Herb
Can you grow Cilantro on a balcony?
Coriandrum sativum
Yes — great in containers
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) grows well on a balcony in a suitable container. It needs partial shade — around 4+ hours of direct sun a day. Harvest leaves from midsummer once plants are 15-20cm (6-8in) tall; cut 4-5cm above the crown.. All figures below are sourced from RHS and the Old Farmer's Almanac.
Sun
⛅ Partial shade (4+ h)
Water
Medium
Difficulty
Easy
Hardiness
Annual
Container fit
Excellent
Sow
Sow direct into pots/containers of multi-purpose compost; scatter thinly, thin to 10cm apart. Sow small batches every 3-4 weeks from spring for a continuous leaf harvest.
Harvest
Harvest leaves from midsummer once plants are 15-20cm (6-8in) tall; cut 4-5cm above the crown.
Good companions: Peppers, alliums, oregano, basil
Balcony tip: Grows well in a container as it likes free-draining conditions; in summer place it in a cooler spot shaded from midday sun so it bolts less quickly, and avoid overwatering.
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What size pot does Cilantro need?
Container size for Cilantro isn't specified by our sources for a single value — as a rule, give roots room and don't let a small pot dry out. Check the linked RHS/Almanac page.
How much sun does Cilantro need on a balcony?
Cilantro wants partial shade — about 4+ hours of direct sun daily. Match it to your balcony's aspect before buying seed.
When do you sow Cilantro?
Sow direct into pots/containers of multi-purpose compost; scatter thinly, thin to 10cm apart. Sow small batches every 3-4 weeks from spring for a continuous leaf harvest.. Timing shifts with your climate/USDA zone — the linked sources give the detail.
Sources & date
- RHS: Cilantro
- Old Farmer's Almanac: Cilantro
- Data as of: 2026-07-10
- Container sizes and timings are guidance — adjust to your climate/USDA zone and balcony aspect.