Origin
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is native to regions spanning from Southern Europe to Northern Africa and Southwestern Asia. It has been used in cooking and medicine for thousands of years.
Qualities
- Appearance: Cilantro is an herb with delicate, bright green, feathery leaves that resemble flat parsley. The plant produces small, white or pale pink flowers that eventually give way to round, brown seeds (known as coriander).
- Fragrance: Cilantro has a distinct, fresh, citrusy fragrance with a slightly peppery undertone. The aroma can be polarizing, with some people perceiving it as soapy due to genetic variations.
- Hardiness: Cilantro is a cool-season annual herb that prefers mild temperatures. It can be somewhat sensitive to heat, which can cause it to bolt (go to seed) quickly.
Uses
- Culinary: Cilantro leaves are widely used in cuisines around the world, particularly in Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian dishes. It is often added fresh to salsas, salads, soups, and curries. The seeds, known as coriander, are used as a spice in cooking.
- Medicinal: Cilantro has been used in traditional medicine for its potential digestive, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties. It is also thought to help in reducing anxiety and blood sugar levels.
- Ornamental: While primarily grown for its culinary uses, cilantro can also be planted in gardens as a companion plant to deter pests due to its strong scent.
Growth Information
- Days to Sprout: Cilantro seeds typically sprout in 7-10 days under optimal conditions.
- Mature In: Cilantro can be harvested in 30-45 days for leaves, and 60-75 days for seeds (coriander).
- Yield: Cilantro can be harvested continuously if leaves are picked regularly. If allowed to bolt, the plant will produce seeds that can be harvested as coriander.
Pruning Instructions
Harvest cilantro leaves regularly by cutting the outer leaves at the base, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. This will help prevent the plant from bolting too quickly. If growing for seeds, allow the plant to flower and set seed.
Plant Health Information
- Pests/Insects:
- Common Pests: Cilantro can be affected by aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
- Treatments: Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage pests. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs can also help keep pest populations under control.
Harvest Instructions
- For leaves: Harvest cilantro when the leaves are young and tender for the best flavor. Cut the leaves close to the stem, and avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time to ensure continuous growth.
- For seeds: Allow the flowers to mature and form seed heads. Once the seeds turn brown, they can be harvested and dried for use as coriander.
Plant Health Information Regarding Pests, Insects, and Treatments
General Prevention: To prevent pest problems, maintain good air circulation, avoid overcrowding plants, and water at the base to keep the leaves dry. Planting cilantro in a slightly shaded area can help prevent it from bolting too quickly in hot weather.
