Fresh cilantro significantly enhances the taste and aroma of dishes, whether it's in chutney, dal, or a hot vegetable stew. However, a problem arises when cilantro supplies run out, forcing you to repeatedly ask the vegetable vendor for a small amount of greens. Furthermore, cilantro bought in the store quickly wilts and spoils.
If you are tired of constantly asking the vendor for free cilantro, consider growing it at home. This does not require buying seeds or bringing a seedling from a nursery. A new sprout can be prepared directly from a fresh cilantro stem used in the kitchen. This method applies both for growing in a glass of water and in a small pot.
To grow cilantro from a stem, you should choose a bunch that looks fresh and green. After using the cilantro, do not throw away the lower part of the stem. Try to keep a small section of the root at the base of the stem, as this is where there is a higher chance of regrowth. Planting overly dry, rotten, or weak stems can make plant emergence difficult, so the initial selection of a fresh stem is the most important step.
Even if you don't have a pot or soil, you can manage this task. Take a clean glass or a small jar and fill it with water. Then, place only the lower part of the cilantro stem in the water; there is no need to submerge the entire stem. Cilantro plants love sunlight, so place the glass in a spot that receives good light, such as near a window. After some time, new roots and small green leaves may appear on the stem.
What not to do when growing in water
After the cilantro stem is placed in water, some care is necessary. Regularly change the water so that it does not become contaminated and the stem does not start to rot. Ensure the plant has good light, but avoid constant exposure to strong, scorching sun. As new leaves appear, they can be trimmed and used in cooking as needed.
If you want the cilantro plant to grow for a long time, it is better to plant the root section in soil instead of keeping it in water. For this, choose light and loose soil. It is important to ensure that the soil is always well-draining. Place the root section of the stem in the soil and keep the soil slightly moist, making sure that water does not accumulate in the pot. After this, place the pot in a location where the plant has good light. With proper care, new green leaves can grow from the stem.
One cannot assume that simply placing any cilantro stem in water guarantees a new plant every time. If you want the cilantro to grow well, choose stems that have a root section. When the plant starts showing good growth, transplanting it into soil will be the preferred option.
Thus, instead of throwing away cilantro stems used in the kitchen, you can try to grow your own herbs. This means that next time your supply of cilantro runs out, instead of calling the vegetable vendor, your small green sprout planted on the balcony or windowsill can help you.