Description

Cilantro is a fast-growing annual herb known for its bright green, lacy leaves and fresh, citrusy flavor. It is widely used in global cuisines, especially Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian dishes, where it adds a distinctive, vibrant taste to salsas, curries, salads, and sauces.

This cool-season herb grows quickly but tends to bolt in warm weather, producing edible seeds known as coriander. It is best planted in succession for a continuous harvest of fresh leaves.

• Type: Open-pollinated annual herb
• Direct sow: Early spring and fall
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Spacing: 4–6 inches
• Height: 12–24 inches
• Days to harvest: 20–40 days (leaves), 50–70 days (seed)

Cilantro grows best in cool temperatures and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly, as it does not transplant well, and thin seedlings for proper spacing. Keep soil evenly moist and harvest frequently by cutting outer leaves. Succession planting helps extend the harvest before plants bolt in warm weather.

Additional information