The wispy green herb known as coriander, which dates back to the sixth millennium, is considered to be one of the earliest domesticated plants. Both cilantro as well as the dried coriander seed are widely used in seasoning and have long been prized for their therapeutic capabilities. They are both loved all throughout the world. There is no wonder why you would want to make this staple in your home garden. Read our article on how to grow cilantro.
Growing Conditions
Cilantro requires a separate area in the garden in which it can be harvested and allowed to set seed. It develops a crown of lacy leaves and grows quickly in the chilly spring and fall months. The plant produces flower clusters of white or pinkish blooms that eventually develop into coriander seeds when the temperature warms up. If you would like cilantro to self-seed, plant it in a herb bed or a vegetable garden corner.
Since their leaves can endure a light frost, cilantro is a charming winter partner for pansies in mild areas. It's a terrific approach to increase the number of cilantro plants without needing to wait for the seedlings to sprout because cilantro is an annual herb. The seeds of cilantro are known as coriander in cuisine. Actually, the "seeds" are two cilantro seeds covered in a husk.
The husk is a tough, rounded, light brown or greyish structure. To maximize the likelihood that the cilantro seeds will germinate, you must prepare them before planting them in the ground. The husk that connects the two seeds should be gently crushed. For 24 to 48 hours, soak the cilantro seeds in distilled water. Take out of the water, then let it air dry.
How To Grow Cilantro
It is recommended to space seeds one to two inches apart and 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Seedlings should be spaced six to eight inches apart. To provide adequate ventilation, cilantro plant rows should be spaced at least one foot apart. It shouldn't be necessary to use a support structure. While it will tolerate some shade in the South, where the sun is fierce, cilantro is best grown in full sun.
Plant in the autumn or spring season in the South and Southwest, approximately one month before the final frost. Plant cilantro in the North in the late spring. For a consistent harvest, plant seeds every three to four weeks until the weather warms up in the spring or up until the first autumn frost. When plants start to flower, the leaves will become sparse. Cilantro tends to prefer chilly climates to grow.
In the early spring, after the risk of frost has passed, plant it. Once the weather begins to cool off, you can also plant early in the fall. Before the fall frost arrives, you might only be able to collect the leaves in some climates rather than the seeds.
Cilantro Care & Maintenance
On most days, the cilantro plant needs roughly six hours each day of direct sunlight to grow. To avoid burning the cilantro leaves, choose a location for your garden that won't receive excessive sunshine when planning it. If you reside in a hot environment, think about growing your cilantro in a location where it may get some midday shade or in containers that can be relocated into the shade on occasion.
The plant may bolt too early if exposed to excessive heat and sunlight. As seeds sprout and seedlings grow, keep the soil uniformly moist but not saturated. For seedlings, around One inch of water per week is good. Even while older plants don't need as much water, they still prefer moist soil. Make sure their roots never are flooded.
Harvesting Cilantro
In regions without severe freezes, cilantro foliage can be harvested continuously in the milder months of spring and autumn as well as during the entire winter. Cut the leafy stems close to the ground; the majority will be between 6 and 12 inches long. To avoid weakening the plant, don't remove more than one-third of the leaves at once. Clip the brown, rounded seed heads to collect the seeds, then turn them upside down in a bag. The rounded husks will dry out and split in two in a few days, releasing the delicious seed inside.
Don't put off harvesting the seeds since weak stems will collapse. Although they keep for a few days in the refrigerator, cilantro leaves are ideally used when they are fresh. Cilantro tastes best when used fresh because it loses flavor when dried. Coriander seeds should be kept in a hermetically sealed container in a cold, dry location once they are completely dried.
Common Cilantro Pests & Diseases
In general, cilantro is resistant to any significant pest or disease problems. Overly wet soil might lead to decay. Pests are normally deterred by cilantro's potent scent, but some frequent insect pests, like aphids, may harm the plants. If you see any pests, use a pesticidal soap that is appropriate for edible plants.