The best cilantro seeds for a home garden are a slow-bolt variety bought in a quantity that lets you sow every two to three weeks. Cilantro is a cool-season annual that races to flower once days lengthen and temperatures climb past the 70s and 80s, so no seed will stop bolting forever. What a slow-bolt strain such as Santo or Calypso does is buy you extra cutting time per sowing, and a large enough packet lets you keep fresh plants coming instead of watching one patch go to seed. Below are seven Amazon listings that fit those needs, from a basic packet to a one-pound bag.
In this guide
- 1. Sow Right Seeds Cilantro — Best Overall for Small Gardens
- 2. HOME GROWN Calypso and Santo Cilantro Seeds — Best Slow-Bolt Variety Pack
- 3. KVITER Santo Cilantro 550 Seeds — Best Single Named Variety
- 4. KVITER Slow Bolt Cilantro 1,000 Seeds — Best for Succession Sowing
- 5. Sow Right Seeds Bulk Cilantro 2,000 — Best Bulk Pack
- 6. Todd’s Seeds Split Cilantro Seeds, 1 lb — Best for Microgreens
- 7. RDR Seeds Cilantro 500+ — Best USA-Grown Seed
- What to Look for in Cilantro Seeds
- Frequently Asked Questions
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How we compared: we compared 7 current Amazon cilantro seed listings on what each listing states (variety, seed count, sowing depth, spacing and days to harvest); we did not test or grow these specific products, and availability changes.
| Product | Best for | Key features | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Right Seeds Cilantro | Best overall for small gardens |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| HOME GROWN Calypso and Santo | Best slow-bolt variety pack |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| KVITER Santo Cilantro 550 | Best single named variety |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| KVITER Slow Bolt Cilantro 1,000 | Best for succession sowing |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Sow Right Seeds Bulk 2,000 | Best bulk pack |
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| Todd's Seeds Split Cilantro 1 lb | Best for microgreens |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| RDR Seeds Cilantro 500+ | Best USA-grown seed |
| Buy now →Check current price |
Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Sow Right Seeds Cilantro — Best Overall for Small Gardens
Slow-bolt heirloom cilantro packet with about 150 seeds and clear sowing details for zones 2 to 11.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Listed as a slow bolt variety
- Complete sowing data printed in the listing
- Right quantity for a few successive sowings
- Seller offers a germination make-good
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Seed count | Minimum 2 g, about 150 seeds |
| Germination | 7 to 10 days at 55 to 68°F soil |
| Depth and spacing | 1/2 inch deep, 8 inches apart |
| Days to maturity | 55 to 75 days |
| Plant size | 1 to 2 ft tall, 1 ft spread |
| Zones | USDA 2 to 11 |
Sow Right Seeds Cilantro — compressed specs
Sow Right’s listing is the most complete of the group on growing details: germination temperature, depth, spacing, plant size and maturity range are all stated. About 150 seeds is plenty for a typical home cook sowing a short row or a few containers every few weeks through spring and again in fall. It is labeled as a slow bolt variety and as suitable for hydroponic gardens as well as soil.
If you want to harvest cilantro continuously through a long cool season, or you sow thickly for cut-and-come-again bunches, you will use a packet quickly. In that case step up to the bulk version from the same company, pick 5 below.
Pros
- Detailed growing information
- Slow bolt variety
- Germination guarantee from seller
- Works indoors, outdoors and hydroponically
Cons
- Smallest seed count on this list
- Variety name not specified
- Not enough for thick microgreen trays
Check Sow Right Seeds Cilantro price on Amazon
2. HOME GROWN Calypso and Santo Cilantro Seeds — Best Slow-Bolt Variety Pack
Two named slow-bolt cilantro varieties, 250 seeds each, packed in resealable waterproof mylar bags.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Two named varieties to compare side by side
- Calypso and Santo are both bred for leaf production
- Resealable mylar bags for seed storage
- Includes a printed growing guide
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Varieties | Calypso and Santo |
| Seed count | 500 total, 250 of each |
| Packaging | Waterproof resealable mylar bag |
| Uses listed | Pots, beds, microgreen trays, hydroponics |
| Days to maturity | not stated in listing |
HOME GROWN Calypso and Santo — compressed specs
This is the only listing on the shelf that names two different slow-bolt varieties in one purchase. Santo is a long-standing standard for leaf production. Calypso is generally described by seed sellers as a compact, very slow-bolting type that re-grows well after cutting. Growing both side by side in the same bed is the easiest way to see which holds up longer in your climate.
The listing is lighter on sowing specifics than Sow Right’s, so use the standard approach: sow about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in cool soil and keep evenly moist until sprouts appear.
Pros
- Two named slow-bolt varieties
- Good storage packaging
- Generous quantity per variety
Cons
- Days to harvest not stated
- Listing mentions culantro in one bullet, which is a different plant
- More seed than a balcony grower needs
Check HOME GROWN Calypso and Santo price on Amazon
3. KVITER Santo Cilantro 550 Seeds — Best Single Named Variety
550 Santo cilantro seeds with stated germination, spacing and harvest timing; slow-bolt with citrus notes.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Named Santo variety, listed as slow bolt
- Germination stated at 5 to 10 days
- Clear harvest guidance at 6 to 8 inches
- Open-pollinated, so you can save seed
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Variety | Santo |
| Seed count | 550 |
| Depth and spacing | 0.25 to 0.5 inch deep, 8 to 10 inches apart |
| Germination | 5 to 10 days |
| Maturity | About 55 to 60 days |
| Plant size | 12 to 24 inches |
KVITER Santo Cilantro — compressed specs
If you want one known slow-bolt variety and a solid quantity for a full season of succession sowing, this is the cleanest choice. The listing states the variety, spacing, germination window and a practical harvest cue: start cutting outer stems once plants reach 6 to 8 inches so the center keeps producing.
Its listed ideal range of 65 to 75°F is a reminder that even Santo slows down and bolts once summer heat arrives, so plan spring and fall sowings.
Pros
- Named, slow-bolt variety
- Thorough sowing details
- Seed-saving friendly
- Good mid-size quantity
Cons
- Row spacing advice is farm-scale
- Packaging type not described
- Newer brand with less listing history
Check KVITER Santo Cilantro 550 price on Amazon
4. KVITER Slow Bolt Cilantro 1,000 Seeds — Best for Succession Sowing
1,000 slow-bolt heirloom cilantro seeds, sown 1/4 inch deep and 4 to 6 inches apart; leaves in 50 to 60 days.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Enough seed for many sowings
- Closer spacing suits cut-and-come-again beds
- Labeled for zones 3 to 11
- Grows in sun or part shade, per listing
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Seed count | 1,000 |
| Depth and spacing | 1/4 inch deep, 4 to 6 inches apart |
| Leaf harvest | 50 to 60 days |
| Seed (coriander) harvest | 70+ days |
| Plant size | 1 to 3 ft |
| Zones | USDA 3 to 11 |
KVITER Slow Bolt Cilantro 1,000 — compressed specs
Succession sowing is the real secret to steady cilantro, and it consumes seed. With 1,000 seeds you can sow a short row every two weeks from early spring into late spring and again from late summer into fall without rationing. The listing’s tighter 4 to 6-inch spacing suits a dense bed you harvest by cutting rather than a few large plants.
Compared with the Santo pack from the same brand, this listing does not name the variety, so you know only that it is sold as slow bolt.
Pros
- Large count for steady sowing
- Leaf and seed harvest timing given
- Flexible on light
Cons
- Variety not named
- Packaging not described
- More seed than a container gardener will use in one season
Check KVITER Slow Bolt Cilantro 1,000 price on Amazon
5. Sow Right Seeds Bulk Cilantro 2,000 — Best Bulk Pack
Jumbo 1 oz pack of about 2,000 slow-bolt cilantro seeds, with the same sowing guidance as the standard packet.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- About 2,000 seeds in a 1 oz pack
- Same slow-bolt seed as our top pick
- Enough for large beds or shared gardens
- Detailed sowing data included
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Seed count | Minimum 1 oz, about 2,000 seeds |
| Germination | 7 to 10 days at 55 to 68°F soil |
| Depth and spacing | 1/2 inch deep, 8 inches apart |
| Days to maturity | 55 to 75 days |
| Zones | USDA 2 to 11 |
Sow Right Seeds Bulk Cilantro — compressed specs
This is the jumbo version of pick 1, with the same growing details. It suits gardeners who plant cilantro in wide beds, sow thickly for bunching, share seed with a community garden or let some plants go to coriander and still want a reserve. The listing even mentions growing enough for a market plot.
Pros
- Fewer reorders through a long season
- Consistent with the standard packet
- Germination make-good from seller
Cons
- Overkill for a few pots
- Seed viability declines after a couple of years
- Variety not named
Check Sow Right Seeds Bulk 2,000 price on Amazon
6. Todd’s Seeds Split Cilantro Seeds, 1 lb — Best for Microgreens
One pound of split, untreated coriander seed, listed as slow-bolting and suited to microgreen trays and containers.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Split seed absorbs water faster
- One pound covers many microgreen trays
- Chemically untreated, non-GMO
- Includes soaking and blackout instructions
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 1 lb |
| Seed type | Split coriander seed |
| Treatment | Untreated |
| Uses listed | Microgreens, containers, gardens |
| Bolting | Listed as slow-bolting |
Todd’s Seeds Split Cilantro — compressed specs
Each round “seed” of cilantro is actually a husk holding two seeds. Splitting it lets water reach the embryos faster, which is why the listing promises quicker, more uniform germination. That matters most for microgreens, where you sow densely and want an even stand. One pound is far more than a garden needs but sensible for regular microgreen trays.
For ordinary garden sowing, whole seed works fine if you soak it for a few hours to overnight before planting.
Pros
- Faster, more even germination claimed
- Very large quantity
- Untreated seed
- Grow guide included
Cons
- Far too much for most home gardens
- Split seed may store less well
- Variety not named
Check Todd's Seeds Split Cilantro 1 lb price on Amazon
7. RDR Seeds Cilantro 500+ — Best USA-Grown Seed
500+ heirloom cilantro seeds listed as grown in the USA, in waterproof packaging, for pots, beds and raised beds.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Seed listed as grown in the USA
- Waterproof protective packaging
- Wide listed temperature range
- Good mid-size quantity
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Seed count | 500+ |
| Origin | USA grown |
| Temperature range | 45 to 85°F, per listing |
| Packaging | Waterproof protective pack |
| Slow bolt | not stated in listing |
RDR Seeds Cilantro — compressed specs
RDR is the only listing here that states the seed is grown in the USA, which some gardeners prefer. Its packaging is designed to keep seed dry, helpful if you store extras for fall or next spring. Unlike most of the shelf, the listing does not claim a slow-bolt variety, so it is better for cool-season sowing than for pushing into early summer.
Pros
- USA-grown seed
- Moisture-protective packaging
- Plenty for a season of sowing
Cons
- Not listed as slow bolt
- Variety and maturity not stated
- Fewer growing details than top picks
Check RDR Seeds Cilantro 500+ price on Amazon
What to Look for in Cilantro Seeds
Slow-Bolt Varieties
Bolting is triggered mainly by long days and heat, plus stress such as drought or root disturbance. Slow-bolt varieties delay it, often by a week or more compared with generic coriander seed, which can be the difference between a few cuttings and several. Santo, Calypso, Leisure and Cruiser are commonly sold as slow-bolting leaf types. Generic “coriander” seed from the spice aisle will sprout but tends to flower quickly. For more on why plants bolt and how to delay it, see why is my cilantro bolting.
Seed Quantity
- Containers or a windowsill: 150 to 500 seeds is plenty for a year.
- A dedicated herb bed with succession sowing: 500 to 1,000 seeds.
- Large beds, shared gardens or microgreens: 2,000 seeds to a pound.
Cilantro seed typically stays viable for a few years if stored cool and dry, but germination drops with age, so do not buy far more than you will sow in two seasons.
Whole vs Split Seed
Whole seed is fine for garden beds; soak it or gently crush the husk to speed germination. Split seed is worth it for microgreens, where even, quick sprouting matters most.
Timing Your Sowing
Sow directly where plants will grow, since cilantro dislikes transplanting. In zones 3 to 7, sow from early spring as soon as soil can be worked through late spring, then again from late summer into early fall. In zones 8 to 11, fall through early spring is prime season and summer sowings usually bolt fast. Sow every two to three weeks, keep soil evenly moist and give afternoon shade as temperatures rise. Our full guide on how to grow cilantro covers soil, watering and harvest, and the vegetable gardening hub has more herb and kitchen garden guides. If you want a heat-loving substitute for summer, read about cilantro vs culantro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best slow-bolt cilantro variety?
Santo and Calypso are two of the most widely sold slow-bolt leaf varieties. Calypso is often described as slower to bolt and more compact, while Santo is a reliable standard. Growing both side by side shows which suits your climate best.
Can I plant coriander seeds from the grocery store?
Often yes, if they have not been heat-treated, but germination is unreliable and the plants are usually grown for seed rather than leaves, so they bolt quickly. Garden seed of a leaf variety gives better results.
Should I soak cilantro seeds before planting?
Soaking whole seeds for a few hours to overnight, or gently cracking the husk, can speed germination. Split seed is already opened and germinates faster without much soaking.
How many cilantro seeds should I plant at a time?
For a household, a short row or a 12-inch pot sown with a few dozen seeds every two to three weeks gives a steady supply. Thin to the spacing on the packet for larger plants, or leave denser for cut-and-come-again harvests.
How long do cilantro seeds last?
Stored in a cool, dry, dark place in a sealed container, cilantro seed typically remains viable for a few years, with germination rates declining over time.