Cilantro
It is a high-yielding and trendy member of the Dill family. This persistent, tangy herb is used in many cuisines around the world. The seeds are grown in the desert and thrive in hot climates.
The coriander, known as Cilantro, is native to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. It is known to be one of the first seasonings used by humans. Early physicians such as Hippocrates used coriander primarily as an aromatic stimulant or to enhance the taste of unpleasant medicines. Almost every part of this herb is used in cooking. In Thai cuisine, roots are added to spicy sauces, and cilantro leaves are used to decorate Chinese, Vietnamese and Mexican dishes. In addition, coriander seeds are used in candy, specialty bread, sauces, desserts, and even perfumery. In Tudor England, sugar-coated coriander seeds were known as "comfits" and were a popular treat.
How to grow Cilantro from seeds:
- Sowing: Coriander grows well in rich, well-drained soil and tolerates full sun and shade. In warm climates, you can plant coriander seeds anytime from September to February. It can also be planted in the spring or after the summer heat as an autumn crop. It is recommended to sow seeds directly 1/2 "deep in rows 18-20" apart. Because the plant does not tolerate transplanting well, cut the seedlings 12 " apart as soon as they develop leaves. Germination usually takes 2-3 weeks. For a consistent crop, plant a new crop every 2-3 weeks. Coriander is not suitable for container growing due to its large taproot.
- Plant Spacing: 18-20″.
- Growing of Cilantro: Water the plant well and remove the weeds in time. Coriander is resistant even to severe frost. But a few days in temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit will give an impetus to flowering and give the leaves a bitter taste. A layer of mulch may help keep roots cool and delay rooting.
- Cilantro Soil Requirements for: Grows best in rich, well-drained soil.
- Cilantro Seeds Days to Germination: 14 days.
- Light Preference of Cilantro: Full Sun.
- Life Cycle of Cilantro: Annual
- How and When to Harvest Cilantro: Collect the leaves of a cilantro-like plant; leaves look like feathers cannot be eaten because of the bitterness. You should harvest coriander seeds as soon as they are straw-colored. Pluck the seed heads and dry them, then thresh to remove the seeds. Store in an airtight container.
- Cilantro Days to Maturity: 50-55 days to leaf harvest; 90-105 days to seed.
- Cilantro's Seeds Saving: Seeds will begin to develop approximately 2-3 weeks after flowering. Collect the seed heads when they are straw-colored, then lay them out and dry out of direct sunlight. Grind to remove coriander seeds from stems and store them in a cool, dry place.
- Common Names: Cilantro, Coriander, Chinese Parsley
- Latin Name: Coriandrum sativum
- Species Origin: Mediterranean
- Life Cycle: Annual
- USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Seeds per Ounce: 5,000
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Height: 20 Inches
- Color: Green
- Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
- Uses: Culinary, Aromatic
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