How to Take Care of Coriander Plants
Coriander, or cilantro, is an annual plant whose leaves and seeds are used in many parts of the world. Coriander seeds are often used in Asian cooking, and the leaves are widely used in Latin American cuisine. Plant care differs depending on whether it is being grown for leaves or for seeds. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Caring for Coriander
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Plant coriander seeds in a sunny spot, with some shade for the hottest afternoon sun if the plants will be harvested for their leaves, as intense heat can cause the plants to flower and go to seed more quickly. They grow best from seeds directly in the soil, as transplanting them can also cause them to flower quickly.
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If the coriander leaves are to be harvested, the plants should be at least four-to-six-inches tall. The plants will be ready for leaf-harvesting anywhere from three weeks to three months, and can be planted throughout the growing season. They are even good autumn plants, as the leaves flourish lushly in cooler weather, and can even survive temperatures as cold as 10 degrees Fahrenheit (see Reference 1). The largest leaves should be cut first, with scissors, to encourage growth in the smaller leaves for later harvesting.
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If the seeds of the plant are desired, it could take up to six months to harvest them. Wait until the flowers have wilted and dried, then cut the stems with scissors. Place them head-side down into a paper bag, and close the paper bag around the stems and tie with string. Hang upside down for three weeks, and then the seeds can be harvested by simply shaking the paper bag. Once the seeds are harvested, they can be used for cooking or kept in a dry place to plant for the next season (see Reference 2).
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Tips & Warnings
Some Asian cuisine will even use the roots of the coriander.
