Growing herbs from cuttings is a great idea because it allows you the freedom and flexibility of growing your favorite herbs without having to buy seeds or grow them in a pot. There are a number of ways that you can cultivate your own herbs from cuttings. You will find that each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on where you live and how much time you have to devote to gardening. You should choose the best method for your needs based on your garden space, available light sources, as well as how much you have to invest in the project.
The best way to learn how to grow Cilantro from cuttings is to follow instructions for the particular herb that you wish to cultivate. This might involve sowing seeds in containers, creating an environment for them to germinate, then waiting for them to grow to a manageable size before harvesting. Cilantro typically takes up to 45 days to mature, so plan accordingly. The young plants need a steady supply of sunlight, water, and fertilizer to grow well.
The fastest and easiest way to get started to grow your own herb garden is to start out with a large container. Then, divide the container into six separate parts. Place a layer of gravel in the bottom of the container, and then add half of a cup of bone meal and half of medium grade salt to the soil in the middle of the container. Keep rotating the sections periodically so that the soil doesn’t dry out. On the fourth day, remove the gravel and add one more teaspoon of salt. Follow this with another rotation a week later, and then another after the following month.
When the plants have achieved a proper size and are consistently growing in the right direction, it’s time to move on to planting. Although it takes a little longer, coriander actually prefers full sun. Start planting your herb garden by separating six to eight leaves from the main cluster by gently scraping off the bark. Each separate leaf should receive about six to eight hours of direct sunlight. Coriander leaves won’t change color during direct sunlight, but they will turn slightly brownish during the twilight hours.
After the plants have sprouted to their first two sets of leaves, you can begin harvesting them. To encourage them to continue growing at this rate, clip the growing tips just below the surface of the soil. When you harvest the plants, the stem will have tiny leaves just beneath the green foliage. These will provide the plant with vital nutrients as it begins to grow in the soil. Cut the growing tips back to four to five inches tall when you get to the third generation. The third generation will develop for only one to two years before the leaves turn brown and drop off.
After the third generation, the herb starts to fill out and spreads out. After three to four years of growth, the top layer of cilantro leaves will be covered with yellowed and scarred tissue. Wait another year before harvesting the plant. Just like any crop, it will benefit when it is allowed to mature fully.
Keep in mind that it takes approximately nine months for seeds to germinate, so don’t assume that you have got the seeds you need right away. It’s important to keep cuttings from spreading out for the following three years. In addition, when purchasing seeds, always choose those that are highly-grown and proven to produce large amounts of healthy flowers. You can always buy seeds from a local garden store or grow yourself from cuttings, but many times there is a better selection available in local nurseries.
Once the seeds have been planted and have produced blooms, keep them in the sun for as long as possible. They will reward you with large, healthy leaves that will add flavor to your salads and soups. Be sure to harvest cuttings frequently, especially during the hot summer months and when the leaves start to go yellow. If you are growing this herb for sale, consider growing it in a pot that allows consistent, daily watering so you can enjoy your constant supply of fresh herbs.