Cilantro

Question

I planted some cilantro seeds in biodegradible starter pots that can be placed directly in the ground when the plant is ready. The cilantro has grown very well and is several inches tall now. However, I put way too many seeds in each tiny container, so there are about 15 baby plants in each container. Obviously, the immediate problem is that they are crowded. It wasn’t until after they started growing that I read they should be spaced out more. However, I know cilantro does not tolerate stress/change very well and I am leery of trying to separate the plants. PLUS, the roots have begun to show through the bottom of the fiber pots.

I don’t know what to do, whether to leave them alone, crowded and all, and just put the pots in the dirt, or to try to separate them, pulling them out of what I’m sure is a tangled mess, as well as possibly having to break the roots already entwined in the pots. Either way, I know I might lose the plants. I just need to know what might be least harmful.

Answer 1

I personally would leave them together, or at the very most cut the pots in half. The way that cilantro grows and how it is harvested, not too much harm will come from them growing crowded. As long as they get enough water, you should still be fine.