How to grow Culantro?
- Latin Family: Apiaceae
- Latin Genus: Eryngium
- Ease of Growing: Temperamental
- Growing Type: Annual
Also called Recao, Eryngo, Ngo Gai, Vietnamese Coriander or Mexican Coriander, this plant is very popular in Vietnam and Thailand. It's famous for its cilantro-like taste but leaves are more aromatic, tougher and retain their flavor better when dried. This plant is a must for many South Asian dishes and grows very well in warm weather. The plant has pointy, semi-succulent leaves and grows to less than 2'.
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Culantro History
Culantro is native to the tropics of the American Continent. It has been widely used across Latin America and Asia but is rare to find in the US.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 6.0 - 8.0
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.5 - 7.5
Culantro can adapt to a variety of soils but will do best in a well draining sandy loam well amended with rich compost.
How to care for Culantro?
It requires heat, moisture, and humidity. Provide adequate shade for the plant as Culantro does not like direct sunlight.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist.
Fertilizer
Culantro does best in soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 3 months
Germination Percentage: 10.0
Light
Part shade
Culantro will grow greener leaves of higher quality in shady conditions and will bolt if it receives too much light, especially in warmer conditions.
Conditions:Cool, Warm, Hot
Season:
Storage
Blanching in hot water before drying helps to preserve the green color.
Storage Req: Dry
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
Culantro will last up to 2 weeks in a package if it is moist and has plenty of access to fresh air. Chilling injury can occur if placed in fridge. Store similar to basil.
Storage Req:
Storage Temp: 50-60°F
Storage Length: 1-14 days
The flavor can be saved by freezing the leaves.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
Problems
Needs Warm Weather
Culantro can't tolerate cool weather, but it loves heat and humidity. For some gardeners, that may mean using a greenhouse.
Culantro Types
- Culantro
Also called Recao, Eryngo, Ngo Gai or Mexican Coriander, this plant is very popular in Vietnam and Thailand. It is famous for its cilantro-like taste but the leaves are more aromatic, tougher and retain their flavor better when dried. This plant is a must for many South Asian dishes and grows very well in warm weather. The plant has pointy, semi-succulent leaves and grows to less than 2'.
Pests
- Nematodes
- Mealybug
- Slugs and snails
Diseases
- Bacterial Leaf Spot
- Black Rot
- Root Rot
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