Description

Cilantro is one of the most widely used flavouring herbs throughout the world and shares a resemblance with parsley.  When cilantro goes to seed it becomes coriander, a completely different herb. This is pretty unique in the veggie growing world! Pests and diseases don’t appear to bother cilantro, in fact cilantro can deter many pests for other veggies. 

How Do I Grow Cilantro?

Start your cilantro plant in the container it will grow in and if you buy a nursery plant, purchase ones without any buds or flowers.

We recommend direct sowing your cilantro, they can be fussy to transplant due to their taproot. You can direct seed cilantro about 1/2" deep at a spacing of 9 per square-foot, after danger for frost has passed. Germination will take about two weeks. Try succession planting your cilantro every 2-3 weeks for a continuous supply of cilantro all season long!

Companion Plants

Basil, mint, yarrow, tansy, asparagus

Nutrition

¼ cup: Vitamin K (16%), Vitamin A (5%)

Harvesting

Cilantro leaves can be picked anytime once the plant is 6-8 inches tall. The leaves are best used when they are fresh. You can either pick the outer leaves as needed, or use the "cut and come again" method. If  you are using the cut and come again method, cut the entire plant down to 1-2" or slightly above the tiny middle shoots, leaving the root system intact.  The plant will continue to grow more leaves throughout the season. 

If you would like to harvest the seeds,  wait until the heads have turned brown.  Spread the seeds on a baking sheet and put them in the oven at 200 F (93 C) until dry.  You can also put your seeds in a paper bag and keep them in a warm space.

Preparing and using

Cilantro is a vital ingredient to many dishes, especially in Mexican food! You can add your cilantro to salad, fish or beans.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

If it bolts, try just leaving it in the ground and harvest the seeds as coriander. Or save them for next season's planting of cilantro. If you let Cilantro flower, it can attract many beneficial insects that help naturally keep the presence of pests to a minimum! Cilantro is a companion plant to just about every other veggie in the garden!