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Cilantro in the US

Getting your cilantro started is dead straightforward, whether you're sowing direct or in pots. For most zones, you're looking at sowing from early spring once the danger of the last frost has passed, right through to early summer, and then again in late summer into fall. For instance, folks in USDA Zone 5 can sow from March to May, then again in August and September; while those in Zone 9 might start as early as January and go right up to March, then pick up again in fall. Sow your seeds about half an inch (1-2 cm) deep, either thinly in rows about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) apart, or scattered for a cut-and-come-again approach. Keep the soil moist, and with a bit of warmth, you'll see seedlings in a week or two. To be honest, the trick to a continuous supply is sowing a small batch every couple of weeks.

Cilantro doesn't particularly enjoy its roots being disturbed, so if you're sowing indoors, it's best to use modules or biodegradable pots. That way, you can just plant out the whole thing without too much fuss once the plants are a few inches tall. Space them about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) apart, giving them room to grow. It does really well in containers too, which is handy if space is a bit tight on your patio or balcony. Just make sure the pot has good drainage, you know what I mean.