Introduction: Yes, You Can Grow Cilantro Indoors Even in Winter
You don’t need a backyard or raised bed to grow fresh herbs.
You don’t even need a patio.
All you need is a sunny windowsill and the right know-how.
And when it comes to growing cilantro indoors, timing, light, and setup are everything. Over the past 20 years as a garden centre owner and landscape consultant here in Vancouver, I’ve seen more and more people shift toward indoor gardening especially those living in condos or apartments with limited space.
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), with its bright flavor and fast growth, is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow indoors – if you do it right.
In this expert guide, I’ll show you how to grow cilantro indoors on your windowsill year-round whether you’re getting natural light or supplementing with grow lights.
Let’s bring some green into your home.
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), with its bright flavor and fast growth, is one of the most rewarding herbs to grow indoors if you do it right.
Why Grow Cilantro Indoors?
Aside from its unmistakable citrusy taste and versatility in the kitchen, growing cilantro indoors offers several key benefits:
- 🌿 Year-round access to fresh herbs
- 🚫 No pests or outdoor weather issues
- 🪤 Grows well in small containers
- 🦨 Less prone to bolting indoors in cooler seasons
- 🌱 Perfect for beginner gardeners
Whether you live in a high-rise or a basement suite with one good window, you can grow cilantro successfully indoors.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Cilantro Variety for Indoor Growing
Look for slow-bolt varieties that can tolerate temperature fluctuations and grow well in containers:
- ‘Calypso’ – Excellent for indoor growing, slow to bolt
- ‘Santo’ – Compact, flavorful, and slow to flower
- ‘Leisure’ – A standard culinary variety with full-flavored leaves
- ‘Caribe’ – Especially cold-tolerant
Pick organic, untreated seeds for the best results when growing cilantro indoors.
Step 2: The Perfect Spot—Windowsill or Grow Light?
Cilantro needs at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day, or a good quality grow light if your window doesn’t get enough sun.
🪟 If You’re Using a Windowsill:
- Choose a south or southwest-facing window
- Ensure no large trees or buildings block the light
- Rotate the pot every few days for even growth
- Consider a reflective surface behind the plant (like a white wall or foil)
💡 If You’re Using Grow Lights:
- Use a full-spectrum LED grow light (4000–6500K)
- Hang it about 6–8 inches above the plant
- Set a timer for 12–14 hours per day
- Avoid lights that emit too much heat (cilantro prefers it cool)
In Canada’s darker winter months, even a bright windowsill might not be enough. This is when a grow light becomes your best friend.
In Canada’s darker winter months, even a bright windowsill might not be enough. This is when a grow light becomes your best friend.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
🪤 Container Size
- Cilantro has a long taproot. Use a deep container—at least 10–12 inches deep.
- Width can vary; 6–8 inches wide is fine for one plant.
- Ensure drainage holes—no exceptions.
🌱 Best Soil for Indoor Cilantro
Use a lightweight, well-draining potting mix with added organic matter.
Ideal indoor cilantro soil mix:
- 2 parts organic potting soil
- 1 part compost or worm castings
- 1 part perlite or coarse sand
Avoid heavy garden soil—it compacts and suffocates roots indoors.
Step 4: Sowing Cilantro Seeds Indoors
Cilantro doesn’t transplant well, so always direct sow seeds into your indoor pot.
How to Plant:
- Soak seeds overnight to speed germination
- Plant ¼–½ inch deep in moist soil
- Cover lightly and mist the surface
- Keep the pot in a warm (18–22°C) spot until germination
Seeds sprout in 7–10 days.
Keep soil evenly moist during this time—but not soggy. Use a spray bottle or bottom-water to avoid disturbing seeds.
Step 5: Watering and Feeding Indoor Cilantro
Cilantro likes consistent moisture, but hates wet feet.
Watering Tips:
- Water when the top ½ inch of soil feels dry
- Always empty saucers under pots—no standing water
- In dry winter homes, add humidity using a pebble tray or room humidifier
Fertilizing:
- Feed with a diluted organic liquid fertilizer every 2–3 weeks
- Or top-dress monthly with a bit of compost or worm castings
- Avoid high-nitrogen formulas—they cause leggy growth
Step 6: Harvesting Cilantro Indoors for Continuous Growth
This is where many indoor growers go wrong: harvesting too much, too soon.
When to Harvest:
- Begin harvesting when plants are 4–6 inches tall
- Use scissors to cut outer leaves, leaving inner shoots to keep growing
- Harvest every few days to encourage new growth
- Avoid pulling the entire plant unless you’re ready to replant
With proper care, you can get 2–3 months of harvest from one sowing indoors.
Step 7: Succession Sowing for Year-Round Cilantro
Even indoors, cilantro has a short leaf-producing life before it bolts.
So, stagger your plantings.
Succession Plan:
- Sow new seeds every 3–4 weeks
- Keep multiple small pots at different stages
- Label your pots by sowing date to track age
This gives you a continuous supply of cilantro—without gaps between harvests.
Managing Common Indoor Cilantro Problems
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Leggy, floppy plants | Too little light | Move to brighter spot or add grow light |
| Wilting leaves | Overwatering or poor drainage | Let soil dry between waterings |
| Yellowing leaves | Nutrient deficiency | Feed with diluted organic fertilizer |
| Bolting too fast | High indoor temperature or plant age | Keep cool and sow fresh every 3–4 weeks |
Can Cilantro Really Grow Indoors Year-Round?
Yes—with the right setup.
You’ll get the best results when:
- You have cool indoor temperatures (16–22°C)
- A consistent light source (natural or artificial)
- You succession sow regularly
- And you stay on top of watering and harvesting
Cilantro isn’t the longest-living indoor herb—but it grows fast, gives a big harvest, and keeps you connected to your garden even in the dead of winter.
Call to Action 🌿
Want to start your indoor herb garden with cilantro?
Come visit us at DH Garden Centre in Kitsilano, Vancouver. We’ve helped hundreds of gardeners—from studio apartments to laneway homes—grow lush, fragrant cilantro indoors year-round.
🪤 We carry:
- Slow-bolt cilantro seeds
- Organic indoor potting soil
- Full-spectrum LED grow lights
- Containers perfect for windowsills
- Plus expert advice, anytime you need it
📍 3742 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
📞 604-929-7335
🌐 dhgardencentre.com
📲 Instagram/Facebook: @dh.garden.centre
Let’s grow green—even in grey weather.
FAQs About Growing Cilantro Indoors
Q1: Can I grow cilantro on a north-facing window?
It’s not ideal—north-facing windows usually don’t get enough direct light. Use a grow light to supplement.
Q2: How long does cilantro live indoors?
Each planting typically lasts 6–8 weeks before bolting. With succession sowing, you can have fresh cilantro year-round.
Q3: Do I need to prune cilantro indoors?
Yes! Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth and delays flowering.
Q4: Is cilantro safe for pets?
Cilantro is non-toxic to cats and dogs, but always keep your herb pots out of reach if your pets are diggers.
Q5: Can I grow cilantro hydroponically indoors?
Yes, but it requires more setup. For beginners, soil-based container growing is easier and more forgiving.
