How to grow Cilantro & Coriander?
- Latin Family: Apiaceae
- Latin Genus: Coriandrum
- Ease of Growing: Moderate
- Growing Type: Annual
Similar in appearance to parsley, cilantro is a staple in Mexican, Indian, and Asian cuisines. The plants produce lush leaf growth and the seeds of the plant can be harvested and are called coriander.
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Cilantro & Coriander History
Cilantro has a very long history of use in Greece and has been cultivated for use in perfume and as an herb for millenniums. Coriander was brought to the British colonies in North America and was one of the first spices cultivated by early settlers.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 6.0 - 7.5
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.5 - 6.8
Cilantro will grow best in well fertilized soil that drains well, as long as the soil does not get too warm, which will cause it to bolt.
How to care for Cilantro & Coriander?
Cilantro will do well in any garden soil that is fertile, well-drained and moisture retentive. It likes full sun.
Water
Cilantro needs to be watered regularly, but not to the point where the soil becomes soggy.
Fertilizer
Because cilantro grows so quickly it is best to include fertilizer when preparing the soil for planting. It is not necessary to fertilize the plant once it has begun growing.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 2 - 4 Years
Germination Percentage: 70.0
If left alone this insect-pollinated plant will eventually produce seed and may even self-sow. There aren't many varieties, so you probably don't have to worry too much about cross-pollination.
Gather the seed heads as the seeds start to turn brown and leave them to dry in a paper bag in a warm place.
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
Conditions:Cool
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
After you have finished drying the seeds, you can store them in your kitchen. Keep them with your other herbs and spices in a airtight jar.
Storage Req: Drying, Warm
Storage Temp: 55-75°F
Storage Length: 1-360 days
Chop leaves and place into ice cube trays. Then fill the tray with water and freeze. When ready to use, take the cube out of the tray and thaw in a plastic bag. It will be a little mushy if stored this way, but is good for adding to other dishes.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 1-90 days
Cilantro should be used as quickly as possible. Store in a plastic bag in the fridge, and sprinkle with water daily to keep tender leaves hydrated.
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-5 days
Problems
Bolting
Cilantro tends to [bolt] as soon as the weather warms up and the days get long enough. This is a problem if you are growing it for the edible leaves, but not if you are growing it for its' edible seed.
Cilantro & Coriander Types
- Cilantro
This annual provides two distinct foods. The leaves have a distinctive aromatic flavor you either love or hate. The large ripe seeds are known as coriander and have an aromatic orange-like flavor and smell. They are particularly popular in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian foods.
Pests
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Slugs and snails
- Deer
Diseases
- Damping Off
- Powdery Mildew
Related Plants
Greens, Juicing
Sprouts
Seacale
Kohlrabi
Collards
Anise
Caraway
Cumin
Cauliflower
Culantro