Cilantro, also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, is one of the most widely used herbs in cooking. Its fresh, citrusy flavor adds a zesty kick to salsas, curries, soups, and salads. But buying it from the store can be expensive, and it often wilts quickly. The good news? Today, I’m spilling all the secrets on how to Grow Cilantro in Plastic Bottles. Grab your scissors and some seeds – let’s dig in!
With just a few empty plastic bottles, some soil, and a little TLC, you can create a simple, space-saving herb garden right on your windowsill, balcony, or kitchen counter. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about growing cilantro in plastic bottles — step by step, with clear instructions and helpful tips.
Table of Contents
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Why Grow Cilantro in Plastic Bottles?
Plastic bottles are everywhere — and most of them end up in landfills. By reusing them to grow herbs like cilantro, you’re not only reducing waste but also creating a sustainable and budget-friendly gardening solution.
Here are a few more reasons why growing cilantro in plastic bottles is a great idea:
- Space-saving: Perfect for small apartments, balconies, or even indoor setups.
- Eco-friendly: Helps recycle plastic waste while growing fresh food.
- Easy to manage: You can monitor watering, sunlight, and growth closely.
- Portable: You can move the bottles around to find the best light or protect them from bad weather.
- Cost-effective: Minimal investment — just a bottle, some soil, and seeds.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather these simple materials:
Materials:
- Empty plastic bottles (1–2 liter size works best)
- Scissors or a craft knife
- Potting soil (light and well-draining)
- Cilantro seeds (you can buy these online or at a local nursery)
- Watering can or spray bottle
- Gravel or small pebbles (for drainage)
- Marker (optional) – to label your bottles
- String or zip ties (optional) – if you want to hang your bottles
Step-by-Step: How to Grow Cilantro in Plastic Bottles
Step 1: Prepare the Plastic Bottles
Start with clean, dry plastic bottles. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any leftover drink residue.
Using scissors or a craft knife, cut each bottle horizontally in half. You’ll be using the bottom half as the planter and the top half can be discarded or repurposed (you can even use it as a funnel for watering).
Tip: Leave the cap on or off depending on your watering method. For better airflow and drainage, it’s usually best to leave it off.
Step 2: Create Drainage Holes
Cilantro doesn’t like sitting in waterlogged soil, so good drainage is essential.
Take the bottom half of the bottle and poke 4–6 small holes in the bottom using a sharp object like a nail, screwdriver, or the tip of your scissors. These holes will allow excess water to escape.
Optional: Place a layer of small pebbles or gravel at the bottom of the bottle before adding soil. This improves drainage even more.
Step 3: Add Soil
Fill the bottle with good-quality potting soil, leaving about 1–2 inches of space at the top. Cilantro prefers loose, well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter.
You can use regular potting mix from the store, or mix your own with compost, sand, and garden soil for better results.
Step 4: Plant the Cilantro Seeds
Sprinkle 4–6 cilantro seeds on the surface of the soil in each bottle. Gently press them into the soil, but don’t bury them too deep — just enough so they make good contact with the soil.
Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil (about ¼ inch).
Water gently using a spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
Step 5: Find the Right Spot
Cilantro grows best in cool weather and bright, indirect sunlight.
Place your bottle planters in a spot that gets 4–6 hours of sunlight a day, such as a sunny windowsill, balcony, or patio. If you’re growing cilantro indoors, choose a location near a window that gets plenty of light.
Avoid placing the bottles in full, direct sun all day, especially in hot climates, as this can dry out the soil and stress the plants.
Step 6: Water and Care
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Check the soil every day or two, and water when the top inch feels dry.
Overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes when growing cilantro. Too much water can cause root rot, so always ensure proper drainage.
If you’re worried about overwatering, you can water from the bottom by placing the bottle in a shallow tray of water and letting it soak up moisture through the drainage holes. Remove it once the soil feels damp.
Step 7: Be Patient — Germination Time
Cilantro seeds usually take 7–10 days to germinate. During this time, keep the soil moist and be patient.
Once the seedlings sprout, you’ll see tiny green shoots emerging from the soil. At this point, you can thin out the weaker seedlings, leaving only the strongest 2–3 plants per bottle. This gives the remaining plants enough space to grow healthy and strong.
Step 8: Harvesting Your Cilantro
Your cilantro plants should be ready for their first harvest in about 3–4 weeks, or once they’ve grown at least 2–3 sets of true leaves.
To harvest, simply snip off the outer leaves with a pair of clean scissors, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Always cut just above a leaf node to encourage new growth.
You can harvest cilantro continuously throughout the growing season, but keep in mind that cilantro has a relatively short life span. It tends to bolt (flower and go to seed) quickly, especially in warm weather. When it starts to flower, the leaves become bitter, and the plant focuses its energy on producing seeds.
Tip: To extend your harvest, plant new seeds every 2–3 weeks. This way, you’ll always have fresh cilantro ready to go!
Bonus Tips for Success
- Keep it cool: Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures (around 60–75°F or 15–24°C). It can bolt quickly in heat, so avoid placing it in hot, sunny spots.
- Avoid overcrowding: Don’t plant too many seeds in one bottle. Overcrowded plants compete for nutrients and sunlight, leading to weak growth.
- Use organic seeds: They’re easy to find and grow well without the need for chemical fertilizers.
- Fertilize lightly: If you want to give your cilantro a boost, use a diluted liquid fertilizer once every few weeks. But be careful — too much fertilizer can affect the flavor.
- Watch for pests: Aphids and fungus gnats can sometimes bother indoor herb gardens. Keep an eye out and treat with natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
Final Thoughts: Fresh Herbs, Zero Waste
Growing cilantro in plastic bottles is not only easy and fun, but it’s also a smart way to reduce waste and bring fresh, homegrown flavor to your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, this project is a great way to connect with nature, even in small spaces.
Imagine snipping fresh cilantro straight from your windowsill to top off your tacos, garnish your soups, or spice up your salads. It’s rewarding, sustainable, and surprisingly simple.
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