How To Grow Cilantro In Greenhouse

You can grow cilantro in a greenhouse successfully by giving it cool temperatures, bright light, and consistent moisture throughout its growing cycle.
 
Cilantro is one of those herbs that bolts quickly outdoors, but when you grow cilantro in a greenhouse, you gain much more control over the environment and can extend your harvest significantly.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to grow cilantro in greenhouse conditions without it turning bitter or going to seed too fast, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your crop, so you can grow cilantro in a greenhouse like a pro.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Why You Should Grow Cilantro in a Greenhouse

Growing cilantro in a greenhouse gives you advantages that outdoor gardeners simply don’t have.
 
Here’s why it’s worth the effort.
 

1. You Can Control the Temperature

Cilantro thrives in cool weather, ideally between 50°F and 70°F.
 
When you grow cilantro in a greenhouse, you can regulate the temperature and keep it from getting too hot, which is the number one reason cilantro bolts.
 
This means you can grow cilantro in a greenhouse even during the peak of summer when outdoor plants would have already gone to seed.
 

2. You Get a Longer Growing Season

One of the best reasons to grow cilantro in a greenhouse is that you’re not limited to spring and fall.
 
With a greenhouse, you can grow cilantro almost year-round, as long as you manage the temperature properly.
 
This extended season means more fresh leaves for your salsa, soups, and salads.
 

3. Protection from Pests and Weather

When you grow cilantro in a greenhouse, you shield your plants from aphids, whiteflies, and other common pests that love cilantro.
 
You also protect them from heavy rain, wind, and sudden temperature drops that can stress the plants.
 
Less stress means healthier plants and a better harvest when you grow cilantro in a greenhouse.
 

How to Grow Cilantro in a Greenhouse Step by Step

Now that you know why it’s a great idea, let’s get into the actual process of how to grow cilantro in a greenhouse.
 

1. Choose the Right Variety

Not all cilantro varieties are created equal, especially for greenhouse growing.
 
Slow-bolting varieties like ‘Santo’ or ‘Long Standing’ are your best bet when you grow cilantro in a greenhouse.
 
These varieties are bred to resist bolting, which is crucial when you’re trying to grow cilantro for its leaves rather than its seeds.
 

2. Start with the Right Soil

Cilantro prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 6.2 and 6.8.
 
When you grow cilantro in a greenhouse, use a quality potting mix or amend your soil with compost to ensure good drainage.
 
Good drainage is essential because cilantro doesn’t like soggy roots, and in a greenhouse, moisture can build up quickly.
 

3. Plant at the Right Time

If you want to grow cilantro in a greenhouse, you can plant seeds directly in the soil or in containers.
 
Cilantro seeds are actually coriander seeds, and they benefit from being lightly crushed before planting to improve germination.
 
Sow seeds about a quarter-inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until they sprout, usually within 7 to 10 days.
 

4. Manage Temperature and Ventilation

This is the most important part of how to grow cilantro in a greenhouse.
 
Cilantro hates heat, so keep your greenhouse between 50°F and 70°F during the day and slightly cooler at night.
 
Use vents, fans, or shade cloth to keep temperatures down, especially on sunny days.
 
Proper ventilation also prevents fungal diseases when you grow cilantro in a greenhouse.
 

5. Water Consistently

Cilantro needs consistent moisture, but not waterlogged soil.
 
Water your greenhouse cilantro when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew.
 
A drip irrigation system works wonders when you grow cilantro in a greenhouse because it keeps the leaves dry and the roots happy.
 

6. Fertilize Lightly

Cilantro isn’t a heavy feeder, so don’t overdo it.
 
A balanced liquid fertilizer applied every few weeks is enough when you grow cilantro in a greenhouse.
 
Too much nitrogen will encourage leafy growth at the expense of flavor, so keep it moderate.
 

Harvesting Cilantro Grown in a Greenhouse

Knowing when and how to harvest is just as important as knowing how to grow cilantro in a greenhouse.
 

1. Start Harvesting Early

You can begin harvesting leaves when the plant is about 6 inches tall.
 
Snip the outer leaves first, leaving the inner ones to continue growing.
 
This method allows you to grow cilantro in a greenhouse and keep harvesting for weeks.
 

2. Harvest in the Morning

The best time to harvest cilantro is in the morning before the heat of the day sets in.
 
This is when the leaves are most flavorful and crisp.
 
If you grow cilantro in a greenhouse, morning harvests also reduce stress on the plant.
 

3. Prevent Bolting

If you notice your cilantro starting to send up a tall stalk, it’s bolting.
 
Pinch off the flower buds as soon as you see them to prolong leaf production.
 
Once cilantro bolts, the leaves turn bitter, so staying on top of this is key when you grow cilantro in a greenhouse.
 

So, How Do You Grow Cilantro in a Greenhouse?

You grow cilantro in a greenhouse by keeping temperatures cool, providing bright light, watering consistently, and choosing slow-bolting varieties.
 
It’s not complicated, but it does require attention to the environment.
 
When you grow cilantro in a greenhouse, you get fresher leaves, a longer season, and protection from pests and weather.
 
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, learning how to grow cilantro in a greenhouse is a skill worth mastering.
 
So grab some seeds, fire up that greenhouse, and start growing cilantro today.