Herb – Cilantro – Coriander

Description

Best Seller!

50 Seeds per pack

Cilantro – Coriander (A.K.A. Chinese Parsley, Dhania)

Days to Maturity: 45–60 Days

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

Botanical Name: (Coriandrum sativum)

Once commonly known as “Chinese Parsley,” cilantro was brought to North America by early colonists in the 1600s and has long been valued for both its culinary and medicinal qualities. It remains a popular staple in American kitchens, especially beloved in Mexican and Indian cuisines.

A cool-season annual Cilantro grows 18–24″ tall with a 10–14″ spread, beginning with a compact rosette of bright green, flat leaves. As temperatures rise, it sends up delicate, airy flower stalks topped with pale white or pink blossoms that eventually form round, ribbed coriander seeds. The flowers draw in beneficial insects like syrphid flies and parasitic wasps, making it a fine companion plant in the garden.

The leaves offer a tart, citrusy punch with notes of lemon and lime, while the mature seeds—coriander—are warm, sweet, and lightly spicy. The foliage is a staple in salsas, chutneys, and guacamole. Coriander seeds are excellent for pickling, spice blends, and baking, making it a useful addition to the kitchen.

Drying removes most of the flavor, so freezing in oil or water is recommended, as it preserves the fresh taste far better. The seeds, once dried, store well and hold their warm flavor for months in a cool, dark place.

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with potassium, it’s a flavorful and healthy addition to any kitchen herb garden.

Planting Instructions for Cilantro – Coriander Seeds

Cilantro is a cool-season herb, sensitive to heat and bolting. Start cilantro seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date in cooler climates, or direct seed outdoors after the soil temperature reaches 50°F. Plant or transplant cilantro in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for cooler weather. To direct seed, plant 4-6 cilantro seeds ¼″ deep, spaced 6-8″ apart in rows or scattered in small clusters.

Thin to the best 1-2 plants per cluster after seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves. Space rows 12-18″ apart. Germination typically occurs in 7-10 days in soil between 55-70°F. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to avoid rot during germination. Harvest cilantro when the leaves are 4-6″ tall by cutting individual stems from the outer part of the plant. For a continuous harvest, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks.

FAQ: