How to Grow Micro Cilantro

In this video we share our techniques to grow virtually seedless microgreen cilantro crops. See steps from start to finish.

[@joshuadelisle]

It's a shame you're not posting anymore. This eas great information. Cheers J

[@TPSDmike]

Thanks for the positive comment. I decided shortly after these videos that my passions remained with being a grower and not a content creator. Running a farm requires too much to do both.

[@joshuadelisle]

Fair enough. All the very best. Cheers J

[@desertedenblooms]

@@TPSDmike Well thank you for leaving these up. Its 2024, im 65 and am learning to grow micro from you and others. Really appreciate it ! God Bless and Good luck in all your endeavors !

[@deepfuckingabundance]

Your label game is tight! Thanks for sharing the video, love the little details

[@TPSDmike]

Thanks Ron. Every little detail, in my opinion, helps to separate us from the competition. Perhaps it's mostly in my head but I sleep better at night knowing we gave it our all.

[@deepfuckingabundance]

@@TPSDmike hells yeah, that's a solid way to get a business off the ground!

[@zherin2063]

A very good teacher! Thank you for the explanations on WHY you do it the way you do. Beautiful crops!

[@TPSDmike]

Thank you so much. After making a few videos I quickly realized I wanted to build my farm business and not a KZbin channel. But it was fun while it lasted.

[@BethClay-xy6ii]

Great video. I wish you would do more.

[@TPSDmike]

Thanks Beth. I decided, shortly after these videos, that my passion remained with being a grower and not a content creator.

[@kimclark4862]

Beautiful demo and explanation, thank you. Hi from Scotland.

[@TPSDmike]

Hello! Thank you for your comment.

[@digitalskyz]

Just found your vid - thumbs up - thank you so much for taking the time to do this. The walk-thru is really appreciated considering how much work you have invested in your crops.

[@bdownham1]

Very nice succinct video. Great looking crop and what a joy , no background noise,/music thank you for sharing you method

[@brianandlynphilippines]

It is refreshing to read someone else doesn't like the shiddy music so very many people play on their videos! I have a few microgreen growers I follow, but their tink tink ding ding intro musics are so annoying I can't even enjoy their videos.

[@63pippy]

EXCELLENT VIDEO!!

[@bradkernohan6848]

Amazing looking Cilantro and most efficient method I've seen. Will be putting this into action tomorrow!

[@TPSDmike]

Brad, I'm so glad you found value in this video. I hope it works out for you. Let us know your results!

[@CrackerFL]

Great video! I have yet to grow cilantro, but have a chef that wants some. Great growing tips! Thks for sharing!

[@TPSDmike]

Thank you for all of your comments so far. Has anyone else had success with this meathod?

[@deepfuckingabundance]

Will give it a go and let you know

[@rawindersingh8014]

Is there anyway I can get in contact with you? Email or something? I have a few question if you are willing to help it would be much appreciated.

[@libbybowna]

Like how you grow your cilantro, best video yet

[@TPSDmike]

Thank you! All the best.

[@velmapalafox4928]

Hi, I from Mexico!! Congratulations for your efforts and passion. Thank you so much for your explanation you are so kind

[@melodioushaste]

I love the true leaves. They are beautiful as well as delicious.

[@Graceb630]

Well explained, I can’t wait to try your system. Keep up the good work 🙌🏼

[@Powergrowsystems]

Great info and tips! Keep the vids coming 👍

[@sheilanc1]

I have shared your video. Thank you! Cilantro is one I have not tried as of yet. I mostly grow for my own needs but I share with a few.

[@briankaut6075]

Love the videos and the labels look so nice. I would buy that product.

[@TPSDmike]

Thank you Brian. We give it our all!

[@annchenweidemann5694]

Thank you. Very helpful. Live the labels!

[@ntuthukomathebula4720]

Hello Mr. Runner Farmer , warm greetings from South Africa here, I have been thinking of planting microgreens, I've watched a few videos on KZbin but they all had one thing in common, they skip certain steps especially the basics which are the most crucial. Rather they focus more on the advantages of growing micro greens or the marketing, or how much income they can bring. So please may you do a video where you show things like: how often you should water micro greens(and whether or not it depends on the microgreen)…Once you harvest where do you store them before selling/delivering?

[@tanyapineda7212]

Nice process & great card designs at the end. Inspiring 💚

[@yardrail3432]

Many thanks for sharing your info...gives me confidence to have another go at growing my own

[@CrackerFL]

Maybe you need to change your You Tube category to "How to and style" Other growers use that category. Hope your channel grows!

[@TPSDmike]

Thank you for the tip. I'm so new. Definitely an oversight on my part.

[@jeissonlluen5014]

Very interesting. Greetings from Peru.

[@marioedsellafuente3184]

Hi, do you transfer them when they grow bigger. How many days until you harvest them? Can I plant it outside under the sun? Nice video and packaging. Thanks

[@patriciarussell8450]

Just starting. Thanks for great info.

[@pacifictrufflegrowers]

That is a NICE label!

[@Shodeen1]

Thank you very much! Very nice info!

[@TPSDmike]

Yong, thank you!

[@howardryburn9646]

Nice work on your video .

[@baris222]

Good work. They look awesome.

[@TPSDmike]

Baris Yilmaz, thank you so much. I love seeing consistant results, especially with semi-challenging crops. Thanks for the comment.

[@zizibe218]

So organized! Thank you for the vid.

[@pingliu5463]

Beautiful plants !!! I love how your cilantro stand so straight ! My problem is the cilantro seems not standing so straight, and kinda of laying on the soil. Maybe because they are too tall?? I have trouble growing them for now ...

[@TPSDmike]

My first two thoughts would be to lower your light closer to the crop and check your watering.

[@malikamcreynolds]

Great video. Learned a lot. Thank you.

[@monikabiyatrice8755]

Love this video

[@FidelHimself]

Thank you for making this one really helps

[@denesestanley3966]

Thank you

[@michaelhoats2274]

tell us more about your soil mixture

[@TPSDmike]

I've experimented with multiple substrates over the year. A.) Soil is king in my opinion. B.) We dont make our own mix as we dont feel like the effort improves the yield to justify the labor. C.) The main difference we've seen between soils is the moisture retention. Based on your watering system and your own trial and error choose a soil that holds water how you like it. We chose a soil that doesnt dry out as quickly. (Please note that there are pros and cons to both). A wetter soil is more prone to mold issues while a soil that dries out quicker requires more frequent watering and risk of crops drying out. That's where your own trial and error comes into play. The two soils we've used are Organic Promix (only buy from a garden center. Online prices are INSANE) and a company called Fertilome. One last point, visit your local garden center and ask them what they use. They will have a steady supply. Stay away from home depot and lowes soil. Its garbage! I hope that helps you out some. Hit me up if you need more info.

[@irockursocks1995]

Very very nice and good how use the sol

[@theresashay7169]

Thank you for the video!

[@TPSDmike]

Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@highway1052]

Thank you for the informative video. Just wondering, looks as though you do not water while they are stacked. After putting them under light, how often do you water? Thanks for your time.

[@TPSDmike]

Correct. If you get the moisture level correct at the time of planting, there is no need to water until it’s time to unstack and put under the lights. Once the cilantro is under the light we water once a day and sometimes once every other day depending on several variables.

[@MicrogreensFarmer]

Sweet video! Keep up the good work!

[@TPSDmike]

Thanks man. "Work" is the word of the year. Haha.

[@pingliu5463]

Hey. So I watched this video again and try to grow follow your steps ( which I was mostly doing the same already), I found out one thing I did differently was , I watered the top soil too, probably that caused problem . So I am excited to see how this tray looks like after closed follow your steps . A couple more questions : 1, after you uncover, when do you place them under the growing light ? 2, do you start daily water after you uncover? Because you said no watering when they are l stacking ..

[@TPSDmike]

Dont water the top before stacking. There should be enough moisture in the seed that was soaked and the soil (dependent on how wet it was to begin with.) After you unstack they go directly under the lights. And then begin watering immediately after unstacking. We water from below.

[@pingliu5463]

Runner Farmer thank you for the tips !

[@kimclark4862]

Here in the UK our seed trays are so much smaller than in the USA AND Canada. May I ask the measurements of your seed trays, please ?

[@TPSDmike]

10 inches x 20 inches

[@LivingWithCTE]

may I ask what you currently charge chefs for this per ounce or per 1020 tray ? I have not grown this yet but want to

[@crtl9697]

Thanks much for the excellent directions. In your experience how many hours of light do you provide every day ?

[@TPSDmike]

16ish hours

[@gymkata98]

thank you for this great video. I'm in the process of starting a microgreens business and really appreciate all the information you are sharing. I would like to know what type of LED lighting you are using and where you got them if you don't mind!

[@mohammadpervez632]

Hi, greeting from Australia. Likes your expert technique to grow. I am trying to grow under light in summer because in hot weather cilantro outdoor goes into flowering. What type lights would you recommend to grow indoor. In hot weather, would it turn flowering even indoor ?

[@faithhopelove69]

This was amazing. Thank you. I do have a few questions. Ur bro's labels are awesome!! I wanna grow them at home. Where do I get the flats? And where do I get that nice sprayer? I don't need too many. I live in Florida and I have a terrace. Do I still need a light? Thank you.

[@beccabrummel7064]

I have a question regarding your trays. Why do you double up on ur trays? Wasn’t sure if it was for stability or watering purposes. Great video!

[@TPSDmike]

Bottom watering

[@beccabrummel7064]

What are the concrete blocks used for?

[@TPSDmike]

@@beccabrummel7064 they help provide even germination which helps with harvesting a consistent crop.

[@harrymyhero]

Did you plant the seeds in a tray with holes, or without?

[@TPSDmike]

With

[@Research0digo]

Hi Runner, what kind of water sprayer is that that has pressure, please? A garden hose at the other end? What kind of soil do you use, please? Thank you!

[@TPSDmike]

We've gone through many different sprayers. We typically just get whatever our garden center or home depot/lowes center carry. We've never had to purchase them online so I cant provide any insight there. Sorry.

[@brianandlynphilippines]

I too wish the brand was given, the ones I bought from Home Depot were a different color and all plastic, but more importantly they dribble, squirt, and randomly spray poor patterns.

[@gilbertgrejp]

Keeping them long enough in germination (about 10 days) is whats keeps the hulls off the plants.

[@dannitulescu3098]

Hey how do you water and how often the cilantro? Thnks

[@TPSDmike]

We bottom water. One tray with holes (soil) and another with no holes (water). Check daily.

[@lfc214]

good tips...can you guide us stepbystep how to germinate/sprout to root using paper towel method (without soil). I’ve failed three times, only mould and nothing else. too curious to know if coriander/silantro can ever germinate the paper towel method. thanks

[@tanyafeely177]

Thanks so much for this, spot on!!! By the way where did you get those trays with the little round holes in them? I’m using your method with my cilantro and it’s working well!

[@pricellasamson]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqLZi2iZjryYitE

[@miltonosteen3052]

Thanks for the video good advice my first two crops of cilantro didn’t go so well I’m going to try your way what should I charge per ounce for my cilantro

[@TPSDmike]

Thanks Milton. Who are you selling your cilantro to? We currently sell a 2oz container of cilantro, to chefs, for $20.55

[@tanyafeely177]

Wondering if you water at all while the trays are stacked? Thanks for the info, super helpful

[@TPSDmike]

If you get the initial soil moisture/watering down right, then you don’t need to water while stacked. Takes a bit of trial and error.

[@kathleenchisholm4672]

nice work

[@TPSDmike]

Thank you.

[@rachelkingston7453]

I loved your video. Can u tell me, do you wash and sanitize your product before packaging? If so, what do you use?

[@TPSDmike]

We do not wash or sanitize the product. You can put on your label "wash before use" to help educate your customers.

[@jimmieteo8135]

What about having it planted solely on Coco peat mixed with compost and perlite? Appreciate your expertise advice.

[@BethClay-xy6ii]

❤

[@anjalinandedkar4936]

Lovely! Where do you get the seeds?

[@TPSDmike]

Thanks for reaching out. There are several good seed providers. We have experience with True Leaf Market and Johnny's for cilantro.

[@pingliu5463]

Runner Farmer same here

[@teddywonders5009]

how often do you water and how much water

[@pacifictrufflegrowers]

Do you spray the flats as they sit for germination at all? Do you spray while they are pushing up soil to get the seed pods off? I saw that in another video. I am waiting for our first order of cilantro seeds to arrive and we will try it - very excited for trying something new!

[@TPSDmike]

Once we stack them initially we dont touch them until unstacking. You must experiment and get your initial soil moisture right. Putting a layer of soil over the seed and then stacking with weight will get most of the seed hulls off as seen in the video. No need to waste time misting throughout that process.

[@pacifictrufflegrowers]

@@TPSDmike Thank you!

[@vivekaponten8680]

Thanks for the demonstration! Do you feed them anything else than pure water during the 2-3 weeks you have them there?

[@TPSDmike]

We just add plain water. With that said, our grow medium does have nutrients in it.

[@tarawilliams6375]

Man, I’ve had a lot of trouble with seeds sticking to all my micro greens. Can this technique be applied to others like Swiss chard, raddish, carrot, and celery etc?

[@karinleuchovius7083]

Is it right that the tray where you sawes the Koriander do not have any holes in the bottom? After 8 - 10 days you give them the second watering?

[@limodip6432]

Great video, thanks. I'm in the UK and need to grow as we call it Coriander, any suggestions please as we don't have the fancy set uo that you commercial growers have in the states. I do have a green house and outside growing space. Please help, Thanks Dip

[@user-ew3dh8fi4x]

Once the trays are out under the light , is there a on and off cycle for the lights ? How many hours on ? How many hours off ? Also what kelvin number or type of light do you use ?

[@vonkajay]

Few questions- what temperature was the room in? Assuming this was all indoors? What kind of light do you use? What region are you in? ( I am in Dallas with 109 temperatures)

[@TPSDmike]

The room temp is between 75-82degree f. All indoors. We are in Utah.

[@TPSDmike]

We’ve used everything from a typical “shop light” to expensive GE LED. They all work. Whatever you can easily get your hands on is the best.

[@jamcarlo4781]

Greetings. How do you avoid some soil grains in the final product? Have you noticed any difference in taste between using soil and using some inert substrate?

[@garciagiant4576]

Excellent stuff. Do you water on the days of germination while they’re stacked?

[@TPSDmike]

Garcia, we dont water the flats once they are stacked. The water we sprayed as we were seeding is sufficient enough to cause the seeds to germinate while stacked. A little practice makes perfect!

[@garciagiant4576]

RunnerFarmer Braman appreciate the insight!

[@roccorennie7143]

RunnerFarmer Braman so for seven days you didn’t water them while be stacked?

[@TPSDmike]

@@roccorennie7143 that is correct.

[@kingofkleen1]

So, using the whole seeds means no hulls? I could not get germination from whole seeds so I bought split seeds. good germination but now nearly all of the greens have hulls stuck to them. I tried brushing them by hand and then picking them off. Picking just uproots them so I still don't know how I'm going to remove them, but thanks.

[@TPSDmike]

Whole seed doesn’t mean less hulls. It’s just what we had in hand. It’s a struggle either way.

[@adamalexander36]

Any advice on cilantro flavor? Mine tastes great but finishes a little bitter. Can I do anything about that? Thank you 🙏

[@joselveraserrano9006]

Do you water the soil before add the seeds?, Thanks

[@TPSDmike]

The soil does have a bit of moisture in it to start. Some bags come wetter than others so you will need to gauge how much water to either start with before seeding and how much water to apply after seeding. Hope that helps.

[@JohnSmith-ve3ro]

great video! do you transfer them elsewhere once they have grown or do you leave them in the tray/

[@TPSDmike]

After they germinate they get unstacked and put under lights. When they are ready to be harvested we cut them and put them into containers for our chefs.

[@JohnSmith-ve3ro]

@@TPSDmike thank you for the response

[@marcoss9634]

Thanks for sharing. Just getting into this. Did you water while the seeds were germinating ? Thanks in advance.

[@TPSDmike]

No watering while stacking. It may take a few trials to get the right moisture level but you'll get it

[@marcoss9634]

Runner Farmer Thank you!

[@grandmagreens3821]

Do you use clamshells with holes or without holes? How do you keep your crops fresh looking after harvest?

[@TPSDmike]

Our hinged deli containers do indeed have very small pinholes. It helps maybe a little bit bit not much. We pay close attention to when we last watered as well as keeping the temperature fluctuation to a minimum.

[@brianandlynphilippines]

@@TPSDmike this is where I would hope for continuation of details, that you continue thru harvest and into the containers. I am curious to see your harvest method, if you wash them, etc.

[@mikebradley9363]

Are you bottom watering. Are you using trays with holes?

[@TPSDmike]

We bottom water in our current system but We have also watered from above and had no issues.

[@deborahmartin4838]

Could you please tell me how many hours they are soaked?

[@TPSDmike]

It can inadvertently vary. Typically I soak them overnight.

[@narayanneralla5046]

Do you need to split the seeds before planting? Also what lights you are using? Can you grow hydroponically?

[@TPSDmike]

We do not split the seed before planting. That would take far too much time. We use several different lights for our different needs. Some T5 fluorescent some red and blue LED. A simple shop light from home depot will work however.

[@narayanneralla5046]

RunnerFarmer Braman thanks. Very good presentation.

[@kylaalpin4074]

Is it the same taste of adult cilantro?

[@TPSDmike]

Mostly. Slight differences depending on who you ask.

[@Vitor108]

how many grams/OZ do you harvest from a tray like that?

[@TPSDmike]

About 5oz

[@nishalam45]

Any special type of seeds & soil

[@TPSDmike]

Nothing special. I’ve had success with split and whole seed. Bagged potting soil works well too.

[@sumbulbeg]

What if you don’t put that slab on the top?

[@TPSDmike]

Uneven germination throughout the stack of trays. The trays closer to the top will dry out. Mainly the top tray

[@MissLeGoddess]

Great video, very informative. Where should I get my seeds from?

[@TPSDmike]

We currently get ours from a variety of sources. True leaf Market, Johnny's and Kitazawa are our current suppliers. Trial and error is best. Not all seeds/suppliers are equal.

[@dwaynetempest3433]

@@TPSDmike thankyou for putting out your experience ! I have been binge watching micro green growing and seems like a pleasant way to make extra income ! What soil do you feel is best ,and have you any input on the coconut flour ? Or the hemp mats ,or anything else ? What is your rack systems and which lights do you feel would be best ?I'm really trying to get all info I can and make a conscious decision to start a new venture from home with my family ,I'm 60 and growing food in this day and age seems a very good thing ! You have great work ethics and appreciate your sharing !DDT

[@dwaynetempest3433]

Coconut coir ! Lol

[@TPSDmike]

@@dwaynetempest3433 sorry for not responding. Decided a couple years ago to focus on being a grower and not an online educator. Did you end up pursuing growing food?

[@sandystory8530]

some of my leaves are turning brown before getting the true leaf? we use natural light...

[@TPSDmike]

We experienced some browning/dying leaves when our grow room got too hot. Perhaps a nutrient deficiency as well?

[@kaym2332]

Hi! During the 7 days they are stacked, do you ever shuffle the trays or is that not a problem? Also, do you go straight from stack to light or is there some form of blackout phase between? Thanks for the video!

[@TPSDmike]

Don't bother with shuffling. No time for that :) For cilantro we go straight under lights once we unstack.

[@ashtanga2000]

The instructions at Trueleafmarket say 1 cup of seeds that have been rolled to crack and release. What are your thoughts on that?

[@TPSDmike]

Thanks for your question. We have never rolled our seed. Skipping this step hasnt seemed to affect our growth quality. I can see the merit behind it though.

[@yosoyelcorrido]

Any suggestions on bulk seed suppliers? Tahnks

[@TPSDmike]

I get most of my seed from True Leaf market. Other suppliers I use for more specialty crops include Johnny's and Kitazawa.

[@LofiLifeOn]

How many days aprox take to grow cilantro from the beginning to the end?

[@rachelkingston7453]

I saw a small machine in the background of your video. Was that a dehumidifier?

[@TPSDmike]

It is a space heater.

[@lion9419]

How water them after unstaking pls share

[@TPSDmike]

We bottom water. The cilantro is grown in trays that have holes. That tray is placed in a tray with no holes allowing water to sit and absorb into the growing tray. Thanks for your question.

[@26RTI]

Where did you get the flat that you used to press the soil mix with?

[@dianeosbon6360]

How often do you water the cilantro?

[@TPSDmike]

Once it goes under lights we typically water it once a day. Sometimes every other day based on variables.

[@lifeisgoodontheslope]

Where do you get your flats at?

[@theabriouxs]

Hi Runner Farmer. I was wondering if you can share your approx. weight of harvest per tray? Great video, thank you

[@TPSDmike]

Thanks for the comment Paul-Marc. Right now we are at about 2oz per flat

[@theabriouxs]

@@TPSDmike Thanks for the reply. That's about what I've got on my first few tries so it's good to know.

[@Litwin1980]

@@TPSDmike 2 oz is 57 grams per tray. Are you sure about that? Look little small to me.

[@rachelkingston7453]

I think he meant 2lb per tray

[@tfor2617]

Rachel Kingston 2lb is approx 900g, sounds huge for a cilantro tray, 200-300g would be a good mean

[@RajiTripathi]

Splitting doubles the harvest because each round "fruit" has two seeds. If you split do so carefully. No need to soak overnight. Soaking for a couple of hours is enough.

[@TPSDmike]

Splitting does not double the harvest. Mono germ seed still grows two plants. No need to soak at all.

[@mohamedhussein2665]

Waaw it so fany plant cilantro

[@FlyingPigNJ]

A bit confused about the middle part......sowing to uncovering in 3 days, then additional 5 (8 days to germinate - 3 days to uncover) days without light. Did I get this right?

[@FlyingPigNJ]

nm, watched it a few times, I'm a bit slow;) It's 10 days to uncover. I assume they go under the light right away.

[@TPSDmike]

@@FlyingPigNJ 7-10 days to uncover (based on room temp, soil moisture, soaked vs not soaked). Then yes, straight under lights.