How to save coriander/cilantro seeds from your garden

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Cilantro (at least that is what we call the plant in the United States) and the seed coriander as it is know to the rest of the world is the first plant I ever collected seeds from.

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What I like about cilantro/coriander is that its flowers actually grow great and the bees seem to like them.  As an added bonus the collection of seeds really couldn’t be easier.  Like other plants I collect seeds on I let them mature as much as possible outdoors on their own and bring them indoors when the heavy rains come.

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I give them a little extra time to dry by hanging the bunches upside down in my garage until I get around to the harvest.

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To harvest simply find these flower shaped clusters of seeds and pull down to release the seeds and add to your awaiting container.  If you don’t care as much how clean your seed collection is you can also run run hands down the whole plant from bottom to top.  While this will drop many leaves in your collection, this is definitely the way to quickly harvest a large number of seeds.

8 Responses to “How to save coriander/cilantro seeds from your garden”

  1. Daphne Says:

    I don't even bring the plants inside. I just bring a bag out once they are ripe and rub the heads with my hands and the seeds fall into the bag. I don't even need to pick the plant. I do the same with dill.


  2. The Cheap Vegetable Gardener Says:

    I have harvested as well though usually leads to a lot of weeding if I don't wish top plant cilantro there next year :)That reminds me I probably should grow some dill as well. One less herb to buy at the grocery store when it comes time for pickles.


  3. pomona Says:

    So few people realise you can save your own seed so easily. Sadly I can't grow coriander/cilantro, the carrot fly attacks them as soon as they germinate, whatever measures I take.


  4. Sparkly Says:

    Didn't know that carrot fly attacked corriandor. I can't seem to get it to germinate.


  5. The Cheap Vegetable Gardener Says:

    I have never really heard of any pests of cilantro. Guess we must not have carrot flies up this way. As for getting cilantro to germinate, neglect seems to be the best strategy. I have found just hand sprinkling seed on the top of the soil has led to pretty good results. I do think the actual germination rate of the seeds are pretty low so good idea to over plant and thin if needed. Small plants make very potent microgreens on salads.


  6. laurie Says:

    how long are the seeds viable for planting? I harvested ALOT last year and not sure I will plant them all – do you think they will still germinate next year?


  7. Jake Says:

    Coriander is actually a great trap crop as well, when planted as a companion to most veggies in your garden it will help prevent aphid damage to your main crops. I normally plant 2 to 4 feet around my veggies and have virtually no problems with aphids. And inter-planting these along with basil and parsley into your tomato beds creates one of the best tasting tomato ever.


  8. Linda Janssen Says:

    How do I wash coriander seed seeds from my garden? Thank you, Linda


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