The Beginner Herb Garden : How to Grow Cilantro

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), more commonly known as Cilantro, is a delicate aromatic herb that is frequently used in Mexican cuisine. Although much different in flavor, coriander has growth patterns and plant structure most similar to parsley. Cilantro is a dual purpose herb, with both its leaves and seeds having culinary purposes. Grown in the proper conditions, Cilantro is a no-brainer for the beginner herb garden!

What are the Benefits of Cilantro?

· Cilantro leaves are commonly found in Mexican, Asian and Mediterranean cuisines but can also be used in a variety of other ways. Personally, I grow coriander mainly for salsa!

· Coriander seeds are also common in the culinary world. When cracked, they give a lemony flavor that is perfect for curries, pickling vegetables and for brewing certain types of beer (Belgian Whites).

· Many think that cilantro is difficult to grow, but with certain precautions, a healthy and bountiful yield can be achieved. Cilantro grows well planted in the garden, in containers or indoors on a window seal.

How to Grow Cilantro:

1. Obtain the cilantro seeds of your choosing. Cilantro seeds can be germinated indoors or sown directly into the garden. If sown directly into the garden, place 2-3 seeds every 3-4 inches in every direction. Sow at the last sign of frost. To get a jump start on the season, cilantro can be started indoors in a seedling tray or cups (3-4 weeks before last frost). Either way, the cilantro seed should be sown 1/4" below the soil. The soil should be kept moist at all times. Seeds should germinate in 10-14 days.

2. Once the seedlings have reached a height of 2-3 inches, plants in the garden should be thinned to one every 3-4". Indoor grown seedlings can be transferred to the garden planting the same 3-4" apart, or densely planted into a container of your choosing. If container growing, a two gallon pot will sustain cilantro throughout its lifecycle.

3. If a quality nutrient rich soil is used, cilantro will not need to be fertilized, but will benefit greatly from a drink of compost tea once a month. Water enough to keep the soil moist but not oversaturated.

4. Cilantro is naturally a short lived plant that tends to bolt (go to seed) easily on beginner gardeners who do not know how to grow cilantro. The key to prolonging bolting and maximizing yields is to keep the soil cool. Cilantro will bolt when soil temperatures rise above 75 degrees F. To keep the soil temperature below 75 degrees, plant cilantro in an area of the garden where it will receive early morning or late afternoon light, shaded during the hottest part of the day. Another way to keep soil temperatures down is to plant densely. The denser the planting, the more shade will be provided from the leaves. Trimming often is the last way to keep your cilantro plants producing new leaves.

5. In order to have a continuous supply of cilantro all season, plant every six weeks. Once the flowers have died back on bolted plants, the flower heads can be cut off and dried. Seeds can be collected and used for cooking or next year's crop!

Keep it Simple. Keep it Fresh. Try some Cilantro in your garden!