Cilantro

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. Cilantro refers to the leaves; the seeds are called coriander. It should not be confused with Culantro which is a close relative to coriander but has a distinctly different appearance, a much more potent volatile leaf oil and a stronger smell.

Cilantro grows best in cool weather. Plant in early spring after last frost (autumn in the low desert). If practical, start from seed; cilantro has a taproot and transplants poorly Plant in succession every few weeks through summer. Once it goes to seed, the flavor changes. Cut off leaves as needed. Harvest the entire plant before it starts to flower. Annual. Grow two or three plants.

Growing Cilantro

Space seedlings or thin plants to 6" apart, in rows two feet apart. They will tolerate a little crowding, but prefer their space.

You can expedite the germination process by washing seeds in dish soap and then rinsing and partially drying them before sowing. Plant seeds ½ an inch deep and 1 inch apart outdoors after the last frost. Rows should be 15 inches apart. Harvest your seeds as they ripen or their weight will bend or break stalks. Cilantro does not transplant well. When plants are 1 to 2 inches tall, thin plants 8 inches apart. Cut leaves sparingly when 4 to 6 inches high.

Cilantro grows well in full to partial sun and a well drained soil. They will do well in almost any soil, and is tolerant dry soil conditions. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.

Harvest flower heads after seeds have formed and the flower head has died. Extract seeds and dry them in a cool, dry location.

If growing for seeds, replant every year for a continuous supply. Harvest the seeds in the second year, after the flower head has died. Cut the stems and tie together. Hang them in a cool, dry place to dry out. Make sure to place a container under them to capture falling seeds. When dry, place flower heads in a bag and shake to harvest seeds. Make sure seeds are completely dry before storing.