Herb Growing Tips for Coriander
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is also known as coriander or as Chinese parsley. It is an annual herb closely related to parsley that is widely used as a fresh herb in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Its seeds are also used as a spice in Indian curries. Cilantro can be grown in the garden or as an indoor, potted herb. It will survive temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Sowing Seed
-
Sow cilantro seeds in fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny or semi-shaded spot. During the hottest months, sow in the shade to encourage leaf growth rather than flowers and seeds. Plant the seeds ¼ inch deep, leaving an inch between seeds and 12 inches between rows. Plant fresh cilantro seeds every 10 days to ensure a constant supply of fresh leaves.
Growing
-
Thin out cilantro seedlings once they have several leaves, leaving 8 inches between plants. Water when the surface of their soil starts to dry out, aiming to evenly moisten the soil. Do not allow them to dry out, as they respond to stress by bolting to seed. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once the seedlings have several leaves.
-
Harvesting
-
Harvest cilantro leaves once they are at least 40 days old or 6 inches tall. Cut all the leaves off your plant about an inch above ground level. The plant will regrow its leaves, allowing a second harvest. Alternatively, harvest the whole plant by digging it up. This keeps the plant fresher and allows you to use the edible taproot. Harvest seeds about 120 days after planting once the plant has started to dry out and turn brown.
Potted Cilantro
-
Grow potted cilantro plants on a bright, sunny windowsill. Choose a container that is at least 6 inches deep, as cilantro plants have a long taproot and will bolt to seed if grown in a shallow pot. Fertilize potted plants with a liquid houseplant fertilizer every two weeks, and water as soon as the surface of the soils starts to dry out. Harvest leaves as you need them.
-
References
- University of Massachusetts Amherst: Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
- Iowa State University Extension; Cilantro; Eldon Everhart, Cindy Haynes & Richard Jauron; 2003
- Oregon State University Extension; Plant Cilantro in Summer; Carol Savonen
- Purdue University Extension; Growing Herbs; Kate Copsey & B. Rosie Lerner; 2002
- Manitoba Agriculture -- Food and Rural Initiatives; Coriander -- Production and Management
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
