. You can also choose slow-bolting cilantro varieties for extended harvests.

6. Succession Planting

For a continuous supply of cilantro, plant new seeds every 2 to 3 weeks throughout the growing season. This staggered planting schedule ensures that you always have fresh cilantro available for harvest.

7. Companion Planting

Plant cilantro near vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and spinach to benefit from their mutual pest-repelling properties. Cilantro can help deter aphids, spider mites, and other common garden pests.

8. Overwintering

In mild climates, cilantro can be grown as a perennial and will often self-seed. Allow some plants to go to seed at the end of the season, and they may sprout again in the spring.

Conclusion

Growing cilantro all season requires careful attention to planting times, watering, and harvesting techniques. By following these tips, you can enjoy a continuous harvest of fresh cilantro for use in your favorite recipes.