Cilantro is a fast growing, aromatic herb commonly used to flavor asian and mexican dishes. It is easy to grow and does well in cool spring and fall weather. The leaves of the plant are the cilantro and the seeds are also edible, known as coriander, and used in making curry dishes.
How to Grow Cilantro:
Outdoors
- Space cilantro 1 to 2 inches apart in light, well-drained soil. Sow the seeds at 3-week intervals for continued harvest.
- Space rows about 12 inches apart.
- Thin seedlings to 6″ apart to give plants plenty of room to grow.
- If the weather starts to become too hot your cilantro plants may begin to bolt, or go to seed.
Harvest
- Pick from plant and use before it gets too tall and starts going to seed.
- Freeze or dry cilantro leaves to store for a longer period. To freeze, put the leaves in a resealable freezer bag and store them in your freezer.
- To dry them, hang the plant in a warm place until fully dried, then store the leaves in a resealable bag or container.
- To harvest seeds, cut entire plant down and put into paper bag. Allow seeds to collect in the bag for next year. You can also let the plant self-seed where it is and just cut down the stalk once it’s finished.
Growing Tips
- Water 1″ per week.
- Cilantro has a quick lifestyle, especially in the heat of the summer when it is quicker to go to seed. Staggered plantings are a great way to be sure you don’t lose all your cilantro to the heat.
Pests to Watch For:
- Aphids
- Mildew
- Fungal Wilt
- Leaf Hoppers
