How to Grow Cilantro, or Coriander, Chinese Parsley
Biennial, Coriandrum Sativum
Is it Cilantro or Coriander? The plant is called Cilantro, while the seeds
are called Coriander. It is also called Chinese Parsley...yes, it's
a member of the Parsley family. Take your pick at what you call it. But,
make sure to grow some of this useful herb in your herb garden.
Cilantro is native to Asia and the Mediterranean regions. It has parsley
like leaves, and produces a profusion of small, white flowers the second
year. Seed have a pleasant odor when ripe, and are sweet tasting. Cilantro
grows up to three feet tall.
Propagation:
Cinatro plants are grown from seed. Directly sow seeds into your garden after
all danger of frost. Cover lightly with fine garden soil. For a jump start,
sow a few seeds indoors in containers for transplanting later.
Space seedlings or thin plants to 6" apart, in rows two feet apart. They
will tolerate a little crowding, but prefer their space.
How to Grow Cilantro:
Cilantro grows well in full to partial sun and a well drained soil. They
will do well in almost any soil, and is tolerant dry soil conditions. Water
them during dry periods, once or twice per week. Add a general purpose fertilizer
once or twice a season.
Harvest flower heads after seeds have formed and the flower head has died.
Extract seeds and dry them in a cool, dry location.
Tip: If growing for seeds, replant every year for a continuous supply.
Harvest the Coiander seeds in the second year, after the flower head has
died. Cut the stems and tie together. Hang them in a cool, dry place to dry
out. Make sure to place a container under them to capture falling seeds.
When dry, place flower heads in a bag and shake to harvest seeds. Make sure
seeds are completely dry before storing.
Main Cooking Uses:
You will find this useful herb in many ethnic recipes, including Mexican,
Tex-Mex, Spanish, and Asian cuisines.
Use the fresh leaves chopped or as garnish. It is perhaps best known as a
key ingredient in salsa. But it's also used in soups, seafood, and main dishes.
Seeds are an ingredient in curry. The seed oil is used to flavor liqueurs,
candies and sauces. You can also use Coriander seeds in breads, cakes, and
main dishes.
More Information:
Homemade Salsa Recipe
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