Cilantro
Cilantro brings bright, citrusy punch to everything from salsas to curries, and it grows fast enough to reward even the most impatient gardener.
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The Herb That Does Double Duty
Cilantro is one of the oldest cultivated herbs on record, with seeds found in ancient Egyptian tombs and references in Sanskrit texts dating back over 7,000 years. The same plant gives you two distinct ingredients: the fresh leaves called cilantro and the dried seeds known as coriander, each with its own unique flavor profile.
Beloved across Mexican, Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, cilantro is also one of the most polarizing herbs in the kitchen - a genetic trait makes it taste like soap to a notable portion of the population. For those who love it, though, no substitute will quite do.
Planting & care
Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or fall, as cilantro dislikes transplanting. Press seeds into loose, well-draining soil about a quarter inch deep and 6 inches apart. A light application of balanced fertilizer at planting is usually all it needs for the season. In warm climates, succession-sow every 2-3 weeks to extend your harvest before summer heat triggers bolting.
Once established, keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Mulching around plants helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool. Pinch off flower buds as they appear to prolong leaf production. If you want coriander seeds, let a few plants bolt and go to flower, then collect the dried seed heads in a paper bag before they scatter.
Beat the Bolt
Cilantro's biggest challenge is its eagerness to bolt in warm weather. Choose slow-bolt varieties like 'Leisure' or 'Calypso' for a longer harvest window, and plant in a spot that gets afternoon shade during summer. Keeping roots cool with mulch and harvesting frequently - never taking more than one-third of the plant at once - will buy you extra weeks of fresh leaves before the plant goes to seed.
How much sun does Cilantro need?
Cilantro grows best in full sun to partial shade.
How often should you water Cilantro?
Give it about 1 in per week.
When is Cilantro ready to harvest?
Cilantro is usually ready in 45-70 days to first leaf harvest; seeds (coriander) in 90-105 days.