Cilantro (Coriandrum Sativum) is a leafy herb that produces flowers and seeds when stressed. All parts of the plant are edible, including the root.
In the United Kingdom, the entire plant is called coriander, although this is erroneous because the leaf is cilantro and the seed is coriander.
This article will provide you with valuable knowledge and tips on growing, taking care of, and harvesting hydroponic cilantro, even if you are a newbie gardener.
How to Select Cilantro Varieties for Hydroponics?
Germinating seeds
Cilantro is simple to grow from seed and takes about 5 to 10 days to germinate. You can germinate multiple seeds at the same time and grow them as a group without any problems.
Temperatures should be kept in the 75-degree range when sprouting cilantro seeds. I prefer to use quick rooter plugs for germinating your seeds.
Cloning cilantro
Cilantro is a difficult plant to clone, but it is possible. Check out how to clone your cilantro plant hydroponically in only water if you’re interested in doing so.
Store-bought cilantro in dirt
Getting your cilantro crop started is as simple as purchasing cilantro plants from the supermarket and putting them into your hydroponic system. You can always buy a few plants and clone them later to generate more.
Even when cilantro and other herb plants are out of season, you can often find them for sale in the produce area of your local grocery store.
In this video, Jeb will show you how to grow your own hydroponic cilantro or coriander.
What Hydroponics System Works Best for Cilantro?
Flooding and drainage (flow and water) are appropriate systems, as are shallow foundation systems, as long as the nutrient solution depth is at least 5 inches.
Furthermore, cilantro is well-known for its ease of use and low maintenance, making it a popular DIY hydroponic basil gardening choice.
This herb must be grown at a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with moderate light levels for freshly sprouted seedlings gradually increasing to high light levels as the plants mature.
The amounts of volatile chemicals and essential oils present in these herbs are related to light, temperature, and nutritional solution stability.
Ideal Conditions for Hydroponic Cilantro
Humidity
Cilantro flourishes in chilly climates. It’s one of those plants that will bolt if the temperature rises too high.
Temperatures between 45 and 70 degrees are ideal for hydroponic cilantro growth. A temperature controller can help you better control the temperature in your room.
pH
The cilantro pH level for hydroponic cilantro plants should be 6.5.
Light
Cilantro does not require a lot of light to develop. Because we only need cilantro when it’s vegetative and harvesting leaves, the same light may be utilized to produce cilantro from seed to harvest.
Although fluorescent lighting is the most efficient for growing hydroponic cilantro, LED or HID lighting can also be used. Your hydroponic cilantro should be exposed to 12 to 14 hours of light per day for productive growth.
Temperature
Cilantro is a difficult crop to grow since it bolts quickly, especially in hot weather. Therefore, cooler temperatures (40-75 degrees Fahrenheit) and low salt levels are ideal for this crop.
The preference for cool temperatures extends to germination, with temperatures in the 60s resulting in higher germination rates than in the 70s or 80s.
Trim the bolts and alter the environmental parameters if bolting is triggered. Once the plant has bolted, the flavor of the greens gets more bitter and unpleasant. You can purchase slow bolting seeds to reduce the risk of crop loss.
Nutrient
Hydroponic cilantro has simple fertilizer requirements. Use a high-nitrogen hydroponic fertilizer regimen to grow your hydroponic cilantro.
When growing hydroponic cilantro, you should utilize a fertilizer regimen that is simple to use and produces plants with a lot of foliage, which is exactly what you want.
Some people believe that using conventional nutrient strengths will give you a better flavor.
Plant Spacing
To allow plenty of area for cilantro spacing plants to spread out, give them around 9-12 inches of spacing between them. To boost yields, you’ll want to encourage lateral development.
How to Harvest Hydroponic Cilantro?
Cilantro seeds germinate in 7-10 days, and leaves are ready to harvest after 40-48 days (5 12–7 weeks). Then, it takes another 50-55 days to grow from seed to harvest.
Cilantro can be collected whole or in parts, and it requires very little upkeep, such as cutting.
If a partial harvest is used, the first harvest will occur approximately 5 weeks after transplant, and the second will be around 8 weeks after transplant. The yield of the second harvest will be smaller than that of the first.
Regularly pruning cilantro and picking your cilantro can encourage new growth and enhance total harvests. You can use the cut-and-come-again method of harvesting cilantro.
This means you can pick some cilantro, let it grow back, and then pick it again. This procedure can be repeated as needed.
Keep cilantro in the fridge once it’s been harvested. You may also store cilantro in a glass of water after harvesting it to extend its shelf life.
Common Pests In Cilantro
Bacterial leaf spot and powdery mildew are 2 of the most common diseases of cilantro in hydroponics.
Bacterial leaf spot is characterized by yellow patches on the leaves caused by excessive moisture or high humidity in the growth environment.
Powdery mildew is a common indoor pest that affects various greens and herbs, leaving a powdery white film on the foliage as a symptom.
If you’re having trouble with powdery mildew, make sure your surroundings are at the right temperature. Remove the afflicted vegetation as soon as you discover a powdery mildew outbreak.
Cilantro, like most crops, is susceptible to Pythium. In systems with insufficient aeration around the roots, pythium can become a problem.
Problems Encountered During Growing Hydroponic Cilantro
- Powdery mildew and bacterial leaf spot are two diseases that can affect coriander.
- If you notice a white powder coating on leaves that look like dew, remove diseased leaves as soon as possible and dispose of them before they spread to the rest of the system.
- Bacterial leaf spots are black corner dots that appear on leaves. It generally happens in systems with a lot of humidity. Fungicides in the recommended amount of copper fungicides can be used to treat this.
- Pythium root rot is another factor that might harm cilantro. To avoid this, ensure sure the development media you’re using isn’t wet and that the system has adequate aeration.
- Herbs are particularly prone to whitewashing, especially if your body has been exposed to the elements. If not dealt with properly, they can quickly spread throughout the system.
- A propeller that allows for better airflow might also help to reduce leaf spot problems. Aphids and white veggies are 2 things that come to mind when thinking of aphids.
Bonus Tips For Perfect Hydroponic Cilantro Growth
- Light pressure can help to enhance the plant’s oiliness and flavor, but you must use it with caution to avoid adding and creating a bitter taste.
- If you overfeed nutrition, it will lose flavor, so be careful not to add too much.
- If the nutrient solution loses its flavor, drain it and replace it with water for a few weeks; some leaves may be yellow at first, but the new green leaves will be flavorful.
- Keep the plant clear 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if planted indoors, or for at least 18 hours if grown outdoors. Because coriander is a long-day plant, this is done to simulate natural conditions.
Conclusion
Cilantro is an excellent herb to add some zest to your dishes and is easy to cultivate hydroponically.
If you appreciate the tang of cilantro, it is recommended that you include it in your hydroponic cilantro garden!. Happy planting, and don’t forget to come back for more valuable gardening tips.
