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Grow cilantro

Filed under: — admin @ 9:16 am


Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) has glossy parsley-like foliage that at times makes it hard to tell the difference between parsley and cilantro at the produce market. All you need to do is smell the light pungent aroma, and you’ll know the difference.

Grow cilantro in light well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Sow the seeds outdoors in late spring after the last frost date. Plant in rows in the garden or a container, cover with 1/2″ of soil and keep moist for good germination. Avoid heavy nitrogen feedings for best flavor. In the garden, thin seedlings 4″ apart. For continued supply, repeat sowing every two weeks until the hot weather arrives. Cilantro will start to mature quickly (bolt) and go to seed in the hot temperatures of summer. It may self seed or you can re-sow seeds in late summer for an additional fall harvest. Cilantro will tolerate a light frost.

Harvest the parsley-like foliage regularly to keep the plant producing more leaves. Cut the plant 2″ above the soil line. When the plant starts to produce feathery, upper foliage, it is an indication that it’s going to flower and will produce a round ribbed beige seeds. The seeds can be harvested and stored in a dark, airtight container.

Cilantro leaves are used in Mexican, Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine. Fresh leaves do not dry or freeze well. Stems are usually discarded but can be used to flavor soups and beans. The seeds are used in baked goods, curry powder and liqueurs. The Egyptians thought it was an aphrodisiac and Greeks used it to flavor wine.


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2 Comments on Grow cilantro»

  1. I bought a potted cilantro plant at the grocery store 2 days ago. I kept the plant in the original container (with holes in the bottom) but put it in a larger pot with dirt around it. It is sitting in a semi-sunny west facing window (the only option), and I have not let the soil dry out. A few of the leaves are already turning yellow. What should I do?

    Hi Natasha
    If the lower leaves are turning yellow then your cilantro may need a bit of a balanced fertilizer. Be careful not to overwater it as that can also yellow the leaves. It may also be that the plant is older, stressed causing the leaves to turn yellow. Keep the plant in a shaded area for a few days so it can acclimate to the new environment.

    Comment by Natasha — 8/18/2008 @ 7:29 pm

  2. Thanks for the tip. My plant is adjusting nicely, but I this morning I found small black balls on a few of the leaves. What is it, and what should I do about it?

    Hi Natasha,
    Off hand, I couldn’t say what that could be. Sometimes when caterpillars feed on plants, they leaves black “balls” on the leaves. It could just be insect poop.

    Comment by Natasha — 8/26/2008 @ 5:13 am

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