This annual herb is grown for its aromatic foliage and dried seeds called coriander.
This annual herb holds its own in beds or pots.
Most gardeners grow cilantro for the foliage, which boasts a citrusy bite that enlivensMexicanand Thai cooking.
If you let the plant flower and then allow the to seeds dry, you get your own coriander.
Cilantro thrives in cool weather and grows best in spring and fall.
It is easy to grow but for a constant supply of the fresh herb, repeated plantings are needed.
It is also agreat companion plantfor lettuce, Swiss chard, and other vegetable crops.
In hot summer weather, it quickly sends up white flowers.
If you dont pull the plant or remove the seed heads, it might spread vigorously in your garden.
Cilantro that is grown for its foliage can be seeded densely without the need for thinning the plants.
Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge.
Germination may take anywhere from 10 to 20 days.
To ensure a constant supply offresh cilantro, sow seeds every two to three weeks.
If your winters are mild, you could continue planting seeds every few weeks in the fall.
Light
In the spring, plant cilantro infull sun.
For consecutive plantings in the summer, a location in partial shade is often better to prevent bolting.
Alternatively, protect the plant with a 30 to 50% shade cloth or select bolt-resistant varieties.
Watering regularly in the absence of rain also extends the leafy stage of the plant.
Extremeheat in the summer causes bolting.
Fertilizer
Cilantro requires good soil fertility; otherwise, the leaves may turn pale or yellow.
Planting cilantro in rich soil amended with organic matter usually provides sufficient nutrition, even for consecutive plantings.
Too much fertilizer may dilute the flavor of the leaves.
At the most, scatter aslow-release all-purpose organic vegetable garden fertilizeraround the plants as you start harvesting.
Pruning
Crowded plants and those growing in dry soil are more likely to send up flower stalks.
When they appear, the flavor is past its peak.
Harvest the leaves or pinch plants frequently to keep flowers at bay.
Water the potting mix so its damp but not soaking wet.
Keep the soil evenly moist.
Potted cilantro outdoors needs frequent watering, up to daily in hot summer weather.
Pests and Problems
Generally, cilantro is not affected by serious pests or diseases.
Aphids may appear, especially when cilantro is grown indoors.
Potential fungal diseases include powdery mildew,Fusariumwilt, andPythiumroot rot.
Bacterial leaf spot, which manifests itself as brown spots on the leaves, occurs especially in wet conditions.
How to Propagate Cilantro
Harvesting
Cut the stems before they begin to flower.
Always start on the outside of the plant.
Lower leaves offer the most pungent flavor.
Grasp a bunch of stems and cut them about a couple of inches above the soil line.
Hang seed stems upside down in paper bags to dry so the bags will catch the seeds.
Store seeds in airtight containers.
This variety has a delicate flavor.
It tolerates warm weather and is slow to bolt.
And, another plus, it is slow to bolt.
The long leaves are widely used in Central American, Caribbean, and South East Asian cuisines.
It grows best in partial shade.
The plant reaches up to 1 foot in height.
Frequently Asked Questions
If depends on how much you cut and how often.
The plant does not grow back repeatedly like other herbs.
Growing it indoors also has its advantages though.
And it gives you fresh cilantro year-round regardless of the season.
