Can Cilantro Be Grown From Coriander Seeds

Yes, cilantro can be grown from coriander seeds because cilantro and coriander are literally the same plant.
 
Coriander seeds are the dried seeds of the cilantro plant, and when you plant them, they sprout into fresh cilantro leaves.
 
So if you’ve ever wondered whether you can grow cilantro from coriander seeds, the short answer is a resounding yes.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to grow cilantro from coriander seeds, what to expect at each stage, and a few tips to make the process smoother.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why Cilantro Can Be Grown From Coriander Seeds

Cilantro can be grown from coriander seeds because the two names refer to different parts of the same plant, Coriandrum sativum.
 
Here’s what makes growing cilantro from coriander seeds so straightforward:
 

1. Cilantro and Coriander Are the Same Plant

In many parts of the world, the leaves are called cilantro, while the seeds are called coriander.
 
So when you buy coriander seeds from a spice aisle or garden center, you’re holding the exact seeds that will grow into a cilantro plant.
 
This is why growing cilantro from coriander seeds isn’t a hack or a workaround, it’s simply how the plant reproduces.
 

2. Coriander Seeds Are Viable Seeds

As long as your coriander seeds are fresh and haven’t been heat-treated or roasted, they can germinate.
 
The seeds you find in the spice section of a grocery store are sometimes toasted, which kills them, so always check for raw, dried coriander seeds.
 
Seed packets labeled “coriander” or “cilantro” both contain the same seeds, so you can plant cilantro from coriander seeds purchased either way.
 

3. The Seeds Germinate Quickly

Coriander seeds tend to sprout within seven to ten days when planted in the right conditions.
 
When you grow cilantro from coriander seeds, you’ll often see little green shoots poking through the soil in about a week.
 
That quick turnaround is one reason cilantro is such a rewarding herb for beginners to grow from coriander seeds.
 

How to Grow Cilantro From Coriander Seeds

Now that you know cilantro can be grown from coriander seeds, here’s how to actually do it step by step.
 

1. Start With Fresh, Raw Coriander Seeds

The first step to growing cilantro from coriander seeds is making sure your seeds are raw and viable.
 
If you’re using seeds from a spice jar, crush one lightly and smell it, a strong, fresh aroma is a good sign.
 
Better yet, buy seeds specifically sold for planting, which guarantees better germination rates when you grow cilantro from coriander seeds.
 

2. Sow the Seeds Directly in Soil

Cilantro doesn’t transplant well because of its long taproot, so it’s best to sow coriander seeds straight into the garden or a pot.
 
Plant each coriander seed about a quarter-inch deep and space them roughly six to eight inches apart.
 
When growing cilantro from coriander seeds, you can also scatter them lightly and thin the seedlings later.
 

3. Give Them Sunlight and Consistent Moisture

Cilantro grown from coriander seeds loves partial sun, especially in hotter climates where full sun can cause it to bolt quickly.
 
Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy while the coriander seeds are germinating.
 
A little shade in the afternoon helps cilantro grown from coriander seeds stay leafy and productive for longer.
 

4. Harvest Leaves Once the Plant Matures

Once your cilantro from coriander seeds has grown several sets of leaves, you can start snipping the outer stems.
 
Always harvest from the outside in, leaving the center of the plant to keep producing.
 
If you let cilantro grown from coriander seeds flower, those flowers will eventually turn into new coriander seeds, completing the cycle.
 

Tips for Growing Cilantro From Coriander Seeds

Here are a few extra pointers to help your cilantro plants thrive from coriander seeds.
 

1. Plant in Succession for a Steady Supply

Cilantro tends to bolt in warm weather, so sow coriander seeds every two to three weeks for a continuous harvest.
 
This way, growing cilantro from coriander seeds gives you fresh leaves all season long.
 

2. Soak Seeds Overnight for Faster Germination

If you want to speed things up, soak your coriander seeds in water overnight before planting.
 
This softens the seed coat and helps cilantro grown from coriander seeds sprout a bit sooner.
 

3. Keep an Eye Out for Bolting

When temperatures rise, cilantro grown from coriander seeds may send up a tall stalk and flower.
 
Once that happens, the leaves turn bitter, but you can let the plant go to seed and collect your own coriander seeds for next season.
 

So, Can Cilantro Be Grown From Coriander Seeds?

Cilantro can absolutely be grown from coriander seeds because they’re the same plant.
 
From raw coriander seeds to fresh cilantro leaves, the process is simple and beginner-friendly.
 
Just start with viable coriander seeds, keep the soil moist, and give your plants partial sun.
 
Before long, those little coriander seeds will reward you with armfuls of fresh cilantro.
 
Happy planting.