Short answer: use split coriander seed, or crack whole seed with a rolling pin. Soak it for 8 to 12 hours (optional), sow 25 to 35 g per 10 × 20 inch tray, and cover it lightly. Keep it dark and damp for about a week, until most seeds sprout. Then give light and harvest at 16 to 28 days. Full method: cilantro microgreens.
Why split coriander seed works better
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) "seeds" are round husks, each holding two seeds. A whole husk is tough and slow to absorb water, so whole seed sprouts slowly and unevenly.
Split seed has the husk cracked in two. Water reaches the seed faster, so the tray comes up more evenly. Sprouting.com gives coriander 16 to 28 days as a microgreen, with an optional 8 to 12 hour soak.1
| Whole seed | Split seed | |
|---|---|---|
| Germination | Slow, patchy | Faster, more even |
| Prep | Crack before soaking | Ready to soak |
| Seeds per husk | 2, competing | 1 per half |
How to grow cilantro microgreens from coriander seed
- Day0
Split and soak
Crack whole seed with a rolling pin if needed. Soak for 8 to 12 hours.
- Day0
Sow
Spread 25 to 35 g over 1 inch of moist soil. Cover with a very thin layer of soil.
- Day0–7
Long blackout
Cover and keep damp. Mist daily. Most seed sprouts in 5 to 7 days.
- Day7
Light
Uncover once most seeds are up. Give bright light.
- Day16–28
Harvest
Cut when the long seed leaves are open, or wait for the first true leaves.
See the full step-by-step guide with problems and fixes: cilantro microgreens.
Nutrition
In a USDA-led study of 25 microgreens, cilantro had the highest levels of carotenoids, the plant pigments the body can turn into vitamin A.2
Tips for an even cilantro tray
- Crack whole seed before soaking if you can't find split seed.
- Cover the seed lightly with fine soil or keep a damp cover on top. Exposed husks dry out.
- Mist every day during the long blackout.
- Keep it at 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). Very warm rooms invite mold during the long start.
- Be patient. Most seed sprouts in 5 to 7 days, but a few lag behind.
Coriander seed for sprouting vs the spice jar
Coriander from the spice rack may be old or heat-treated, so it often sprouts poorly. Seed sold for microgreens is fresh and tested for germination. If you do try spice-rack seed, sow a small test tray first.
Storing and eating
Use within 5 to 7 days. Add cilantro microgreens to tacos, curries, noodles, salsa and rice dishes. See microgreens in world cuisines.
Coriander (cilantro) FAQ
What is split coriander seed?
Coriander husks that have been cracked in half. Each half holds one seed, so it absorbs water faster and sprouts more evenly than a whole husk.
Can I split coriander seed myself?
Yes. Roll whole seed gently with a rolling pin or press it with the flat of a knife until the husks crack in two.
How long does coriander take as a microgreen?
About 16 to 28 days, according to Sprouting.com. It's one of the slowest microgreens.
Can I use coriander from the spice rack?
Sometimes, but it's often old or heat-treated and sprouts poorly. Seed sold for microgreens gives far better results.
Written by Michael
A passionate sprouting professional sharing practical tips for growing sprouts and microgreens at home. More about Michael
