Herb – Cilantro – Coriander (Slow Bolt)

Description

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50 Seeds per pack

Coriander – Cilantro (Slow Bolt)

Days to Maturity: 45–50 Daysseed-saving envelopes

Sun Requirements: Full Sun (benefits from partial shade in hot climates)

Botanical Name: (Coriandrum sativum)

Cherished for its resistance to early flowering, Slow Bolt Cilantro offers gardeners an extended window for harvesting fresh, aromatic leaves before seed set. Originally selected for its slow-bolting trait, it thrives in cooler weather and will often reseed itself, creating a reliable, self-sustaining patch in the garden. This variety is a dependable performer, producing lush greenery longer than standard cilantro.

Plants reach a modest 12–24″ in height and form delicate, bright green, serrated leaves with slender, tender stems full of flavor. As the season warms, the plant sends up airy white flower clusters that attract beneficial insects. These eventually yield highly fragrant seeds—coriander—used whole or ground for  seasoning.

The seeds carry a warm, citrusy spice, perfect for curries, spice blends, and pickling, while the fresh leaves bring a bright, citrusy flavor with a mild kick, making them ideal for salsas, guacamole, soups, and stir-fries. The leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while the seeds provide potassium and other minerals, bringing both flavor and nourishment to the table.

Planting Instructions for Cilantro – Coriander (Slow Bolt) Seeds

When to Plant:
Cilantro (Slow Bolt) thrives in the cool weather of early spring and fall. Direct sow seeds outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked—typically from late March through early April in most regions—or plant again around early September for a fall harvest. While Cilantro (Slow Bolt) can tolerate light frost, it prefers soil temperatures above 55°F (13°C). You can also grow it indoors year-round with adequate lighting. For a steady supply, sow seeds every two to three weeks. Avoid planting during peak summer heat, as warm temperatures encourage bolting.

Where to Plant:
Select a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Cilantro (Slow Bolt) will also tolerate partial shade. It performs well in average to fertile soil, and adding compost or aged manure before planting boosts yields. Use raised beds, containers, or vertical planters, but avoid disturbing the roots after establishment—cilantro develops a deep taproot and transplants poorly. Indoors, grow in bright windows or under grow lights, rotating pots for even growth.

How to Plant:
Each Cilantro (Slow Bolt) seed is actually a schizocarp—two seeds in one. Sow them 2″ apart and cover with ¼–½″ of soil (0.5–1.25 cm), as they need darkness to germinate. Once seedlings emerge, thin to 6–8″ spacing for healthy growth. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Expect germination within 7–10 days.

How to Grow:
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Use mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool. While you can grow Cilantro (Slow Bolt) in clumps for baby greens, spacing mature plants improves airflow and helps prevent disease. Regular trimming encourages bushy, leafy growth and slows bolting.

Harvesting:
Harvest Cilantro (Slow Bolt) leaves 55–75 days after planting. Begin cutting once stems reach 6–8″ tall—trim the top third to promote branching. As the plant begins to bolt, leaves become finer and lose flavor. Frequent harvesting delays this process, though sudden heat can still trigger bolting.

Seed Saving:
As Cilantro (Slow Bolt) matures and flowers, it attracts helpful insects like syrphid flies, wasps, and pollinators. Flowers eventually form coriander seeds. Allow seed heads to ripen and dry completely on the plant. Once they turn brown and brittle, cut them and place upside down in a paper bag to collect the seeds. Let the bag sit in a dry, well-ventilated spot for several days. Once fully dried, the seeds can be stored for future sowing or cooking. Cilantro (Slow Bolt) seeds typically remain viable for 1 to 4 years when kept in a cool, dry place. We offer seed-saving envelopes for convenient labeling and organization.

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